Businesses want to showcase their products in the best possible light. They want to highlight the most attractive features and compel customers to spend their money. However, they are often hesitant to invest in professional product photography services. Several misconceptions hold them back. Here's a look at some of them:
1. Product Photography is Expensive
Product photography costs can vary from one studio to another. It depends on the location of the establishment, type of photography, the scale of the project, overhead costs, and other such factors. On average, product photographycan cost around $500 to $3,000 per day. The cost per product is around $25 and $60. This might seem expensive at first, but it is important to consider long-term benefits.
You can also save money on professional photography by choosing the right type of images and limiting the number of pictures per product. An experienced professional will offer advice on how to get good-quality images on a limited budget.
2. Professional Photography Doesn’t Provide an Edge
Many people assume that professional photography won’t give them an edge, especially if they plan their DIY images carefully. However, that’s a big misconception and market studies show otherwise. Research suggests that professional-quality images are 40% more likely to be shared organically on social media networks. Almost 75% of consumers surveyed agree that they make purchase decisions based on product images.
Good-quality images are especially important in the world of online shopping. Customers are forced to rely on images to get the most relevant details about the product.
3. DIY Photography is Just as Effective
DIY photography can be attractive and useful but these images aren’t as effective as professional photography. Modern customers view product pictures on sophisticated mobile or desktop displays. They can easily zoom in to find details and take a closer look at the item. That's where they start noticing flaws and see the difference between the two types of images. DIY pictures can’t stand up to scrutiny and usually have several mistakes like blurriness, unsightly reflections, poorly lit sections, smudges, etc.
Professional services are more comprehensive. Photographers don’t just rely on raw images taken by sophisticated cameras. They spend a lot of time editing and refining images to ensure the finished product is impressive.
4. Any Photographer Will Do
Different photographers have different skills, which is why it is important to choose the right person for the job. Portrait and nature photographers know how to use professional equipment or create beautiful compositions, but they have little experience with product photography.
Experienced professionals know how to make the product the hero of the image. They add background elements but ensure they don’t distract from the primary purpose of the photograph.
5. Product Photography Doesn’t Require Planning
Product photography does require a lot of planning. Professionals think about compositions, how to showcase the product in the best light, background elements, lighting, models, props, etc. Every product image should tell a story and expert photographers know how to do it properly.
Experts usually spend time pouring over data, asking clients questions, and looking at all reference materials before they come up with a strategy.
6. Product Photography Doesn’t Require Research and Marketing Data
Product photography does require research and marketing data. Experts collect information on target demographics, competitors, industry trends, and different platforms. They get information from first hand and big data sources to understand the full scope of the project.
Without this research, product photographs will end up looking bland and one dimensional. They won’t have a purpose or a specific message, which can have a big impact on a customer’s purchase decision. Purposeful and dynamic images are more effective and have a bigger influence on the customer.
7. Clients Shouldn’t Be Involved in the Process
Many clients have a hands-off approach to product photography, which can be detrimental to the project. A more direct and personal approach ensures the final results are satisfactory. Clients know a lot about their business, brand, target audience, and industry. They can offer insight into different aspects of the project, helping photographers come up with the best compositions.
Photographers have in-depth knowledge of pictures and how images can influence customers. They will also share some insights with clients to help them understand their target audiences better.
8. Branding isn’t Important
Many people focus on the product in an image and forget about the importance of branding, which is one of the reasons why DIY photography is ineffective. Professionals know how to incorporate the brand vibe and message into product pictures. They adjust lighting, choose background props, select the right models, and change camera settings to convey the right message. They can make the picture elegant if the brand is classy and sophisticated. They can make it playful if the brand is sporty and targets children.
Professional photographers always keep branding in mind when they take pictures and edit them before delivery. That makes your product photograph stand out in the crowd.
9. You Can Use the Same Photograph on All Platforms
Different platforms have different rules when it comes to product photography. Websites like Amazon, Etsy, eBay, etc, have detailed guidelines on what kind of product images you can upload online. A professional is aware of these regulations and will take images that are suitable for all platforms and can be used anywhere. DIY photography is more inflexible as most businesses aren’t familiar with the different platforms and their expectations.
If you want images that can be used on eCommerce platforms, social media networks, business websites, and print media, it is a good idea to hire a professional photographer for the job. That can help you save a lot of time and money in the long run as well.
If you have any questions about product photography, contact a trusted professional today. They will ask you about the scope of the project, conduct some research, and come up with a tailored solution. Professional photographers will also provide a detailed estimate so you can create a comfortable budget.
