That’s what the Chinese said hundreds of thousands of years ago.
But if they said it now, it would have been, “a picture is worth a thousand words and bucks”.
You and all other online store owners are nodding your heads in agreement.
That explains why ecommerce business owners all over the world are googling “product photographer near me” every day.
And why wouldn’t they.
Online purchasers return about 3 out of every 10 items because the product doesn’t match the photo.
So, no doubt that magnificent product photos are mandatory.
However, hiring the right ecommerce photographer or studio is like……………………………………………………………………..
…………………………… finding a needle in a stack of needles these days.
May take days to finally choose THE one.
But rest assured.
Being in the image editing business for 10+ years, we have worked with over 200 product and lifestyle photographers.
And have figured out how the amazing ones walk and talk.
Today, you are going to know that too.
Make sure you stay with us till the end.
Why excellent product photography is crucial for online stores?
In the bustling world of e-commerce, where every click can lead to a cart addition or an exit, the quality of your product photos plays a pivotal role.
Think about it: when was the last time you bought something online without scrutinizing its images?
Exactly.
According to a study by Adobe, a whopping 63% of shoppers stated that “high-quality product photos” are paramount when deciding whether to buy a product online.
It’s not just about showcasing the product; it’s about instilling trust, setting expectations, and persuading the customer.
In the absence of real experience, these images become the eyes of the online shopper.
75% off online shoppers depend on a product photo to decide if they will buy that product photographer.
Now, let’s sprinkle in some more numbers to drive the point home.
A report from Splento reveals that 65% of the population are visual learners, implying that photographs influence their decisions more than written words.
Moreover, a staggering 90% of online buyers emphasize that photo quality is the most important factor when making a purchase.
If that doesn’t underline the importance of top-notch product photography, consider this: good product photography can boost your conversion rate by 30%.
But it’s not just about sales.
High-quality images also enhance brand perception.
As per the data, over 7 out of 10 online shoppers rely on a product photo to make their purchasing decision.
In the vast ocean of e-commerce, where competition is fierce, and differentiation is key, product photos become your brand ambassadors.
They speak of your attention to detail, your commitment to quality, and your understanding of the customer.
Renowned photographer Ansel Adams once said, “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.”
This sentiment rings especially true for e-commerce.
Every image should be crafted with intent, understanding, and a touch of artistry.
It should tell a story, evoke an emotion, and prompt an action.
Communication Excellence: A Product Photographer Must-Have
Effective communication is essential. Hire a product photographer who understands your vision and has good communication skills. This ensures a seamless collaboration, reducing misunderstandings and maximizing the visual result.
High-quality images also enhance brand perception
As per the data, over 7 out of 10 online shoppers rely on a product photo to make their purchasing decision.
In the vast ocean of e-commerce, where competition is fierce, and differentiation is key, product photos become your brand ambassadors.
They speak of your attention to detail, your commitment to quality, and your understanding of the customer.
Renowned photographer Ansel Adams once said, “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.”
This sentiment rings especially true for e-commerce.
Every image should be crafted with intent, understanding, and a touch of artistry.
It should tell a story, evoke an emotion, and prompt an action.
Tip #1: Go above-and-beyond to make sure they understand your needs
Imagine crafting a masterpiece, a vision of perfection in your mind.
Now, the challenge is to bring this vision to life.
This is where the magic of clear communication comes into play.
In the intricate ballet of e-commerce photography, where every detail matters, clear communication is the golden thread that weaves everything together.
In the world of online shopping, where customers can’t physically touch or see products, the visual representation becomes paramount. It’s the window through which potential buyers view your offerings.
As highlighted by industry experts, the essence of a product, its texture, feel, and appearance, needs to be communicated perfectly through photographs.
The goal is to create a shared vision, a mutual understanding that will translate into photographs.
So, as you embark on this visual journey, ensure that your vision aligns seamlessly with your photographer’s understanding.
Engage in detailed discussions.
Share mood boards, color palettes, and even sketches if you have them.
The goal is to create a shared vision, a mutual understanding that will translate into photographs.
In this symphony of clarity and collaboration, you’ll find the harmony that resonates with your audience, creating visuals that not only showcase your products but also tell your brand’s story.
Tip #2: Go through their portfolio like a hawk
In the digital realm of e-commerce, the portfolio of a photographer is more than just a collection of images.
It’s a testament to their skill, style, and expertise.
Think of it as a visual resume, a showcase of their best work.
When you’re diving into this treasure trove, you’re not just looking at pictures; you’re evaluating their ability to tell a story, capture emotions, and highlight the unique features of a product.
According to a comprehensive guide on Shopify, good product photography helps a brand sell more.
The images should not only be of high quality but should also resonate with the brand’s identity and the intended audience.
E-commerce product photography is often taken on a white background to give a clean, distraction-free look at the product.
However, lifestyle photography, which shows the product in use or in context, allows brands to get more creative in their execution.
So, when you’re perusing a photographer’s portfolio, ask yourself:
Do these images evoke a desire?
Can you visualize the product in a real-world setting?
Does it make you want to know more, perhaps even make a purchase?
If the images pull you in, making you want to explore further, you’re likely on the right track.
The texture, color, and overall feel of the images should align with your brand’s ethos and the message you want to convey.
Furthermore, a portfolio should be diverse, showcasing a range of products, styles, and settings. This diversity indicates adaptability and a broad skill set.
If the images pull you in, making you want to explore further, you’re likely on the right track.
If not, it might be wise to continue your search.
After all, in the world of online purchase, where visuals play a paramount role in consumer decisions, settling for anything less than stellar is not an option.
Tip #3: Be crystal clear about their photography process
Hiring a product photographer doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Every product photographer under the blue sky has a unique process.
This process includes everything from planning a photoshoot all the way to post-production.
To understand it, you will need to know the basics of product photography.
It will help you determine the sort of photos your business needs.
According to PixelByHand, post-production in photography, which is a part of the process, involves refining the raw shots to produce a polished, professional final product.
This can range from retouching to adjusting colors, cropping, and even adding special effects.
So, when you’re looking to hire a photographer, dive into their process of getting a photoshoot done.
Understand how they plan their shoots, how they choose their angles, and most importantly, how they handle post-production.
Because remember, a great shot is just the beginning; it’s the editing that can transform it into a masterpiece.
Tip #4: Figure out how strong they are in your niche
Photography, my friend, is a vast ocean.
And in this ocean, there are many different fish, each with its unique style and habitat.
Similarly, in the world of photography, each photographer often has a specific niche or specialization.
Now, while a landscape photographer might capture breathtaking sunsets, they might not be the best fit for showcasing your latest line of handcrafted jewelry.
According to Splento, e-commerce product photography is distinct.
It’s all about presenting the product in the best light, making it look as attractive and true-to-life as possible for potential customers.
So, when you’re on the hunt for the perfect photographer, ensure they specialize in product photography. Their expertise will shine through in the subtle details, the angles, the lighting, and the nuances they capture.
Tip #5: Be ultra-clear about how they enhance photos
You can think of it as the enchanting spell that transforms Cinderella’s rags into a beautiful gown.
While the initial shot captures the essence, it’s the post-production that refines and elevates it.
According to an article from PixelByHand, post-production can turn a good photo into a stellar one. It’s where imperfections are smoothed out, colors are enhanced, and the product truly comes to life.
In the e-commerce world, where customers can’t physically touch or see the product, the image needs to convey all the details.
It should highlight the texture, the color, and even the feel of the product.
Post-production plays a crucial role in this.
Techniques like retouching can remove any blemishes or imperfections, ensuring the product looks its absolute best.
So, when discussing with potential photographers, delve into their post-production techniques.
Understand how they enhance images, how they correct errors, and how they add that final touch of magic.
In the end, it’s this magic that will enhance your target customers and make your product stand out.
Tip #6: Ask deep questions about their pricing and packages
Making sure you understand all the heads and tails of the pricing plans of your photographer is crucial.
In the world of e-commerce photography, numerous packages are presented, each with its unique offerings and price points.
But here’s the catch: it’s not just about the upfront cost.
Dive deeper.
What’s included in that package?
Are there any post-production costs?
Maybe there are hidden fees for additional edits or revisions?
According to industry experts, the e-commerce sector is booming, with billions of dollars in transactions occurring daily.
In this digital shopping era, the value of a product photo isn’t just in its price tag but in its ability to authentically represent a product.
A well-captured image can be the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity.
So, while you’re evaluating costs, remember that the real worth of a photograph lies in its power to showcase your product genuinely.
But here’s a golden nugget of advice: always ensure transparency in pricing.
Engage in open conversations with potential photographers.
Some requirements need to be carefully considered when hiring a product photographer. Discuss your budget, understand their packages, and most importantly, ensure there are no hidden costs.
In the end, it’s about striking a balance between cost and quality.
Tip #7: Go through (and try to verify) their Reviews and Testimonials
It may seem like a tedious job.
But going through the reviews of a prospective photographer and possibly, talking to some of those clients will be a huge help in making a decision.
So, as you scout for that perfect photographer, lend an ear to these stories.
Dive into their testimonials.
Are there recurring praises or concerns?
Do clients rave about their attention to detail, or are there mentions of missed deadlines?
Remember, these reviews are more than just words; they’re experiences, lessons, and recommendations wrapped in narratives. They might just hold the key to your brand’s visual success.
Knowing the tips above can save $$$ and days if not weeks
The 7 tips we have discussed above will help you pick the perfect product photographer for your business.
Now completely understanding them may take some time.
But, that’s going to save potentially hundreds of $$$ and time down the line.
So, go over them again if you have to.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.
Wish you all the very best!