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    Tips for Taking Photographs of Your Online Merchandise

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    how to take pictures of merchandise canada

    Images are an important part of representing your brand online. Read our article for some tips to make sure your images look as good as they can.

    Whether you’re using Amazon, eBay, or a more artistically inclined eCommerce website like Etsy, high-quality photos are essential to make your online listings look professional and inviting. But if you’re not a professional photographer, taking great product photos can be a challenge.Fortunately, there are a few simple tips that anyone can follow to take better photos of their merchandise. In this blog post, we’ll share some of our best tips for how to take merchandise photos for your online store. Whether you’re using a basic point-and-shoot camera or your smartphone, following these tips will help you get the best possible results.


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    Invest in a Good Quality Camera

    Investing in a good quality camera is the first step to creating amazing photographs. Not only will you be able to capture moments better, but you will also be able to elevate your photography skills even more. A good quality camera can help you take sharper product images and give you control over focus and depth of field.Having a good camera will also provide you with manual controls so that you can decide exactly how your photos will look, giving them a personal touch. Furthermore, by investing in a good camera right away, the sky’s the limit when it comes to honing your skills as a photographer, making it impossible not to capture gorgeous shots.

    Set Up Your Shot

    Setting up your shot is an essential step for how to take pictures of merchandise. By carefully selecting the location, preparing your product, and positioning it in the frame, you can create images that effectively showcase your products’ features and benefits. A well-planned shot can make a significant difference in how your products are perceived by potential customers, helping them to visualize the product in their own lives and making them more likely to make a purchase.Additionally, setting up your shot allows you to create a consistent look for all of your product photos, which is crucial for building brand recognition and trust with customers. By taking the time to set up each shot correctly, you can produce high-quality images that accurately represent your products and help drive sales for your online business.Here are some tips on how to set up your shot well:

    1. Take advantage of natural lighting

    When capturing a photo, one should take advantage of the natural lighting that surrounds them. One way to ensure optimal results is to shoot during the day near a window. This is because the light that enters through windows will create a perfect balance between artificial photography lighting effects and the sun’s bright rays.Natural lighting setups not only adds gorgeous visuals but also creates more depth in the photo and adds warmth. Therefore, taking photos near a window during daylight hours is ideal for photographers who want great results with minimal effort.


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    2. Use props to style your shots

    Adding props to your shots can be a great way to give them an extra dimension. While props can enhance the aesthetic of an image, they also serve to draw viewers’ eyes to certain points within the frame and provide valuable context that might otherwise be missing. For example, if you are shooting a portrait of a celebrity chef, adding a vintage cookbook or some cooking tools gives the viewer key visual information about who they are seeing.

    3. Framing and composition

    Framing and composition are critical elements to consider when taking photos of merchandise for your online business. A well-composed image can make a significant difference in how your products are perceived by potential customers, helping them to visualize the product in their own lives and making them more likely to make a purchase. By using techniques such as the rule of thirds or leading lines, you can create images that draw the viewer’s eye towards the most important parts of the product.Additionally, framing your shot correctly can help create a sense of context for your products and give customers a better idea of what it would be like to use or wear them. A photo that is poorly composed or framed can be distracting and may even deter customers from making a purchase. Therefore, it is essential to take the time to carefully consider framing and composition when taking photos for your online business.


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    Edit your photos to improve their overall look

    Now that you’ve taken some incredible photos of your merchandise, it’s a good idea to edit them with a photo editing software before you post them online. This ensures that your products look their best and that customers are presented with an accurate representation and encouraged to purchase. With a few simple edits, you can make subtle improvements that can really make a difference in how customers perceive your merchandise.Pick the right color adjustments and choose photos with good lighting, clarity, and composition so that you can present your merchandise in the best light possible. Not only will this help draw attention and garner interest in the product, but it will also leave potential customers with a positive impression of your online store.

    Take multiple pictures of each item from different angles

    When trying to sell items online, taking multiple pictures from different camera angles is key. Not only does this provide potential buyers with an enhanced sense of what the item looks like, but it also shows that you are serious and committed to providing them with a valuable and accurate view of the product. Good photos can be the difference between making a sale or not.Additionally, if you include shots of any imperfections or damages that exist on the item, buyers will know exactly what they’re getting before they purchase anything. In question and answer sections an accurate representation prevents askers from having to reach out unnecessarily using their own resources. With multiple pictures taken at good angles, buyers will have a clear understanding of every aspect of the item which should improve confidence in your business and lead to more sales.


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    Have a consistent look to your photos

    Having a consistent look for the photographs of your online merchandise is crucial to building a strong brand identity and establishing trust with customers. When shoppers browse online, they want to be able to quickly recognize your products and associate them with your brand. By using consistent backgrounds, angles, lighting, and editing techniques in all of your product photos, you create a cohesive and professional image for your brand.This not only helps customers identify your products more easily but also gives them the impression that your business is well-organized and pays attention to detail. Having a consistent look can also help set you apart from competitors who may have less polished or inconsistent product photography. Overall, investing time in creating a consistent look for your product photos can go a long way towards building a successful online business.

    APOLLO offers effortless insurance solutions to small business owners, keeping you protected from liability, lost merchandise and more. Get a free quote today and have your policy documents sent directly to your inbox today.


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    Originally published March 1, 2023, updated August 25, 2023

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