If you sell products online, then taking great photos of your product for social media is a must. But, what are the best ways to photograph your products?

Some business owners think that they don’t have enough products to shoot for social media. How can we possibly create images with just a few products?

Well, you’d be surprised! There are lots of different ways to photograph one product.

Let’s have a look at eight different ways to photograph your products.

1. Classic product shot

This is a simple shot of the product, which is usually shown without additional props. It’s shot against a white or coloured background.

This style of photography is great for showcasing your products and presenting them in the simplest way possible. It’s a great opportunity to let your product shine and talk about its features and benefits.

2. Flatlay style

A flatlay photo is a carefully arranged shot from a birds-eye view. This style of image has been popular for quite some time and it lends itself well to food, fashion and beauty products.

While it sounds easy to create, it can be quite a challenge to tell a story and make everything in the image harmonious with the hero product.

The benefit of creating a flatlay shot is that it’s a scroll-stopping type of image. Something we’re all trying to achieve on Instagram!

For tips on how to create the perfect flatlay, click here.

 

3. Get in close

Sometimes, we just want to fit everything in. We take a wide shot, the product is in the middle and we can see the whole environment.

What we’re doing though, is missing out on the detail. We’re not showing our viewer how the product will feel. Or taste.

By showing the texture of a product, or the details, we are visually describing the product.

To capture texture, one needs to get in close. A macro lens is great for capturing details.

 

4. Add a human element

Adding a human element to your shot does many things.

• It creates scale and shows the viewer how large your product actually is.
• It makes the image more relatable. You can envisage yourself wearing or using that product. It adds a personal connection that otherwise wouldn’t be achieved.

The key is not to add a human element for the sake of it. You need to think about to whom you are trying to appeal to:

• Who is your target audience?
• Who would use your product?

5. Lifestyle shot

A great way to mix up your shots is to show your product in use or in the context of where you would find the product. Videos are great for showing product in use but you can achieve this with still photos too.

If you have a beverage, you could take a shot of someone pouring the beverage, or drinking it.

For beauty and skincare products, you could show someone about to apply the product.

If you sell clothing, show someone wearing your clothes.

The key here is to think about how your audience would use your product. The shot can be something your audience can relate to, or it can be aspirational.

 

6. Behind-the-scenes

Everyone loves a behind-the-scenes shot. Show your community where the magic happens! It could be your workspace, your studio, your warehouse, or kitchen.

You could show them what tools you use to make your products. Or, where your inspiration comes from.

7. Stop-motion

Have some fun with your shots! Why show your products stationary when you can add some movement?

Stop-motion is a technique where you move objects in small increments and photograph them frame-by-frame. When you play all the frames together, it appears as though the objects are in motion.

It is a visually effective way to show your products and stand out from your competitors.

For details on how to create a stop-motion video, click here.

8. Events & public holidays

There are many public holidays and events you can take advantage of during the year. Which ones you promote will depend on your product.

You may have products that lend themselves towards Valentine’s Day. Or perhaps, you have products that would be great to promote during Halloween, Mother’s Day, or International Women’s Day. The choices are endless!

Just make sure it’s relevant to your target audience.

For a list of global holidays for 2019, click here.

So, there you have eight different ways of showcasing your products. All these shots should provide you with a variety of content that you can use on your social media.

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Want to have a chat?

If you struggle with capturing images for your brand, then let’s chat. I’m here to help.