Product Photos - Part II - Overview of the Camera

By: Jim Manley

Great product photos start with the right understanding of your tools and how to use them. Probably the most important tool that you will use to create great looking product photos is your camera. You don't need the most expensive camera to take great product photos. Just use your creativity to make your photos a compliment to your creations.

The most important thing to remember is that there is a disconnect between your web page and your potential customers. EVERYTHING you do on your website should be geared toward narrowing that disconnect. Usually that means very clear pictures, and multiple angles. Make the customer feel comfortable buying this product. They are placing their trust in you that you will deliver what they expect. Don't disappoint them.

When taking pictures, remember that your photographs should convey information, just like a chart or graph. That means remove things that don't help convey the important information to your customers. This does not mean that you should make your photos dry, and boring. This means, think about what information is important to your customers. What type of fabric goes with this necklace? How big is this bracelet?

Lastly, get familiar with your camera. Read the instruction manual. If you don't understand some terms, look them up. We'll try to go over some of them here, but there's no substitute for just doing it. Don't worry, no one is looking, so it doesn't matter if you take the worst picture in the world. Use it to get better. Send me questions, or better yet send me your photos, and I'll give you some quick pointers.

Product Photos - Part I - Introduction

Over the next few months we will be exploring ways to get the most out of your product photos. This will involve an in depth look at a number of parts to taking good product photos. These parts include the camera, the lights, the product, and the actual shot itself.

It will be important to understand each of these aspects in order to take great product photos. I would encourage you to take out the instructions to your current camera and become familiar with them. Also, take your camera out and start taking some photos just for the fun of it.

Be sure to send me any questions you have along the way, and I'll make sure to touch on each of them. I would also encourage you to post your own suggestions for our readers, and share any information you would find helpful.