E-commerce Photography
E-commerce photoshoots are exciting and complex projects; from the multiple pieces and planning to the consistent retouching and deliverables for the brand. Catalogs, social campaigns, and online storefronts all receive imagery from inventory photoshoots. Whether selling ornaments or t-shirts, silverware or handbags, these projects are important to many businesses.
Project coordination and pre-planning
Knowing how many items are being captured is key to these types of shoots. Things to consider are if your product is seasonal (such as clothing or thematic items) or if you’re building a cohesive media library or adding to already photographed company inventory (and have to match stylistically). Taking into consideration if the item needs several sides shot or one stagnant image is also helpful in figuring out the schedule. For instance, for handbags, a full front, full back, ¾ and detail shot are typical, which means for every one item, four to five images will be taken which affects the schedule (as well as the cost of retouching each image and usage/licensing). Clothing can be captured on or off models or ghost mannequins, which entails styling each piece and can be a week-long endeavor for every new seasonal roll out. Jewelry is often image-stacked with macro lenses, resulting in 20+ images being stitched together to show the fine detail on watches and jewelry items—it is a time-consuming process.
Production and delivery
Once the pre-production planning is completed and schedule is established, the day of photo shoot(s) are meticulously executed. Producers and Art Directors oversee the flow and look-and-feel of the imagery, digitechs (if hired on set) can also work on naming image files, making sure color is accurate and files are neatly stored and backed up during the production. Some sets also include an on-site retoucher who starts work right away on the final deliverables, often making clipping paths and sizing images for quick delivery to client. Photographers and their teams are there to light and capture the imagery and stylists make sure the products are in alignment with the Art Director’s vision for the client, while organizing what has been captured systematically as well.
Mix it up: show the item in action
E-commerce shoots don’t have to just be on a plain white background, although many platforms like Amazon will have guidelines for what they require to be listed on their services. Showing the item in action, such as pouring wine into the crystal glass or a t-shirt on a model in an environment, help consumers imagine using the product that is being sold, rather than the somewhat sterile lay flat or clipped image.
Having fun with a product helps set it apart from competitors as well. Whether in studio or on site, bringing life and an experience to the product has a proven track record of more sales.
Book today
Contact us to set up your next photo shoot. Our crews are able to build an entire set independently or integrate into company’s marketing team to capture your products.
