Product Photography for Amazon, Ebay, Etsy

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We offer product photography for various types of products and our photography services are fast and efficient. Our product photographs will showcase your products to the prospective clients in the best possible way.

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Did you know that the quality of product images influence buyers decisions far much more than any product title or description? Humans are visual beings. They judge a brand by their perception of the products' first impression. A perfect pictures says it all in a nutshell.

Perhaps you've seen captivating product photos and wonder, how do they do it? Probably through a professional product photography expert. A do-it-yourself approach if mastered well can yield equally outstanding results. Whichever way you choose to go, these 4 pertinent things are the defining factors between a wow and a mediocre snapshot.

1. Camera Lens

Any camera can take good shots, even smartphone cameras. But for a professional edge that outshines competitors, consider a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Product photography works best with manual modes and interchangeable lenses.

The human eye has the best if not smartest lens hence better judgement. With a manual mode, the ability to tweak the ISO, shutter speed and white balance for the perfect tone, makes a difference in creating that appealing shot.

The aperture range is critical. Product photographs stand out more with a small aperture as it provides a wider depth of the field. As a result the whole product stays within focus without any parts being cut off. An ideal range would be f8 to f11.

The appropriate focal length is just as important when photographing products given that the subjects come in different sizes. Be equiped with a variety if not the right lenses for your product range. You can check out our available options for the best product photography camera lenses here on Amazon****.

2. Adequate Lighting

The amount and quality of light when doing product photography makes the difference between a brilliant photo and a shadowy, amateurish looking one.

Natural light is simply beautiful shining upon anything. However, use of direct sunlight outdoors which is a common mistake many make, should be avoided. A large window or other source of brightness inlet is appropriate.

In the absence of sufficient natural light, 2 bulbs or lamps may be used to illuminate the subject. One will be the key light directly shining on the product. The other will be the backlight which could be above or on the sides.

Shadows are the biggest hitch to product photography. You can purchase affordable reflector cards or foam whiteboards from Amazon to tone down the dark shadows. Well lit pictures look magnificent and knowing how to play around with the spectrum is key to making the outcome exceptionally good.

3. A Creative Design and Layout

A white sweep has for a long time been the best option for stellar product photography. The purity of the color makes the subject pop instantaneously. It is non-distracting such that it draws the viewers eyes to focus on the product. White is also easy to edit especially where there are shadows, yellow spots or even erasing seams and strings used to hang products for a floating shoot.

If you plan on utilizing the same pictures across all your marketing platforms, white is preferable as it is the specific color background required in many sites such as Amazon. Otherwise, trying to change a dark background to white is so tedious and the finished edges may look rugged.

The arrangement, styling and orientation of the product is significant in creating appealing aesthetics. Each product requires a special approach. Some do well laying flat, others grouped or even in 3D or hanging. Creativity is key when choosing a product shooting strategy and skills in design and layout are necessary.

4. Final Editing

The breathtaking photos seen in online catalogues have usually undergone a meticulous editing process to produce the final pictures. If your snaps are do-it-yourself, then they are not upload ready yet. Investing in photo editing services for a retouch costs a few dollars and is worth every penny if you are serious about marketing.

With cut throat competition, businesses with e-commerce and affiliate marketing websites should strive to have their merchandise captured in the most striking way so as to quickly spark an interest in buyers. Attractive shots that not only grasp the online searchers' attention but also give a modern and trendy outlook increase the click through and conversion rates of these websites, online stores and marketing campaign ads. Talk to the product photography experts today!

E-commerce stores are highly competitive marketplace characterised by multiple vendors dealing with similar product lines. So, what makes a buyer captivated by merchandise from one particular seller and not another?

Digital marketing success is 75% dependant on stellar images. A striking photo has a certain charm on buyers and is a surefire way to attract them, keep them scrolling, hitting the purchase button and returning with friends afterwards. Simply put, refined frames speak a thousand words.

Great snaps fascinate, build trust and confidence in those looking to make a purchase. Regardless how worthy and original your wares are, depicting them in inferior photos reflects the exact opposite. Substandard snapshots are as a result of misguided product photography.

Here are the top 5 faults that make your ads and listings a complete turn off for buyers.

Mistake #1 Overwhelming backdrops

One of the biggest and common oversight is to take photos of your product against backgrounds that have too much going on. It could be anything from a patterned wallpaper to furniture in the background. It really doesn't matter what is there. As long as it’s not part of the product, it becomes a distraction.

Solution: Unless doing a lifestyle filming, always stick to plain backgrounds for a clean image. White is excellent. Make use of white sweeps for a seamless look. They are affordable in many product photography equipment stores.

Mistake #2 Vague looking photos

This is the most unforgiving flaw of product photography; using ok photos. Ok is not good enough. Nobody bothers to look at blurry images because people want to inspect all intricate details and features to the core. This is only possible when the picture is clear and high definition.

Solution: Invest in good quality camera and lenses. Check here for some of the best lens models****. Pay particular attention to megapixels, availability of manual mode and the aperture range (f stop). A tripod is also a useful product photography equipment for minimising shutter shake.

Mistake #3 Lack of uniformity

The third misgiving that makes potential buyers not give your products a second glance is a lack of harmony in sizing and lighting. Having one image too dark, another too bright and another one partly dark and partly light is a grave offence to your sales. The same applies to sizing where the entire collection is cropped inconsistently such that it yields diverse shapes and sizes.

Solution: Avoid using two different kinds of lights. Different light sources range between producing warm and cool spectrums. For example, using both natural light and fluorescent light will give contrasting shades. Also, utilizing a manual mode camera gives you the freedom to rectify the white balance and exposure.

Mistake #4 Limited imagination

Buyers wants to have most of their questions answered by a quick look at the product images. Some stores provide too little information by posting just one picture leaving searchers wondering, how does it look at the back? How about from the sides, above or inside? Are there other colors? How does it look closed or opened?

Solution: Take numerous shots of the goods from all perspectives and in various orientations to offer maximum satisfaction. Provide images for all available colors. Add some creativity to the layout and arrangement.

Mistake #5 Skipping photo retouch

Uploading photos straight from the camera is an absolute no. Even expert photographers cannot afford to overlook this final step. Photo retouch or editting is a vital part of product photography as it transforms photos from being half baked to ready for upload stunning.

Solution: Buy photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or better yet, seek professional photo editing services**** to give your frames a refined finish.

In conclusion, most oversights are as a result of misinformed do it yourself projects. If you cannot afford to have your shoot done professionally, be sure to not only invest in the right product photography equipment but also follow the DIY guidelines to the latter.

You can never go wrong with bags, as long as the photos have a wow effect on buyers eyes and also clearly relay their purpose. Crafted in many shapes, sizes, materials and colors, bags are a timeless accessory be it a handbag, tote bag, laptop bag, purse, backpack, shoulder bag or case. The secret to harnessing their all year round demand is to use compelling, high definition product images to drive and convert traffic. These are however not easy to come by as bag photography poses some unique challenges that only professionals get through easily. Here, take a look at a few great bags shots from our Amazon clients**** and read on for some tips on how we achieve such.

There are three ways of shooting bags. The most common way is standing alone on a table top or other flat surface. Bags may also be shot hanging from a string suspended on a hook or rod that is not visible within the frame. Models can be used for contextual shoots to enable buyers relate with the item for example a photographer may have a model hiking while carrying a camping bag.

Stuffing of bags is a common trick used to solve multiple bag photography challenges. For instance, giving limp bags stability to stand on their own on a surface, achieving a defined fuller shape, keeping the material looking smooth and fold free for the camera and also showing viewers the capacity. However, moderation is key. An overly stuffed bag will have a distorted unnatural appearance. Besides not all bags necessarily need it. Some are well framed.

The good old white backdrop is perfect not only as a requirement by e-commerce sites but also as a contrasting background for a variety of coloured bags. It makes any bag pop whether standing alone or flatlay. Speaking of flatlays, appropriate props must be used to depict the bag in context when doing a lifestyle shot. A beach bag for example will look attractive as well as communicate its use alongside some sunglasses, floppy hat and a bottle of sunscreen.

Getting the lighting factor right brings out the best in your photoshoot. Beautiful well lit pictures of bags are highly dependant on proper reflection and bounce control of either natural or studio light. Dim rooms, night time shots and outdoor shots under direct sunlight are a recipe for harsh shadows, distorted colors, dull photos among other undesirable effects and are a definite no.

It is essential to capture as many close up details as possible apart from the front and side view. The strap for instance if long, may be suspended or laid down on the surface. Other critical features buyers are interested in are the material texture, stitching craftsmanship, studs or embellishments if any, closure systems such as clasps and zippers, embossed patterns and an aerial view of the interior compartments and lining.

Post production editing is a final but crucial step in keeping the films consistent and flawless. Retaining the same shape and size of frames though out is appealing. During photography session, marking where the bag is placed as well as the tripod and using the exact same spot for subsequent pieces achieves consistency and lightens the burden when editing.

Happy with what you’ve seen from our Amazon clients gallery? Book an appointment with us and let’s take care of your product photography needs.

Are you a budding photographer or entrepreneur looking to do their own photography?
Familiarizing yourself with routine maintenance of your product photography equipment is critical in elongating its useful life. This is particularly true for camera lenses as they are the most costly investment in your budget, absolutely fragile and the biggest determinant of picture quality. If you still haven't done your purchase, you can have a look at the following recommended camera lenses ****

It will be truly heartbreaking and financially straining to have to replace a lens that hasn't served its term due to ignorance. When handled with utmost care, lenses do serve a lifetime. The biggest culprits for lens deterioration are dust, moisture, fungus and component reposit ioning. Nonetheless, all these are avoidable by following a meticulous care regime. Here are a few handy tips to properly care for your lenses.

➢ Use a UV lens filter to protects the lens. It prevents dust from settling in the lens and also keeps away smudge and finger prints from everyday handling. If the lens happens to encounter high impact such as from a drop or being hit, the filter salvages it from scratch, chipping andother damage. If you think a filter alters picture quality, try some test shots while adjusting settings accordingly to get it perfect. The safety it offers is worth so much more. That said, consider buying a tripod or a neck strap to avoid above mentioned accidental drop.

➢ Two caps accompany lenses, the front and rear one. These caps must be put back on quickly at all times when the camera is not in use. This includes in between shots when adjusting the studio scenery, changing positions changing lenses and even during storage. Each time a cap is left open is an opportunity for dust to find its way in more so when shooting outdoors.

➢ Desist from bad habits such as using saliva or blowing breath on the lens to wipe off finger prints or a stain. The moisture in the breath and saliva in the long run lead to condensation and also create favourable conditions for fungus to thrive.

➢ Change lenses while the camera is facing down. Everytime you switch lenses is an opportunity for dust to get in. You may therefore want to reduce the frequency of changes. Or better yet, invest in a good macro zoom lens to eliminate that need. Check out a few good model here.

➢ Keep the lens from direct sunray, extreme temperatures and wetness. When not in use, secure your camera, lenses and filters in a waterproof, padded, camera bag or case with compartments. Hardshell cases offer superior protection If you choose to wrap it in a clothe first before storage to avoid friction and potential scratching, ensure the fabric is free from lint. Dry boxes or digital cabinets are ideal for storage. They are water tight and heat resistant. Throw in a few silica gel sachets in the bag during humid weather conditions to ward off fungus growth.

➢ Invest in a lens care kit. It contains specialised cleaning tools. These are; a unique lens brush, fluid cleanser, swabs, microfibre cloth and air blower. To clean your lens, don't force it out. Use the release button provided to gently detach it. Always clean when it is facing down to allow particles fall out rather than sit in. Blast out dust using air blower. This can be done on a daily basis if used everyday or after every shoot. For wet cleaning, apply a small amount of recommended lens cleansing fluid and wipe gently in circular motion using microfibre cloth. Wet wiping can be done monthly or 3-6 months depending on regularity of usage.

➢ If you have to travel with your equipment especially by road, avoid bumpy rides if you can. Keep it on top of the seat cushion . Avoid the trunk or floor of the car where vibrations and shock are felt maximum. Vibrations may cause alterations in the original positioning of some internal components thus affecting the lens functionality.If you already own quality camera lenses or looking to purchase some soon, adhering to these care measures is guaranteed to keep your photography equipment in good working condition and excellent performance for a long time

Clothing photography is widely and rapidly being sought after thanks to fast fashion. There's always new stock to shoot as clothing inventory moves pretty quickly. This however may not be the case for all online fashion retail stores especially those whose images do not reflect the real value of an apparel. Despite how trendy their collection is, buyers pass them by and head straight to competitors who've showcased the exact same pieces in attractive snapshots.

See, humans are imaginative and visually stimulated beings. People like to first imagine themselves in clothing they intend to buy. If the apparel appears to be stunning in the image, the notion is, that is exactly how the consumerwill look in it and vice versa. Take a peek at some of our best selling clothing shots from our Amazon clients**** who have trusted us with their clothing photography.

How do we achieve such fine looking cloth images? By doing it the professional way. There are a number of pre-photography product preparations to be made, having the right set of product photography equipment and post photo editing techniques needed. Here are a few pointers to the right direction.

1. We ensure the apparel is looking its best
Free your garment from wrinkles and creases if any using a steam iron. Do not go for a piece with visible stains from shipping or storage. Use a lint roller to eliminate lint. Remove stringsand other visible fibers. You can also pluck off visible price and label tags or tuck them away with tape. The end result should just be the perfect flawless representation of the clothing. You may opt to edit these flaws later on. However, as a rule of thumb, it is best to capture a subject at its best.

2. We attractively set the garment for shooting
There are three ways of setting clothing for a photoshoot; by laying them flat, having a model put them on or donning a mannequin. Flat lays are best for shirts, shorts, trousers and socks. Lay down the cloth flat on the floor or table top surface and shoot from above at a right angle. This approach however looks off on flowing dresses, skirt and most other clothing designs. To give customers a realistic view of the shape, form and fit, opt for a ghost mannequin. Make use of padded bras, pins and pegs to flatter women clothes and perfect the snug fit. If you don't mind inflating your budget a bit, you can utilize models as they give the most advantages by adding life and personality to the clothing. Also, posing in as many creative angles as needed highlights all features of the clothing.

3. We adjust settings skillfuly
For clothes photography, a mirrorless or DSLR camera will do. Unless doing flatlays, a tripod and full length backdrop are also necessary. Avoid wide lenses as they distort product sizes to seem bigger than they actually are. For slimmer effect, go for portrait lenses****. Best aperture focus is at f.8-f.11. Fitting everything within the frame will not pose a challenge if you work with a long focal length of between 50-50mm. Prevent noise and grainy effect on your images by keeping your ISO at 100-300. 400 or more may also bear clear sharp images but don't go beyond 600. Most importantly is adjustment of the white balance appropriately as different light sources alter hues giving images a different tone from actual product.

4. We take multiple shots
Keep your film versatile with multifaceted shots of the subject. It is really annoying for clients to be attracted to your image only to find it is just a single picture. Back up a basic front image with a back and sides shot. Intricate details such as zippers, buttons, decorative stitching, embroidery, embellishments, buckles etc are just as important to viewers.

5. We edit the photos
Lastly, never forego post shoot editing process. Keep the subject centred and maintain uniformity when cropping. Align images to one size and shape whether vertical, horizontal or square. Use photoshop or other software to correct color and blemishes.

If you like what you’ve seen from our loyal Amazon clients fashion pics, contact us today to discuss your next clothing photoshoot.

Why you should settle for nothing less

Are you a digital entrepreneur? Do you own an online store or sell on platforms such as Amazon, Shopify or Ebay? Are magazines and social media ads your main mode of marketing? Then, sending attractive and accurate signals about your products to customers should be your topmost priority. An images of your goods is the first encounter with potential buyers and thus triggers the decision making process to either buy or proceed to competitors. Breathtaking visuals are thereby fundamental to thriving of any e-commerce venture or paid ads. They play a significant role of boosting leads, conversion and sales. Good product photography is the key to achieving this and more. How?

Earning trust

Your product photos represent your brand, and your brand becomes your identity. No merchant wants to be known for bad, off, blunt and plain boring photos; if anyone even notices them. Good product photography creates a solid brand identity through a consistent, provocative and creative style of illustration that customers quickly familiarise with. It keeps frames in high resolution enabling your customers recognize your logo and tagline anywhere be it on digital display or even physical store shelves where there is a myriad of other rival products competing for attention

Creating brand awareness

Consumers like to align themselves with good looking stuff. A product's appearance right from packaging, colors, textures, sizes and every possible useful detail is often placed under close and thorough scrutiny when physically picked off a market shelf or stand. Before any payment is made, it has to pass the test and earn trust. How hard then is it for purely online vendors to build trust in consumers? With the disadvantage of customers lacking personal interaction with the products, excellence in product photography is the only way. Visuals that can be trusted are well lit, sharp, detailed to the core, helps viewers understand the product and are of course stylish. Customers believe that what they see is what they get. Therefore, images of goods should be as close to reality as possible to give the best first impression. Also, inaccuracy in images increases the rate of returns which is usually a big blow to business and brand reputation.

Puffing up social engagements

Social media is one of the most influential and intensive marketing tools in this digital era. Posts with striking visual content is 50% more likely to get engagements in terms of comments and shares than those without. This is because online markets are visually biased. People are inclined to share what appears worthy and of value to their eyes and also interact more with inquisitive questions or comments about it. Being a source of huge organic traffic back to your links, it increases click through rate within a short time. This is why good photography is vital to grab the attention of a wide audience and quickly drive visitors to where they can access the products. Bloggers also like to utilise beautiful pictures for their posts and are more likely to feature your products if the snapshots are powerful and magnificent to look at

How to get good product photos

Outstanding e-commerce shots are most times the doing of professional product photography services. By clicking on our Amazon clients**** you will see some of the amazing commercial photography projects we do for entrepreneurs like you.
However, with the right set of photography tools, some basic skills in manipulation of settings, an element of creativity and versatility, maintaining consistency and employing post production editing techniques, you can do it too. To help you get started, here is a link to our favorite product photography equipment**** for that crisp clear shot

Visual data in the form of infographics is the current buzz on the sphere of blogging and web content development. This is owed to their popularity in triggering an influx of website visitors, plummeting clicks, heightening conversion rates and boosting sales. Entrepreneurs have not been left lagging behind. E-commerce vendors have joined the bandwagon and are now actively seeking Infographic images from their product photography service providers. Check out these infographic images**** from our portfolio. Still in the dark? Here's how to harness the power of this visual tool to keep your clients engaged to the checkout button.

What is an infographic image?

A block of text may seem so boring despite containing some vital information. A picture on the other hand is captivating but not informative enough. A combination of the two aspects makes a perfect pair to not only draw attention but also inform and educate. For this reason, infographics were born.

As the name suggests, it is a graphic representation of information using snapshots, icons, clip arts, vectors or symbols and text. This text is minimized into simple, easy to grasp points highlighting important information about a high volume or complicated subject. They are arranged to flow as a plot of the story trying to be told. There are various types but for this article we focus on Infographic images particularly for e-commerce. These are real product shots backed by facts and data about the subject.

Vendors can take advantage of the several benefits they have to offer more so for boosting sales in online stores. Many merchants on Amazon for example, only concentrate on the main white background frame and forget about the other sections that may utilize visuals in a beneficial if not influential way. These are areas where would be customers go to learn about the product in depth. Because this descriptive section is often characterized by lots of words and jargon that some consumers will probably not get or prefer skipping,it could ideally be preceded by an infographic image that is summarized, straight to the point and easier on the mind. Infographic image may also be used in sponsored ads, to say so much in few words within a picture.

4 ways of using Infographic images for e-commerce products

1.Highlighting key features

Digital devices tend to have a hoard of features; mobile phones, laptops, printers, cameras etc. Take a product photography camera lens for example. Instead of sifting through a long description with photography lingo trying to find the features one has prioritized such as aperture range, focal length and blades, a buyer will be drawn to an infographic image highlighting key features. By catching a glimpse of such needed info quickly, a buyer becomes more engaged.

2.Educating on benefits

Supplements, skin or hair care lines are examples of items normally marketed in the lines of being packed with a myriad of benefits. Quickly highlighting those on an infographic illustration educates the buyers faster and if it is exactly what they were looking for, it increases chances of them heading straight to checkout.

3.Explain how to use a product

You might be dealing with stuff that is overly complicated to use, instal, clean or even assemble. A simple how to guide or manual in form of an infographic image with a snapshot for every step of the procedure encourages the purchaser and even simplifies the process in piecemeal for them to comprehend things better. Consumers may hesitate to buy goods they do not fully understand.

4.Make a comparison

Another creative way to use them is to compare one or two other items from the same or competing brands. Comparison infographic images point out the similarities, differences, strong and weak point of each item making it simpler for a consumer to choose which one is most suitable. Since you have done the heavy lifting for them, they will simply go directly to making a decision.

Business is competitive. To be able to attract buyers, one needs to present every vital attribute attractively and insightfully in a brief arrangement. Infographic pictures do exactly that. They demand attention, are easy to comprehend, detailed adequately, engaging and thus have a long lasting effect embedded on the buyers memory. Besides, it reflects positively on the vendor's expertise and knowledge further cultivating confidence in the brand.

Talk to the product photography specialists today and get your hands on an attractive Infographic image guaranteed to keep your customers coming directly to your affiliate site, blog or online store.

Jewellery makes one of the most magnificent shoots if done properly. Getting that charming appeal out of diamond studs, golden rings, pearl neck pieces, pendants, bracelets, cufflinks and so on requires some artistic and creative jewellery photography skills. When jewellery photographs ooze elegance and sophistication, they entice buyers to make a purchase. Nonetheless, bringing out these desired qualities is not a piece of cake.

Because of their small size coupled with being crafted out of shiny or reflective metallic and gemstone components, jewellery photography poses a major challenge for amateurs and experienced photographers alike to get it quite right. We at royal london product photography have mastered the art of capturing these small ornamental stuff to perfection. Here are some of the best professional jewellery photography shots done for our Amazon clients****from the gallery.

By hiring expert jewellery photographers like us or even subscribing to a reputable site for professionally done jewellery stock images, you have a chance to outshine your competitors with exquisite visuals. If you choose to take up the challenge and do it yourself, read on for a list of relevant equipment and a few helpful tips

Jewellery photography equipment

To get the best out of jewellery, you will need a

DSLR camera with macro settings. There are countless mid range models in Amazon with that feature.
Macro lens which are specially designed to allow you get close enough to the subject for razor sharp snaps; without which you will fail miserably with other types of lenses.
Lightbox (light tent) to diffuse excess light, eliminate glare and reflection.This can be bought affordably or handmade with cardboard or fabric for walls.
Table top tripod to prevent blurred images. Any slight movement results to a fuzzy appearance. With a long exposure shutter, movement is near inevitable and a tripod becomes a necessity.
Continuos LED light sources produce the best light for jewellery as it doesn’t distorts the color of the jewellery and keeps it as natural as is to the human eye.

Jewellery photography tips

Prior to shooting your jewellery, a considerable amount of preparation should be made. This includes wiping off dust, fingerprints and smudge. While handling jewellery, hand gloves are critical to avoid repetitive finger imprints when touching it for positioning.

For e-commerce frames, a simple white background or acrylic black background is enough to keep things dazzling. Lifestyle jewellery frames may utilize props such as busts, stands or adorning them on a model. Be sure to keep props minimal and for models go easy on the make up. The main focus should be on making the jewellery pop.

Dangling jewellery are best showcased hanging and thus shot on a string which will be erased during post photography editing. Wax is just as vital for fixing jewellery like rings on a flat top to achieve a standing position.

Play around with different light positions to find that which eliminates reflections, harsh shadows and glare. Ever wondered how they get that twinkling star on diamonds and crystals? Invest in sparkler light. It come in handy when shooting gemstones to add that sparkling effect.

The intricate details on jewellery are the most important factor. Take multiple shots from the top and sides to highlight every tiny little detail, engraving, markings, patterns, links, embellishments etc.

You can never go wrong with jewellery if the images are done right. They have an irresistible appeal that will keep buyers flocking your store. To get yourself amazing jewellery photos such as those from our Amazon clients, do not hesitate to give us a call.

The kit lens, an 18-55mm to be precise has received support and faults in equal measures by different types of photographers. While the majority vouch for moving to other types of lenses such as the prime, zoom, macro, tilt and shift and other speciality lenses to improve their photography, the question is, should the kit lens be completely discarded? Should you replace it with better lenses**** to achieve mouthwatering product snapshots?

Perhaps you are wondering what a kit lens is. Well, it is typically the lens that comes tagged alongside the camera, normally characterised by being at the lower price end and quality too. This is especially true for entry level cameras. Does this automatically mean that it is a bad lens that should be instantly replaced? Well, if someone built it, then it must have some capabilities even if not comparable to high end lenses. We are going to be objective here and look at the advantages and downsides before answering this question.

Yays

One of the greatest advantages of the kit lens is affordability. Its low price makes it great for those starting out on a shoe string budget. Also known as a starter kit, it is suitable for amateur photographers starting out. You do not want to pour lots of money into something that you still have a long way to go to get to perfection.

With a kits lens, there's room for lots of learning and it is easier to grasp the basics of product photography settings as well as handling it with comfort due to its small size and light weight nature. At least until your hands get used to the idea.

In addition the focal length range is wide enough (18-55mm), making it ideal for shooting versatile subjects that require short, medium and long focal lengths. As a product photographer, this variety is much needed when learning how to manipulate these settings especially in manual modes so as to capture different subjects properly.

Nays

Kit lens has a limited aperture-the light inlet into the lens. As a result, it doesn't do well in low light conditions as what is allowed in is too little. Wide aperture is very critical to product photography which relies on well lit images. For the same reason, blurred background effect to keep the main focus on subject matter only is difficult and sometimes unachievable becausewhen the aperture is small the resulting depth of field is wide.

Its build doesn't leave much to be desired. Some kit lenses come in plastic bodies while most are not even weatherproof making them highly vulnerable to damage. The glass quality is not the best either. While the resulting soft images are acceptable, sharpness is compromised. Sharp photos are the cornerstone of successful ecommerce product photography

The kit lens is not the best lens out there, maybe even nothing close to midrange lenses. How ever it can serve the purpose and there's really no need to replace it instantaneously. Most of the picture quality flaws can be easily dealt with by a photo editing service provider. It can still serve as a backup lens in case anything happens to your other lenses for instant your macro lens. The kit lens does an equally good job with close up photos.

Not unless you've reached the point where you've mastered the skill of product photography, explored enough and defined your shooting interest and style, only then can you upgrade to a prime, macro or whatever lens that befits your needs. However, do not discard that kit lens yet.

Still don't have one? Well, there a couple decent kit lens models in the market. If you are ready to move to the next level up from your starter lens, here are a few recommended models****. At the end of the day, it is the passion, zeal, creativity and imagination that goes into making an amazing product photography shoot.

Ask any novice or veteran product photographer about the most challenging part of the job. The answer is always the same-lighting. Getting it quite right is an uphill task; difficult but not impossible.

Poorly lit photos do not get noticed; at least not with positive vibes. These are frames that appear too bright, too dim or a little bit of both. To gain consumers interest and trust in your brand, you need to nail your lighting pretty good.

Now, there's a myriad of software and apps specialized for correcting such inconsistencies. Photo editing services**** may also be utilised to fix tint and brightness issues. Nonetheless, it is always better to get it right the first time for enhanced picture quality.

That said, getting a clear grasp of illumination basics is the first step towards bringing your light under control to the optimum level needed for a perfect shot. This includes selecting the recommended type of light sources, illumination tools required and correct positioning

Choose your light

There are two types of lights for shooting products. Natural light or artificial light. Each of them produces unique beams and thus cannot be used in the same shoot. Stick to just one of these at a time.

Natural light

You can opt for natural day light to shoot your merchandise. Natural light achieves the most original colors and tones. However, it is not easy to bring under control as it keeps fluctuating. For a lifestyle shoot with or without a model in an outdoor location, a warm morning or late afternoon ray has the appropriate intensity for photography. If indoors, make use of a large window letting in light by setting up studio right next to it. Whether in or out, avoid the glaring direct sunlight.

Artificial sources

Tungsten, fluorescent, CFL and LED lamps and bulbs are the most common artificial light sources that work great if chosen properly. Some give warm glow while others lean toward cool blue. Be sure to pick those with white incandescence to prevent any effect on original colors of the wares. Red items for example may appear pink and blues seem green when captured against warm illumination

Select your tools

Light bouncers, reflectors and diffusers are critical equipment for light control in both outdoor and studio product photography and should never be overlooked. They aid in creating soft but ample light which is ideal for this kind of project. The essence is to keep away dark shadows that normally appear with harsh light.

Bouncers and reflectors

These come in many forms; common ones are reflective umbrellas and white cards. Their main aim is to reflect or bounce back light to your subject to illuminate it instead of being hit directly from the source light. This softens the intensity. Umbrellas with black backs may also be used to block light.

Diffusers

There are two types, soft boxes and light boxes. For large sized object or people, a soft box is used to diffuse light from above and sides while still illuminating the subject but with a softer light hence eliminating shadows. Small objects utilise a light box or light tent which works in the same way. The walls are normally white in color. Translucent umbrella are another alternative. We also have diffuser caps or cyclones meant for inbuilt flash cameras for the same reasons. For additional flash light ,especially in dim conditions, speedlights are highly recommended instead.

Light positioning

Usually, three light sources form an ideal trio; the main light also known as key light which is directed to the object and two secondary lights. One is the fill light and the other is the back light. Position the key light to shine toward the front of the object just as the camera is, but , from a different angle or axis. Fill light is positioned opposite the key light in the camera side while the backlight as the name suggest will shine from the back of the object or above it to create a depth separation between it and the background.

There, you go. Now manipulate those positions and distances until you find the ideal effect you want. It is a huge learning curve but in time, you almost master it. While most if not all of these equipment can be improvised, they can also be purchased affordably in Amazon. All tips must of course be accompanied by the right product photography camera and lenses***.

Web based entrepreneurs know too well the importance of aesthetics in product images. With the lack of touch, smell and taste as with visiting a physical store, online buyers have developed a visual culture upon which they base their judgement about a commodity. In fact, an irresistibly striking snapshot often leads to impulse buying.

Just as the visual display of the merchandise is core to the business so is the product photographer. A strong emphasis must be placed on the selection of the photographer because they determine the final look of the images. Quality of the work aside, there are factors such as budget and turn around time to consider. In a nutshell, a meticulous process must be followed to ensure you pair up with the right professionals for your wares photography. To ensure you are both on the right page, here are ten pertinent issues that your would be product photography expert must address first before you say yes.

#1 What is the process?

It is important that the process outline is explained with clarity from how you the client begins initiating a quote request to the final output delivery by the firm and everything in between. This will help you know the sequence of events, requirements and expectations.

#2 What is the turn around time?

What could be more devastating than to order photos for a sale intended for christmas, easter or whatever festivity only for them to be delivered past the dates and being almost useless? Your photographer must be able to state their expected turn around time with a guarantee or at least approximate with complete accuracy for proper planning.

#3 What exactly am I paying for?

This is a critical part of selection. Knowing what is included and excluded in the price. You should be made aware of the exact services you are paying for to avoid disappointment. Important points normally overlooked only to raise issues later are; acceptable number of re-shoot requests, product shipping fees and photo editing inclusions. Be sure to ask as many questions here as per your needs without making any assumptions.

#4 How will the photos be delivered?

There are multiple ways of storing and delivering visual data. Be sure the format and mode of delivery is suitable for you. Most photographers are however flexible here.

#5 Do you shoot on location?

Not all photographers are able to shoot at a clients preferred location and it is thus necessary to find out their extent of mobility.

#6 What about designing shoot sets?

Some firms do only white and grey background product studio shoots. Other go the extra mile to put together a shoot set as per clients desires or even incorporating their own design and layout creativity as an inclusive service or at a fee. That is something worth discussing.

#7 Are there exceptions to the type of products acceptable?

Each photographer has their own product policy. They may be doing strictly clothing, or a variety of items ranging from food to beauty shots. Other do not accept certain products maybe due to size or what the product represents or is associated with. Ensure you are candid and detailed about your line and industry.

#8 What is the payment policy?

When do you pay and what method is preferred? Cheque? Credit card? Is it full payment before the shoot, a down-payment before the shoot or full payment after the shoot?

#9 What type of editing is included in the price?

Editing is pretty wide. From cropping to resizing, aspect ration, blemish removal, tint softening, clipping path, special effects and so on. Some basic editing is expected as part of the plan. However, in depth editing may be a separate service on its own. Your product photographer must come clear about this.

#10 Can I get a trial shoot?

A sample shoot is not guaranteed though it is standard procedure by most photography professionals who care about their customer service. Usually its about one trial photo or so but this should not be assumed. It doesn't hurt to ask and it is a great way to obtain piece of mind.

At royal london photography services we strive to be as candid as possible and address each of these issues when dealing with our first time clients. Talk to us to learn more about what we do. Or, visit our Amazon clients**** section first to see our success journey.

In recent times,filming of inventory in real life circumstances has been epic in converting clicks to sales. As a result, the approach keeps rising in demand and being the most favoured style for use on social media ads and posts, website gallery, articles, blogs and magazine images. This is owed to its inspirational appeal where a viewer can quickly envisage himself or herself benefiting from the subject item without having to spend too much time interpreting it.

The idea behind product lifestyle photography is simply capturing your wares in context. The arrangement is in such a way that potential buyers are capable of quickly understanding the purpose of the item and how it will impact their lives positively by just taking a glimpse of the image. This mental picture is built upon the use of relevant props, background and lighting to mimic a real life setting or experience that is easy on the mind.

Today's generation is characterised by shorter attention spans. People are busier and time sensitive. For this reason, online users want to achieve things swiftly including making a purchasing decision. A picture that says it all within itself without having them go through additional texts for further comprehension gets the fastest and most clicks. This is exactly how product lifestyle snapshots grabs the kind of attention that leads to sales. By being self explanatory. It is such kind of visuals that online merchants should aim to use in their marketing campaigns if they are to bear any fruit in sales multiplication.

What makes a good product lifestyle image? It is one that instantly informs at first glance and triggers the brain to think of the experience likely to be felt. It strives to address multiple concerns about the subject that a consumer is likely to have such as; Who needs the product? How does it work? What place is it ideal for use? Can other items be used alongside it? When is the appropriate time to use it? What problem does it solve? And so on, all within a single frame.

Take for example some scented candles depicted in warm light tones. It automatically tells viewers that they are useful in the evening, same as that shot of sunglasses in a bright lighting to signify a sunny afternoon. Or, when you opt to have a child model. They represent the intended users giving the notion that it is an item suitable for kids. When the main subject is set up with office stationery as props, it is likely to attract the attention of office workers as the set up is geared towards their work environment. Another example is if you are trying to sell a vase. Flowers make the best props for it just as a mobile handset does for a mobile phone cover. The props not only portrays how the item in question can be used but also sends additional messages on how to keep things organised, safe, beautiful and presentable. This is what lifestyle product photography****entails; telling a visual story of your goods.

At royal london product photography, we conceptualise different ideas to come up with an inspirational selection of props that can be paired with your wares as well as ideal outdoor and indoor locations for shoots. Alternatively, the studio can be set up creatively with appropriate lighting and backdrops to bear resemblance to a particular scenery. We strive to keep accessories minimal enough so that they do not have to visually compete with the main idea being sold and drawing attention away from it. Some intangible but unique elements may even be incorporated into the image background for a given special effect using editing software. With this kind of shoot, the possibilities of creativity are just endless. Talk to us today for that seamless perfect lifestyle shot of your inventory.

Which camera is best for use in product photography? This is one of the most commonly asked questions among those pursuing this profession or looking to do their own merchandise photo shoots for commercial purposes. Everybody knows how impactful stunning photos are. Brilliant looking snaps are the game changer in ecommerce and as a result, the perfect cameras, lenses and other equipment are constantly being sought after. But at what price?

While most cameras including those of mobile devices such as iphones work just fine, every optical device produces its own quality standard and it is upon the user to decide how much they are willing to sacrifice in terms of money, quality, creativity and comfort. Also, besides a camera, lenses**** are equally or maybe even more critical when it comes to images quality and must be selected carefully too.

Cameras with interchangeable lenses are best for product photography. This is because they allow users to switch lenses depending on suitability towards a subject particularly specialized lenses such as macro or tilt and shift. Also, one can start with a general purpose lens and keep adding more specialized lenses as they go without necessarily getting a new body. That notwithstanding there are good fixed lens cameras for product photography too. Here are our three picks.

1.Compact-Best price

This is a small, digital, fixed lens camera. A distinct feature is the absence of a mirror to reflect images such that light goes directly to the sensor. Most models come in full auto mode with lots of presets while a few others have semi manual features. It is also lies in the lowest price tier making it an affordable option. The biggest downside as a camera for your wares is the minimal manual features which limit settings manipulation,a key aspect for perfecting these kinds of shots. Also, its flash is often too close to the lens affecting light balance and being too harsh on an image. A 10 megapixel with macro settings takes some pretty nice shots if you are really looking for a floor priced option, otherwise, for breathtaking films, you might have to look elsewhere for a better result.

2.DSLR-Best picture quality

For sharp, clear, high calibre images of your inventory, a DSLR is the best you can get. It permits more light to go in and has outstanding pixel density. It also utilizes a reflex mirror and optical view finder that allows a photographer to preview an image being projected by the lens before clicking away. Unlike a compact where light passes through, here, it hits the mirror bouncing an image to the view finder. It has lens interchanging capabilities too. However, the mounts are unique and will not fit into a different lens model from the camera. What makes this selection impressive for product shoots is its full manual settings allowing for proper ISO, white balance and shutter speed manipulation. This can however be complicated if you do not have a clear grasp of photography settings at the back of your hands; not the best for learners and entry level photographers. The biggest drawback for this camera would be its price which is at the peak. Otherwise it is one of the best investments you can ever make

3.Mirrorless interchangeable lens compact-Best mid range

Bearing close resemblance to the compact, a mirrorless' only difference is that it has a slot for changing of lenses. It has no reflex mirror and the viewer depends on an LCD screen. Some modern models allow the view finder to be purchased as a separate unit and fixed. It possesses more manual settings than a compact but is less complex than a DSLR and also way easier on users. If you need something intermediate level in terms of quality, complexity and price, a mirrorless would be the perfect choice.

Ready for that product photography shoot? Well, we all think so until at some point midway a shoot when you realise you actually left out a certain item or a particular equipment is not functional. This will not only affect the session but also waste a lot of time moving around trying to remedy the situation.

Product photography is already a time consuming and even sometimes frustrating job. One way to get through it successfully is to keep things organised. For this reason, you need a checklist to ensure everything that is needed is within reach, being aware of the sequence of activities and keeping track of events. Let's start

1.Create a detailed time schedule for every shoot

When having multiple products to shoot or the same product but in a variety of styles, don't do it haphazardly. Schedule a time and if possible a day for the different types of shoots. Being systematic prevents confusion and fatigue.

2.Be sure you have all the relevant product photography equipment****and in perfect working condition

Check that every product photography equipment you need is available and functional. Check the camera, lenses for different product photography styles, a sweep, table, lights, reflectors, lightbox and tripod.

3.Prepare your inventory

It is so annoying to set everything for shoot only to realise a dirty stain on the product. Prepare your stock early enough. Keep them clean, smudge, stain and dirt free prior to the action.

4.Gather all your accessories and keep them close

These would be mannequins, pins and pegs ofdoing a clothing shoot, props for lifestyle photography, hangers, strings, cramped paper for stuffing, clips, tape and everything else you might need to support or better your product appearance and perfect the image.

5.Set the backdrop and the product

Since you already have the design and layout in mind, set your table, put up the sweep or chosen background, set the subject, arrange the props if any, don the model.

6.Position and turn up the lights

Arrange the primary and secondary lights strategically to shine on the subject or the lightbox if using one. Set the reflectors as well to control the light. Make sure you get it to soften. When doing natural light, have some sheers ready to diffuse the window light if it turns out to be too bright.

7.Set the camera

When the lights are up, adjust your camera settings appropriately until it blends in well and then set it on a tripod to minimise shutter. For macro shots, be sure to have a table top one.

8.Click away

Start with a couple trial frames to be sure everything is as desired. If OK, capture the items one after the other, arrangement after another. Be sure to mark the spot where the subject is placed for consistent distance. Take several shots in different angles to help you have a variety when picking the best.

9.Edit

Your photos are not upload ready yet. They have to past through the post production phase. This can be done by a professional photo editor****. However, you may do some light editing yourself using a photo editing app.

10.Upload

Keeping the different style, dimensional and background requirements for Amazon, Shopify, Pinterest or whatever platform you have in mind, upload the photos after fulfilling those.

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