The most common mistakes companies make with product photos
Investing in high-quality product photos will pay off for your company. A photo is what decides whether a customer buys a product or service. But you need to learn how to use product photos properly.
Mistake 1: You don't see the potential of product photography
Many companies wrongly believe that product photos aren't important in their line of business. In reality, an attractive photo can boost sales of practically anything. “It could be food, clothing, wooden products, electronics, a paper puzzle or DIY supplies. With the right lighting, a suitable perspective, perfect composition and a well-arranged background, even an ordinary nail, dog food or feminine hygiene products can be presented attractively and realistically,” says product photographer and photo retoucher Dalibor Novotný.
Mistake 2: You think a few old photos will do
If you invested in a few product photos in the past and think the job is done, you're mistaken. Like the text on your website or online shop, product photos need to be updated regularly. Professional photographers follow current trends and can shoot even a product that has been on the market for years in a completely new way. “By photographing an old product in a new way, you stand out from the competition. On top of that, you can present a series of new, unique photos on social media in a fresh way and win a whole range of new customers,” explains Dalibor Novotný.
Mistake 3: You try to be your own product photographer
To save money, many companies try to take their product photos themselves. Occasionally a company has a hidden talent with the right camera gear, but usually it doesn't end well. “More than once I've seen a business owner ask one of their employees to photograph the products on a mobile phone. Today's smartphones do have good cameras, but that's not enough for product photography. Phone cameras are fine for less important shots to share on social media. Product photos require an experienced hand and more advanced equipment,” warns the product photographer.
Mistake 4: You pay a professional but hold them back
As a client, you can have requirements for your product photographer or come up with your own ideas, but remember why you paid for a professional's services. Let them do their job, and if they offer other services besides a standard product shoot, listen carefully to what they suggest. “As a product photographer, I can judge when it's enough to simply photograph a product attractively and when it would help to use other techniques – such as professional 360° or 3D product photography – or when colour correction, retouching and other services are needed. Using the right technique makes the product look its best and sell more easily,” says Dalibor Novotný.
Mistake 5: You only use product photos online
Product photos are used to present goods in online shops, on social media, in online catalogues or in newsletters, but that doesn't mean they can't be used offline too. “Professionally produced product photos are suitable both for the web and for print campaigns such as brochures, magazine ads and more. A high-quality product photo looks great wherever you decide to use it,” concludes product photographer Novotný.