How to Take Great Pictures for Your Products
After you've developed and refined your custom-designed apparel, you need to share it with the world. That often means getting great images of the product. With the right photos, you'll be able to reach a whole new audience.
However, it's important to remember a few tips when taking pictures of your products.
Invest in a Good Camera
It’s a good idea to invest in a good DSLR camera. Sure, you can take great pictures on your smartphone with all of the great technology that we have now, but you are going to get your best quality photos with a DSLR camera.
Get a Good Lighting Kit
Good lighting is essential for the perfect product shots. If you are shooting apparel it is important that every detail is shown in your photos. This will give your customers a feel for how the product will look if they buy it.
Shooting outdoors is always the first option because there’s no better lighting than mother nature. Unfortunately, we can’t always rely on the sun. You may want to invest in a good lighting kit for when you are shooting indoors.
Have a Clean Background
The most professional-looking product photos usually have a white background. A white background will show off your custom-printed clothing without any interference, and it will help enhance the lighting for your products. If you don’t use white, any continuous background colour will do. Just be sure that it’s not too busy.
Use a Tripod
A tripod is going to help you keep your photos nice and steady. If you try holding the camera yourself while shooting, you run the risk of getting shaky, or blurry, photos. You will want your photographs to look as professional and polished as possible.
Style Your Products
Whether you choose to use a mannequin, flat lay or live person to show off your custom clothing, it’s important that you style your product with the customers in mind. They should have an idea of how they could style your clothing if they were to purchase it.
1. Creating Interesting Flat Lays
If you are selling a custom t-shirt, try styling it with a pair of jeans and some sneakers so that your customers can see how it would be worn in a casual setting. You could also style a custom tee with a hat, a large handbag, booties and some distressed jeans.
2. Using Mannequins
A mannequin can be great for showing off custom-made clothing. If you want to take pictures of a t-shirt, a mannequin can help your audience get a feel for what the t-shirt will look like when they put it on.
Shoot a Variety of Angles
Shooting your products from a variety of different angles is important. It gives your customers fresh and interesting photos to look at, so they’ll want to view more of your products. You also give the customer an opportunity to feel like they are seeing your customized clothing in person because they are viewing multiple angles.
Edit Your Photos
Be sure to find an editing software that suits your needs. Editing your photos allows you to remove any unwanted shadows, remove wrinkles and even brighten up the colors.
Hire a Professional
It is very possible to achieve quality photos yourself, but if you are not feeling totally confident or you just want to play it safe, go with a professional photographer. A professional will already have the equipment needed to shoot your products and give you quality photos. All you will need to do is to work with the photographer to position your customized apparel and be sure that your products are styled the way that you would like.
Don't Underestimate the Power of a Photo
The right picture could be everything for your business. Make sure that you have uniquely styled products so that your products pop. Take crisp, clean and polished photographs. Leave no important detail out of your photos! Even one great photo can lead to lots of revenue for your business.
