The Importance of Product Photography
Did you know that most people will actually remember the vast majority of what they see, but only 20 percent of people will remember what they read? This puts a heavy emphasis on visuals—a powerful tool when it comes to selling a product or marketing one to the general public. When it comes to your products, you could be losing out on a lot of sales without the right product photography to match the item in question.
Great infographic on memory by NeoMam Studios
Why Does Product Photography Matter?
Well, product photography matters as an investment in your sales because it offers a complete visual of the product itself. No one will purchase an item online if there is no sound proof such an item exists within the condition being described in the written description. Customers rely on product photographs to gain some visual experience with the item since they are unable to physically hold it in their hands. With a single image, successful brands manage to sell countless numbers of their product. They accomplish this task by simply highlighting the benefits of their item within the shot. One of the big selling points for a tablet, for example, is how slim and lightweight the electronic is. With the right angle and lighting, product photography can clearly display this feature to potential customers who may be on the fence. Customers are connected to the item through the imagery, as the right picture can really help connect the product with their lifestyle and needs.
Ease of Starting Your Own E-Business also Means More Competition:
Did you know that most people will actually remember the vast majority of what they see, but only 20 percent of people will remember what they read? This puts a heavy emphasis on visuals—a powerful tool when it comes to selling a product or marketing one to the general public. When it comes to your products, you could be losing out on a lot of sales without the right product photography to match the item in question.
A Bit of Variety – Increase Your Selling Chances by Showcasing More
For example, if you’re selling bars of soap that come in a variety of colors and scents, one simple stock photograph of a bar will not do your product justice. Potential customers will simply see a chunk of scented fat and oil instead of an actual product worth their time. If you can offer numerous pictures –one for each color – you cater to a larger audience. Everyone has their own favorite color and by displaying that color, you entertain the possibility of at least one new sale. When you look through your favorite e-commerce sites, how many images do you click through for an interesting product? Most people will click through at least a few images to get some insight into the item—different angles, features shown on the exterior of the product, coloring, etc. Multiple images allow for this visual research. For example, if your product happens to be old-school shoes, you know which ones we’re talking about, black with white laces, then you want to show off each angle. Most people will look at the side of the shoe and the top, but it never hurts to offer a few choices. An angle from the bottom, for example, to show off the tread. Perhaps a shot of the laces so potential customers know their style and appearance. Product photography, at its core, is about information: the right information for the customer to make an informed decision with their money.
Don’t Forego Application Shots – Show off your product in action
Along with studio shots for your products, consider taking your products outdoors for a little lifestyle photography. Of course, this can only be done with the correct context, otherwise, it simply does not make enough sense to the viewer. In the case of the waterproof shoes, show them outdoors withstanding the rain. Proof that they work in their natural environment will be more enticing to the customer than a simple white background photograph. Lifestyle shots are quite important – even to an e-commerce business – because they show the actual, physical product being used by a real person. Besides creating desire and telling something similar to a story for your brand, they sell a certain lifestyle that you are tapping into. The active crowd – those who enjoy running in the rain – will jump on a new shoe that withstands the cold and the moisture. The catch is, they won’t know if your shoe can accomplish that task without seeing it in action. If your product is something similar to a card reader on mobile devices, make sure people can see it in action and how it works. With the correct advertisement, you are immediately drawn to the product being marketed, but you have the opportunity to see it in an environment that makes sense. The same should be done with your own product, no matter what it may be. It is all about presentation in the correct context.
