In the first days when digital stores appeared, there were many skeptics who asked themselves how it is possible to buy everything via the Internet, after you have to see the product and if it is about fashion products we have to measure and look in the mirror as we always do.
The transition to online shopping was a bit difficult and it required the stores to devote a lot of thought to the subject of photography, in order to address the gap between the form of shopping we are used to, where we can feel the product, and the form of online shopping. And since then, the field has only continued to develop and has developed a whole theory of taking photograph catalog for digital store or their digital brothers: catalog websites.
The importance of product images on websites today
The photograph catalog for digital store are of great importance for driving action, the customer’s curiosity, the trust of the website and the business – and finally, of course, the percentage of sales.
Pictures convey messages visually and it is not a cliché to say that one picture is worth a thousand words – it is exactly so. Using one image, or a cluster of images of the product, it is possible to answer many consumer questions without making the consumer read long and tedious text.
Advertising people can expand and talk about the meanings of the product image, but those interested in the success of a digital store look at the bottom line – good product images increase sales. point. The Internet arena is a competitive commercial arena and in many cases, different websites offer the same products, with the same images – and sometimes even the same descriptions. Good photos, authentic photos, and updating the photos are sometimes required – can help you create a great competitive advantage, increase the conversion rate and present a refreshing uniqueness among similar competitors.
What is a “product image”?
A product image is a type of advertising image, but it has unique characteristics. While a regular advertising image is usually intended to create an atmosphere and convey an image associated with the brand, a product image is intended to showcase the product itself.
The product image is not intended to be a substitute for an advertising campaign, it simply meets a different need. in digital stores, the product images can usually be found on product pages, category pages, or product displays (in publications, campaigns, or different places of product illustration) and their purpose is to present the product from different angles, illustrate its size, show how it rests on different body shapes (if it is in clothes and clothing details) or on the face (in the case of glasses, earrings and various accessories), to show the product in different lighting and even to demonstrate how to use or care for it.
There are many other reasons and purposes for professional product photos – and in the end, the goal of all of them is to make the customer, for the consumer and website visitor to feel more secure in terms of the purchase, that he knows what he is buying and that there will be no surprises when the product arrives.
How to take product photos?
There is a whole theory about taking product photos and there are several different forms and ways to present products; Whether it is glass/mirror products, fabric or wooden objects, or products intended for the home or garden – each of them requires different photographic characteristics. That’s why it’s always better to use professionals for the right photography, but you should still be aware of the main highlights of taking product photos.
Several important tips that will help you take professional product photos today:
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Don’t mislead
We all know that pictures can be deceiving; A misleading picture may help you in the sale, but it will obviously end in disgruntled customers and this is not really the strategy you want to choose.
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Presentation matters
The image must present the product at its best – but correctly reflect reality. Especially when it comes to a digital store where the customer relies only on the information that the product has on the website – and the moment he receives the product will determine whether he will be satisfied, recommending, and returning customer – or whether he is likely to send a complaint.
For example, when it comes to size, it is important that the customer gets the right impression. He will not be surprised when he receives a product that looks big in the picture but is actually very small. Items can be added to the image in order to give a clear scale, such as a hand holding the product, a ruler, or an object familiar and available in every home for comparison (such as a chair, a book, a computer mouse, a pen or a backpack…)
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Pay attention to all details
It is important to pay attention to small details of the product. The customer cannot touch the product and cannot examine all kinds of details that are definitely important, so the picture must give him the answers.
When it comes to clothes or hats, for example; Illustrate in the pictures the quality of the sewing, how it sits on the body (it is even better to show several different body shapes), the thickness of the fabric, and characteristics that will help the customer understand the garment even without measuring it.
If it is electronic products or objects for use; Photograph the buttons on a device, the volume/space it occupies, the connections, and the various parts. These are actually bags, wallets, or storage items; Show the contents that can go into them, their different textures, all the zippers and buttons, most (and preferably all!) of the existing compartments, the straps, and the handles. It it is ornamental products, vases or landscape items; Try to show the colors as accurately as possible, the different textures, the volume the item occupies – and all its angles! The photos can provide an answer to all the questions the customer may have.
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Focus on product
Focus on the product itself and reduce the background noise using image background removal tool. In many cases, a completely white (burnt) background is used for this very reason, although this is not the only technique.
The product must be presented in an authentic, clean, and transparent manner – and reduce digital editing. The more real and flattering the product looks, the closer it will be to reality and will convey credibility to the customer testing it.
Conclusion
The best option is to photograph catalog for digital store in several variations. In changing lighting (white, yellow/warm, blue/cold), in all its different angles, on a white background – and in its natural place; If it is a garment – on a real body, not a doll. It’s even better to show some different body shapes. If it is speakers – next to a computer or TV screen. hanging on the wall. If it is jewelry – show it on a real hand, neck, or ears. (A great tip for jewelry: Show several models with different body colors! that everyone can understand how it will look on them.
