According to color psychology research, 93% of consumers are influenced by the product’s visual appearance when making their purchase decisions. That is the reason why digital marketing industries demand high-quality product photos. Attractive images on the website and social media platforms became more successful. If you can add creative elements to the photos, they will become even more appealing. Let’s explore 25 unique product photography ideas to help you win the e-commerce race.
Unique Product Photography Ideas & Examples
Flat Lay Photography Ideas
A flat lay is a great way of presenting product photos. In this method, products are placed on a flat surface. Photographers take the picture from the top perspective. Using this technique, you can take pictures of multiple products and accessories in a single frame. Use soft lighting and a clean background to draw customers’ attention.
Flat-lay photography works best for fashion and lifestyle products. Food items can also be presented creatively in this method. If you want to present multiple related products in the same frame, use flat-lay photography.
Close-Up Shots
Close-up photography is the technique of taking photos from a close distance. Photographers use a macro lens in this photography technique. This method is useful for highlighting specific areas or any unique feature of the product.
Close-up shots can be utilized along with other photography methods. This technique works best for high-end luxury products and textile goods.
Action Shots
It is the way of taking product photos when they are in action moments. For example, photos of sports gadgets become more engaging if you can present them during sports activities. Photographers often use motion blur to create an environment of speed and motion.
Action shots are commonly used to present fitness gear. Use this technique to give customers a feel of real-world situations.
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Incorporate Nature
Include nature in the photography theme to give the image an organic feel. You can use trees, water, or mountains as the photo background. A natural environment can also be created by using elements such as tree leaves and flowers as props. Use natural light to create a sensible relationship between the product and the surroundings.
Eco-friendly and organic products work best with this photography technique. It can be a great technique for you if you are promoting nature and sustainability.
Monochrome Product Photography Ideas
Taking photos in black and white can be a great way of presenting the product. There are two steps for this photography method. First, you need to take photos with highly contrasting lighting. After that, the photos will be transformed into monochrome images with the application of photo editing software.
This photography style is frequently used for luxury items. It is also utilized to create an artistic and dramatic atmosphere. Watches, fashion accessories, home decor items, and books are a few examples that can be presented attractively using this technique.
Use Props for Product Photography
Props can make the product image more attractive and relatable. They can also be used to create a desired photo mood. You can use them to demonstrate the product’s application. This presentation helps the customers relate the product to a real-life scenario.
RMG and beauty products are frequently photographed with props and accessories. Props may be used when the product needs to be integrated into the customers’ everyday lives, and they can also complement the photo composition.
360° Product View
360-degree product photography is the process of presenting the product from different angles and perspectives. It allows viewers to see the product from all directions, providing a better user experience. Photographers take multiple photos of the product, often using a turntable. Image editors then apply appropriate tools to combine all these images to create a 360-degree view.
E-commerce gadgets, accessories, and furniture are often presented in this method. Garment products and luxury items such as jewelry and diamonds are also frequently presented with a 360-degree view.
Motion Blur
In motion blur photography, the photographer captures the subject with its movement. Motion blur is a way of adding a dynamic feel to a product photo. Here, the photographer uses specific camera settings to capture the movement of the product. Sports equipment, tech gadgets, and automotive products are ideal for this photography technique. Although it creates excitement, the blurriness can create confusion and distraction.
This technique is applied to portray speed and motion in the photo. For example, this technique is utilized for promoting vehicles, bike,s or cycle to establish energy and power. However, overusing blur can lead to unclear images and bad user experience.
Colorful Backdrops
It is another excellent photography technique for e-commerce products. Photographers use vibrant colors in the background. Choose a color that clearly creates a high contrast against the product. For example, you can use a pink background behind a pair of sunglasses to portray style and fashion.
This photography technique works best for products such as cosmetics, beauty, fashion, tech gadgets, and more. It helps retailers get immediate viewers’ attention. However, an overly colorful background may sometimes create distractions.
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Play with Shadows
You can play with shadows to add mystery to the photography. To take a photo in this style, experiment with the lighting source by positioning it at different angles. For example, you can take pictures of a watch with the shadows created by its hands.
When to play with shadows?
This photography technique works best for luxury, home decor, and artistic products. It can help you add a sophisticated vibe to the photo. However, improper use of shadows can lead to poor-quality photos.
Floating Product
In this photography technique, the product is captured in a way that creates an illusion of floating in mid-air. You may use a string, tie the product with it, and take a photo in a floating condition. Remove the string in post-production to give it a realistic floating effect.
This photography technique is most appropriate for shoes, accessories, and gadgets. It can create a memorable impression on the viewer’s mind. However, the need for post-processing can be challenging for individuals who are not good at it.
Lifestyle Product Photography Ideas
This photography technique is applied to capture the product in everyday life. It captures the product in a natural environment to present its utility. For example, a model can hold a handbag to show how beautiful the product looks in real-life situations.
Use this technique to create an emotional connection with the customers. Home decor items, food, clothing, and accessories are a few products that can be presented with this technique. However, during the photo shoot, make sure the product becomes the focal point, not the model.
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Shoot with Water
You can take a product photo with water or splashes to create a dreamy environment. During the photoshoot, use a controlled flow of water or mist around the product. Use a faster shutter speed to capture the right moment. For example, take photos of a soft drink bottle with water splashes to portray freshness.
This photography technique can be utilized for beauty products and beverages. It will make your product look lively. However, maintaining controlled water splashes during photography can often be challenging.
Dark and Moody Style
Use low-light conditions to create a moody and dramatic presentation. You can keep the background dark to emphasize the shape of the product. For example, a perfume bottle can be captured with dim lighting against a highly contrasting background to portray the elegance of the product.
This photography technique works best for expensive products. It can present the unique features of the product and grab the viewers’ attention. However, the visibility of the product is not often clear in dark lighting conditions, which is a challenge in this photography method.
Creating a Pattern
Create an interesting and visually attractive pattern with multiple product items. To take photos using this technique, place the product items on a solid, colorful background and make a symmetrical layout. Take the photo from the top, making sure you’ve captured the pattern correctly. For example, you can arrange a few pieces of lipstick on a solid background and take a photo to present different product variants in the same frame.
This type of photography is most appropriate for cosmetics and gadget items. It is a great way of grabbing the viewers’ quick attention. However, improper product arrangement can create a distraction and lead to a mess.
Focusing on the Feature
Focus on the key features of the product through attractive photography. Suppose the product has a unique element or functionality. In that case, you can promote it in the photo by zooming in on the function of the camera, taking pictures of a specific area, or using a simple background. For example, you can take a picture of the dials of a luxury watch to promote its exceptional craftsmanship.
This type of product photography is appropriate for any product with a unique feature. Highlighting these features will help the customer learn more about the product and make a better decision. However, do not forget to present the product’s overall appearance while concentrating only on the features.
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Product in Use
Take photos of the product in a real-life scenario to show its functionality. For example, you can take a picture of a smartphone while a person is video calling. This photo will relate the product to practical situations and promote its features.
Electronic products, appliances, and fitness gear are a few examples of products that can be photographed using this method. However, one quick reminder: when using this technique, keep the product the center of attention, not the model.
Macro shot
Take extreme close-up shots of the product to show its complex details. To take these shots, use macro lenses to zoom in on a smaller portion of the product, such as a pattern or special design. For example, you can take macro shots of a clothing item to present its stitching.
This type of photography is useful for focusing on important features of a product. Textile items, watches, and electronic items can be photographed in this style. However, relying only on macro photography is not enough to present an overall view of a product.
Evoke a feeling
This photography technique creates an emotional connection between the product and the viewers. For example, to present a blanket, photograph it on a bed in low light conditions to present comfort.
This product photography works best when you share an experience with the viewers. This method effectively presents home decor, fashion, and beauty products. However, focusing on the emotional aspect may often distract the photographer from the product’s practical features.
Shoot outdoors
Take product photos outdoors in a natural environment. Take advantage of daylight and outdoor settings such as trees, mountains, and waterfalls. For example, a backpack can be photographed with a human model hiking on a mountain trail.
The product can be photographed in natural conditions if it is connected to nature. Outdoor gear, automotive products, and fashion items are a few examples that can be presented using this method.
Use Blur Effect
Utilizing the camera’s blur effect can create a dreamy atmosphere. Adjust the depth of field in the camera setting and keep the product as the main subject to create this photo mood. For example, you can take a photo of a wedding ring with a blurry candlelight background to evoke romance.
This kind of photography is mostly appropriate for promoting products related to relationships and special moments. However, beware of overusing the blur effect, which can reduce the clarity of the product.
Illuminate the Backdrop
Use an illuminated background behind the product to create a unique environment. This type of photography is mainly applied to create contrast. For example, a bright background for shooting a smartphone can be used to present its modern design.
This photography method can capture products with modern and stylish designs that need to be presented boldly. However, balancing the light can be a challenge during background illumination. Make sure too much light does not blend with the subject.
Photograph in Strange Angle
Taking a product photo from an unconventional angle can help you get the viewers’ immediate attention. To add visual interest, take the photo from behind, above, or in a tilted position. For example, you can take a photo of a luxury watch from an unexpected viewpoint.
When to utilize this method?
This technique can be used to photograph fashion items, accessories, and products with interesting designs. Although it will draw quick attention, using an extreme angle can create distraction.
Product with Packaging
These product photography ideas involved combining a product and its packaging to give customers a complete idea about what they are going to receive. For example, a photo of a perfume bottle next to its nicely designed box can create visual interest.
Using this method, you can take photos of cosmetics, electronics, and accessories. However, make sure the product is the main focus in the photo, not the packaging.
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Themed Photography
Create a theme with a story around the product to portray a message. For example, set up a winter theme to capture a jacket. Make sure the theme aligns with the product and the target audience. Use light, props, and decoration elements to establish the photography set.
The photography technique is utilized for products that need to be promoted through storytelling. Holiday or seasonal items, home decor, or food items can be photographed with a relevant theme.
Product Photography Tips & Tricks
Now that you have a lot of product photography ideas, it’s time to take a photo. Consider the tips below to get the best results during photography.
Use natural light
Taking the photo in the right amount of light. Over or underexposure, shadows, or lighting imbalance are a few challenges that the photographer faces often. Whether you are taking photos indoors or outdoors, utilization of natural light can help you offset these problems. Natural sunlight during the early morning and late afternoon is the best to get soft and uniform illumination.
Keep the background simple
Unless you are creating a theme of intentionally using colors, keeping the background simple is the best practice. Use a solid white or gray background, which can help you keep the viewer’s attention on the product. An overly colorful background with undesired elements will create a distraction and a bad user experience.
Use props thoughtfully
Using props is a great product photography ideas only if you can rightly utilize them. For example, coffee mugs and beans can be used to capture products of a coffee brand. Make sure the props rightly complement the product and create the expected photo mood.
Try different angles
Try to capture photos from multiple angles. You do not know which one is going to give you the best result. Carry on testing these photos during your promotion and find out which photos perform best. Unusual angles often create interest which can be helpful for the photographer for bringing out a good result.
Use a tripod
Tripods are essential for the stability of the camera. If you are taking photos at a slower shutter speed, using this tool is mandatory to keep the image sharp. Tripods can help you capture every photo detail, avoid blurriness, and make the shot clear and focused.
Utilize camera settings
Professional-grade DSLR cameras have many helpful settings to help you capture the best shot, even in odd conditions. Before you take product photos, know about the basic camera settings, such as ISO, shutter speed, exposure, and aperture settings. For example, higher ISO in low-light conditions will increase noise. Additionally, a wider aperture setting is the key to a blurry background.
Edit your photo for a professional finish
Expert image editors should polish the photos in the post-processing to balance essential photo elements such as color, light exposure, etc. Additionally, it is necessary to perform basic to advanced image manipulation, such as background replacement and complex photo composition. Photo editing also makes the photo compliant for e-commerce marketplaces.
Common Mistakes in Product Photography to Avoid
From beginners to experts, photographers often make a few common mistakes that should be avoided for high-quality product photos. The product photography ideas sometimes play devil’s advocate if we don’t follow the photography rules and avoid mistakes. Below are a few of them:
- Overlooking the background – using bizarre colors, distracting elements, and objects in the background.
- Not focusing on the product – giving extra attention to the model or props, not emphasizing the product’s features and design aspects.
- Wrong camera settings – using higher ISO, improper aperture, shutter speed, etc.
- Using incorrect lens – not using the right lens for special types of photos such as macro and wide angle photos.
- Over editing – applying excess filters and effects in the post-production, resulting in distortion and poor customer experience.
- Poor lighting – not utilizing daylight, not illuminating from different directions, not using lighting accessories such as filters, diffusers, etc.
- Irrelevant props – unnecessary or overusing of props, using the wrong props, or improper arrangement of the props.
- Incorrect color presentation – not capturing the true color of the photo, resulting in color mismatch and customer dissatisfaction.
FAQ
What equipment do I need to take professional product photos?
A high-quality DSLR camera, lenses, lighting equipment, and tripod are the basic product photography tools. Additionally, you need props and photo editing setup for high-quality results.
Do I need a white background for product photography?
Although white is a preferred color, it is not mandatory. For artistic and themed photoshoots, you may need a colorful background.
What’s the best idea for taking clothing photos?
Clothing and RMG products can be captured in several ways. For example, you can use a human model to present the design and fitness of the product. Additionally, flat lay and ghost mannequin product photography is also important for apparel items.
Can I apply different photography ideas for a single product?
Sure. A single product can be captured in multiple ways. For example, you can apply macro shots, lifestyle photography, adding props, reflection photography, etc, for taking watch photos.
How many images should I take for the product photo?
Capture multiple shorts from different angles and lighting conditions. You do not know which one your customers are going to like. Experiment with a few of the best shots to identify the winner.
Conclusion
Product photographers should have a clear sense of the functionality, features, and application of the product. Knowing about the target audience is also essential for coming up with great product photography ideas. However, nobody can say for sure that a certain idea is the best for a certain product. Experiment in different ways, conduct testing, and take into account how the customer is behaving with the photos.
