Guest post by Christine ofBernasconi Photography
How many websites or social media sites are you on each day that have, well, photography that just doesn’t quite cut it? (I know that sounds harsh, but just hear me out) I see it all the time. Fast and easy to load websites, well written blogs, great face book pages… and then there’s the photography.
Yes, I know what you’re thinking…we all have to start somewhere and I certainly agree that in the early days of your business you need to show your fabulous products off somehow. But have you thought about the kind of message your sending out to your fans or potential clients?
The big question is this…
Is your photography in alignment with your brand and style you’ve worked so hard to create? Does it represent your vision and goals? Have you gone to a whole lot of trouble writing and rewriting for your blog or website only to put up a ‘snap’ up of your fantastic product?
You really want you and your brand to shine through in your photographs.
The bottom line is this… great product photography can make a huge difference to your website or online store.
But, hiring a professional photographer to do the job is going to be expensive right? Well, not necessarily. A creative, professional photographer will have the right equipment and knowledge to photograph your products and show them off to their full advantage.
Its also going to make a huge difference to the kind of client you are going to attract.
Before you hire a professional photographer to do the job, here are some tips for getting the best out of your photographer and getting your products and ‘brand’ ready for their photo shoot.
Decide what visual story you want to tell with your images. Do you want the products ‘floating’, on a white or black background, photographed on glass, or are you going to use props to help tell the story of your products?
Lets say your product is jewellery. Do you want your pieces photographed on a model? Or attached to a jewellery stand? Are your products really colourful? Keep this in mind when choosing the colour of the background.
What about a dinner set? Are you going to use ‘kitchen’ style accessories to highlight your product? Or have each piece of the dinner set photographed as an individual item on a white background with no props?
Once you have decided what ‘style’ you would like your photos to be, its time to discuss all of these points with your photographer. He or she will probably have some other suggestions for your shoot.
Look online at other stores for inspiration and talk at length to the photographer to make sure your vision is realized on the day of the shoot. Some photographers will email you test shots for approval once they have received your products. This is really helpful to both parties and ensures that the photography style is exactly what you want.
Most photographers will want your products boxed up and delivered to their studio for your photo shoot. Speak to your photographer about insurance and bear in mind you wont have access to your products for the duration of the shoot.
Make sure all your products are clean, and in good condition. Attach a numbered inventory (and number each wrapped item) This makes it a quicker process for the photographer and will ultimately save you some money!
Let your photographer know if you would also like some of your products photographed for brochures or for your face book or blog banner. They will photograph some of your items in a more artistic manner.
Most photographers will also resize and crop your images to the specifications of your website or online store. They will also provide you with a CD of all your images in a format ready for brochures and the web.
So have a think about it – good photography really will make a difference!
More about the guest blogger:
Christine Bernasconi Photography is a boutique Sydney studio that specializes in Product Photography, Portraits and weddings. Chris is passionate about business and photography and can help boost your business with great product photography.
bernasconiphotography.com
bernasconiphotography.wordpress.com
