When trying to make your name in the eCommerce market, we all know the challenges of getting your product to stand out. Flashy photos and stylized shoots seem to be what everyone is trying to push. But did you know that there are new rules and regulations that you need to follow when it comes to product photography? Amazon and other flash sale sites have updated their furniture guidelines to specific, clear, informational shots of each product are needed first and foremost- no more flashy images and text bubbles as the first thing customers see! The eCommerce platform is evolving at a steady pace, and our customers expect the best from each and every seller. The new regulations specify that they want a detail shot, environment photos, and in use shots. You should know how to cater every shoot to first meet the informational shots Amazon requires, and then to bring in creative sets and bring your products to life. It is through creative, clear, and informational photos that you draw your customers attention, and it is through the details that your customers know exactly what they are buying. Detail Shots Some companies think the little details on their products don’t matter but they end up losing a ton of potential sales because of these serious photography mistakes. If you purchased a brand-new car and it arrived at your home with no wheels attached, you would be extremely upset. The tires only make up a small portion of the entire car, so why do they matter? While that is an obvious question, too many companies feel they can list their products without any attention to detail. This results in customers ordering products and finding out the “tires” weren’t included. Online viewers want to feel sure that the money they are spending will give them the exact item they desire. The perfectly crafted detail product photos provide a visual experience that could only be rivaled by actually holding your items in their hand. Do not make the same mistake that so many of your competitors repeat over and over. Skipping detailed product photos and not providing a thorough product description are guaranteed ways to see your sale go to a different company. This basic and easy step allows you to “lock-in” every customer and washes away any ounce of doubt they may have in their mind. So, use the latest techniques and gear in the photography world to provide you with detailed product images that belong on the pages of a magazine. By using complex lighting setups, custom angles for the perfect perspective, tailored camera lenses, and high-quality backgrounds, you will build each of your product photos from the ground up. Visually pleasing and profit-driving, your new product listings will basically sell themselves. The detailed product shots will grab a customer’s attention among a flood of other items. People quickly scroll through the search results when looking for a product and you only have a split-second to lure in a new sale. Your new pictures will provide the details they want in the time frame they can afford. This is such an easy way to quickly set yourself apart from competitors. Environment Photos When setting up to sell your products, it’s important to find smart and subtle ways to catch your customers’ attention. You should choose a creative scene to make your product take center stage and get exactly what you’re looking for. A photo is more than just your product on display; it’s a way for customers to imagine using it. Whether it’s through the use of props or through strategic placement in a dynamic setting or colorful background, there are endless options to make your product pop. Sometimes a product needs to be captured acting out in its natural environment, wherever that may be. From dress shoes and slacks in an office, to jet engines tearing through the sky; nothing beats an authentic visual masterpiece. Take the up-close detail shots that you want and turn it into the treasure you deserve. Your customers will be astonished when they view your stunning product features in a “real life” setting. Not only is the visual connection off the charts, customers can better understand the full power your items harness. Seeing a suit jacket against a white background might be nice, but it pales in comparison to seeing that same jacket command a meeting of executives. Seeing the dirt fly from your cleats as they dig into the field would be an impossible temptation for almost any athlete to resist. Customers see these extraordinary shots and feel confirmed in their desire to start hitting that purchase button! Sometimes, adding some props makes your product image lively. When staging your item for a photo, consider forgoing the plain white background and choose to come up with something more dynamic and relevant to your product. A bohemian ring with decorative seashells would stand out even more if it was placed next to a few real seashells and some sand to really round out the statement it’s trying to make. Consider hanging the matching necklace in the background off a piece of coral to tie the whole photo together. By adding dynamic levels and backgrounds to your photo you can transport the customer into a reality where they wear your designs. Of course, if you feature the ring and, in the background, hang the matching necklace, odds are you’ll sell both at the same time. These additional sales don’t need to be with matching products but consider which of your products would pair well together in a photo or ad. Using a little creativity goes a long way. Here are some samples of the creative product photography for various product categories: Creative Product Photography for Shoes Creative Background for Personal Care Product Photography Color Background Ideas for Personal Care Products Personal Care Products shoots with Creative Shadows Photo Prop Ideas for Personal Care Products Nature-Theme Props Ideas for Cosmetics Photography Dark-Theme Background for Cosmetics Photography Creative Product Photography for Beauty Tools Creative Object Photography for Baby Care Products In Use Shots In Use Photos are static images that showcase a product being used as intended, highlighting its features and functionality in a real-world context. This type of photography is invaluable as it allows customers to visualize how the product fits into their lives, enhancing the perceived value and utility of the item. Amazon, in particular, emphasizes the importance of In Use Photos within its listing guidelines, recognizing that these images significantly improve customer understanding and satisfaction. By including such photos, sellers can effectively communicate the practicality and benefits of their products, leading to better informed purchasing decisions, reduced return rates, and ultimately, higher customer trust and loyalty. In the competitive landscape of eCommerce, In Use Photos are not just beneficial; they are essential for sellers aiming to meet Amazon's standards and excel in delivering customer-centric product presentations. If you want to learn a bit more about the in-use shots, feel free to read this blog post to learn 4 Ways Functional Photos Transform eCommerce: Boost Sales and Reduce Returns Summary Are you ready for the Amazon Photography Guideline update? The eCommerce industry is evolving at a rapid pace. Customers have come to expect a certain level of quality from all online sellers, and flash sale platforms are starting to recognize and do their best to meet this need. Photos are the most important method of communicating a product to your customers. Stay ahead with the top of the line photo quality. Improve the value of your brand as well as have clear photos that showcase the true color and form of a product will reduce return rates and increase click rates. When you earn a buyer’s trust with your professional image, the effects are invaluable. Not only will your products look better, but you will also look better as a brand, Amazon will look better for supporting your products. Amazon continues to update their photography standards so that they can look more professional, and in turn, so will your business. Make sure you stay at the top of the market.
