Simple Photography Tips for your E-Store

Here are some simple photography tips when taking photos of products for your e-store.

Know the product
The dimension or size of the product will determine the space needed, because every photo should be taken with some room around it. You won't want to take it in an area too confined...

 

You don't want to show the keyboard don't you?

Background colour
A background colour can really make a product outstanding. Choose a neutral background colour and a plain surface. Usually, white or grey would be sufficient and if you want to spice it up a little bit, you can always add some decorations to it. You may need to try using contrasting colours, because different products can work better under a different background colours. 

 

Contrasting colours are good. Whoops, there's a loose cable back there.

The keyboard makes a nice background but cannot show the wheel.

Determine which angle fits best for the product.
If the product has features on the side or the back, you may want to take it from a 3D angle, so that you can show more of the product. 
Depending on the product, it will also give the users a sense of depth and size rather than a flat image.

 

 A back photo is to show there's more to the toy car.

The credit card is to help customers visualise the size of the product.

Exposure
Be careful, exposure here is important and should not be too much and too little. Be aware that the photo turns out differently between the camera and the PC so don't close your photo area so soon. 
Normally, a table lamp from the top will be sufficient and a little shadow won't hurt either. Makes it more real!

This photo shows the toy car well exposed in the front but overexposed at the back.

Camera settings
With camera phones improving these days, you can always hold off buying the DSLR. Everything above was photographed using a Samsung S3, at automatic settings. As long as you have sufficient lighting, your photos will turn out fine. Great for idiots like me!

Powerpoint
You might be surprised, but the newer versions of Microsoft Powerpoint (2007 and beyond) allows you to edit picture in a simple and almost professional manner. It allows you to adjust contrast and brightness along with basic tools to make the image stand out.

 What's my secret? I'll tell you next time!