It’s nearly impossible to sell products online without crisp, clear, compelling images. Fortunately, taking product photos is relatively simple. In this article, we’ll set you up with some quick takeaways that will help you get this job accomplished.

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What kind of equipment do I need for product photos?

According to many experts, you need a great camera to take great product photos. To an extent, we agree: A professional-grade camera can certainly help you deliver crisp, high-quality photos. If this is something you’d like to invest in, consider the following options:

But, often, modern smartphones are a perfectly acceptable choice. Many of today’s models provide excellent photos that can be printed, stretched, and scaled to suit any marketing or presentation piece you need to create. If you opt to use your smartphone camera for your product photos, consider buying a tripod attachment to minimize motion and blur and help you set up the perfect shots. These tripods work with most smartphone models:

With either a pro-grade camera or a trusty smartphone, keep this in mind: Great lighting is also important. When possible, try using natural light, which usually provides the best illumination and coloration for products.

Avoid combining natural and artificial light sources whenever possible.

If natural light isn’t possible, artificial light can be a great option. Products like the following can help you illuminate your work and soften shadows:

Finally, consider buying a sweep or simple, non-distracting props that will provide the perfect setting for your product. Props should be specific to your product and help your buyers understand how the item can be used or applied, but sweeps can be generic. All-white tends to work well to showcase most items. Consider some of the following products:

How do I get started with my product photos?

There are a few steps you can take to give your photos professional-grade quality:

1. Place your items in a setting that won’t compete with your product. As we mentioned above, a sweep can provide a clean, crisp background.
2. Spend time framing each shot, and make sure your product is free of obstructions.
3. Experiment with camera modes or filters to draw attention to your focal point.
4. Take a few practice shots to ensure the colors of your product are being captured accurately. If they’re not, you can experiment with your lighting options or apply some filters pre- or post-shot.
5. Try taking a variety of shots from different angles to show the unique features of your product. If it’s relevant, consider taking some photos with a human model to show fit or usage.
6. Ensure that your final photos reflect your brand. You can achieve this by maintaining consistency in shots, props, backgrounds, and color stories.

Should I hire a pro photographer instead?

A pro photographer is often worth the investment. There are many who specialize in product photography and brand voice who can provide you with the perfect shots for marketing.

You could also consider working with an online product photo service. Square is one of the most popular. With this service, you can ship your products to a professional photo studio, where they will be expertly positioned, shot, filtered, and produced to create winning marketing images. High-resolution images start at around $9.95, and interactive 360 photos start at around $29.95.

What’s next?

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