How to Get Started With Product Photography for Instagram
Unfairly or not, people tend to assume that if your product listing has a low-quality image, your product won't be good. Well-lit, high-resolution product photos are a must if you want to sell online.
Since you have no other way of showing customers the quality of the items, you have to make the images as visually appealing as possible. One way to ensure good photos is to hire product photography services. You could also DIY your shoots; here are some tips to help you capture better photos for IG.
Have Good Lighting
The most important part of shooting product photos isn't the type of camera you use. You can get good results whether you have an iPhone or a DSLR; what matters more is the lighting where you shoot.
Generally, natural light is better for taking photos. However, you can't control it, so you have to do a little more preparation. For example, you have to find the area in your home with the best natural light—windows or doorways are your best bet. If your living space has little natural light, you have to go outside.
Also, pay attention to how the light changes as the hours pass. Avoid shooting in direct sunlight—it creates harsh shadows and throws imperfections in high relief. If natural light isn't an option for you, it's best to go for studio lighting. There are plenty of basic and affordable lighting options, and you can upgrade to professional setups when you get better at photography.
Use a Solid Background
Your product will stand out against a table, desk, or wall in a solid colour. If you want more control over the background texture, you can shoot in front of foam boards or photo backdrop paper. Neutral white or grey is the best for product photos, though you can use shades in your brand's palette as well.
A busy background tends to distract the eye—patterns on your wall could clash with the item's texture. Even if your brand is "fun," and "lively," you need to make IG photos about the items themselves, so a plain background will be better.
Decide on Styled or Lifestyle Images
A styled photo uses intentionally placed props to accessorize or highlight the featured product. Food photography or product photos of cosmetics use this type often. Meanwhile, lifestyle photos depict how a person will use the product daily. This type is what you'd see in a magazine advertisement.
You don't have to stick to one type of image—combining the two types is ideal for most product-based businesses. Lifestyle photos make the product more relatable, while styled images allow the audience to hone in on the item's details.
Pay attention as well to what your audience likes. If certain types of photos get more engagement, you could drive more sales by producing content in that style. Professional photography service providers will know the best style to use for specific product types.
Be Consistent in Posting
Streamline your photography and have a style that people can associate with your brand. Use the same lighting, editing, colours, and props to make your business memorable. Coupling consistency with value makes you credible, so maximize your photo captions as well. Have a "prop box" on hand, too—get a few small items together that align with your business branding and use them to accessorize product photos.
Conclusion
Instagram is a primarily visual medium, and the quality of your pictures makes the difference between a user engaging with your brand and ignoring it. Just because your photo gets plenty of impressions on IG doesn't mean you'll get plenty of purchases. You need visually compelling images to attract potential buyers and encourage them to take a look instead of scrolling past your ad.
Trust BFF Visuals to sharpen your online branding. We offer product photography services in the Netherlands, helping small businesses capture what makes them the best in their niche. Book a free consultation today!
