Learn how to take compelling product images you can be proud of.
Because businesses saw the need to continue operating in the pandemic, they have been shifting online. That means you need to post eye-catching images in your social media pages to entice your target audience. As we know, we human beings are visual creatures, and anything beautiful catches our eye easily.
If the budget doesn’t allow you to hire a professional photographer, there is no need to worry. You can take photos of your retail or wholesale fashion jewelry pieces without having to break the bank. Here are some photography dos and don’ts you need to learn to take product images like a pro.
Do make use of natural light.
Natural lighting, no doubt, is the best lighting to use as it gives off warm vibes in photos, making them look more inviting. However, avoid direct sunlight because it casts shadows and creates too much contrast on the jewelry piece.
If you need to take photos at night or on a rather cloudy day, use a lightbox to diffuse bulb lighting. Be sure to use the daylight bulbs instead of warm whites to avoid making the jewelry look too yellowish. Never use the camera flash as well, especially in close-up shots.
Do use the macro setting.
The macro camera setting can give you detailed shots of the jewelry piece. You'll be able to take clear and crisp photos of the nooks and crannies of the jewelry, as well as a close-up look of an intricate design.
There is no need for an expensive camera to take macro shots, as smartphone cameras today also have this setting.
Do take photos of the jewelry piece from different angles.
To showcase your jewelry perfectly, make sure to take photos from different angles -- top, bottom, front, sides, macro shots of the design or stone, and someone wearing the piece. Allow your customers to see your jewelry items in different views to give them an idea of how they look like in real life.
Having a collection of product images will give you more options to use in your marketing efforts and more to post on Instagram.
Do use a camera or a smartphone tripod.
Invest in a tripod to take clearer photos. Blurry shots can get very frustrating and time-consuming. When buying, avoid getting the cheap ones because cheap tripods are flimsy and don't last long.
Do edit your product images.
Always edit your product photos to make them look sharper and crisper. However, avoid overdoing it because the results would look unnatural. Simply adjust the brightness, contrast, and color balance. Crop if you need to.
Don't use a busy background.
Avoid taking photos against a cluttered, complex background. Product images must look as clean as possible, so the eyes will immediately focus on the product. Go with a solid-colored background, or a simple scenery to make the jewelry stand out.
Don't put unnecessary props.
Don't add unnecessary stuff in the frame to avoid losing focus. Customers will get distracted because there is too much going on in the image. Simple jewelry displays will do as props, and you can also take macro shots of the jewelry worn by a model.
Delete blurry shots even if they look good.
Blurry photos hurt the eyes, even if you try to edit it in Photoshop, so it's best to just delete them. Potential customers will get turned off if you keep showing them blurry images. You should show them a clear representation of your products.
Don't be inconsistent with your style.
A product page with images of inconsistent style looks incompetent. Photos should have the same lighting, background, camera settings, size, and even filters. Find inspiration from style influencers on Instagram as they follow a particular color palette and style. An aesthetically pleasing product page will appeal more to potential customers.
Don't use unedited photos.
Avoid using unedited product images on your website or social media pages. It is important to fix the brightness and sharpness to make the photos look crisp and clear. As mentioned earlier, a bad-looking product page won't appeal to people, and they might even doubt your business's legitimacy.
