It’s no secret that high-quality, engaging product photos can be a game-changer in the e-commerce world. Despite this, many online businesses, both new and established, fall prey to common ecommerce photography mistakes. These errors can hinder customer engagement, reduce conversions, and ultimately hurt your bottom line. In this article, we will discuss the top ten pitfalls in ecommerce photography and provide actionable advice on how to avoid them.
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Poor Lighting
The first mistake many businesses make is failing to pay attention to lighting. Too bright or too dim, uneven or harsh lighting can cause unflattering shadows and hide your product’s true colours and textures. This can be avoided by using a proper lighting setup. Consider investing in softbox lights or use natural light to illuminate your products evenly.
To know more about lighting read our article on How to choose right lighting in product photography?
Ignoring the Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds is a fundamental principle of photography that helps create well-balanced and appealing images. When this rule is ignored, product photos can appear awkward or uninteresting. Practice aligning your product with the grid lines on your camera’s viewfinder to enhance the visual appeal of your images.
Not Using a Tripod
Camera shake can result in blurred images, which look unprofessional and do not inspire customer confidence. This is one of the more avoidable ecommerce photography mistakes. Simply invest in a sturdy tripod to keep your camera steady and ensure clear, sharp images.
Over-Editing
While photo editing software can improve your product images, overuse can make your products look unrealistic and misleading. Instead, focus on capturing the best possible photo at the shooting stage. When editing is necessary, be subtle and strive to keep the product’s original look.
Inconsistent Product Images
Consistency is key in product photography. Images that vary in size, lighting, or style can make your ecommerce store appear unprofessional. A product photography company can help you create a consistent look and feel across all your product images, increasing your site’s credibility and user experience.
Lack of Multiple Angles
Customers can’t physically touch or examine products online, making different product angles crucial. Failing to provide multiple perspectives is a common mistake that can deter potential buyers. Capture your products from multiple angles to give customers a comprehensive view.
Forgetting About the Background
A cluttered or distracting background can take the focus away from your product. Opt for simple, neutral backgrounds that highlight your product, not overshadow it.
To know more read this article on 4 different types of product photography backdrops
Ignoring DIY Product Photography
While professional photographers have the skills and equipment to deliver high-quality images, ignoring the potential of DIY product photography could be a costly mistake. With the right equipment, some basic photography knowledge, and a bit of practice, you can create compelling product images that meet your needs.
Neglecting Product Photography Trends
Staying updated with product photography trends can help you stand out in the competitive ecommerce market. Whether it’s using interactive 360-degree images or experimenting with unique prop styling, being aware of and adapting to trends can keep your product photos fresh and engaging.
Lack of Image Optimization
High-resolution images look great, but they can slow down your website and negatively impact your SEO rankings. Make sure to optimize your images by reducing file sizes, without sacrificing too much quality.
Avoiding these ecommerce photography mistakes can dramatically improve the visual appeal of your online store, increase customer engagement, and boost sales. Remember that the goal of product photography is to accurately and enticingly represent your products. If you can master this, you’re well on your way to ecommerce success.