Effective product images capture quick customer’s attention. They illustrate the product’s quality, its detail, and how well it integrates into someone’s daily routine. But a single style does not fit every use case. A beauty item will require a different photography approach than a kitchen appliance. That is why understanding different ways of product photography is important. Let’s explore 20 types of product photography with a different look and style. You will get inspired with this list to set out for your next photoshoot and determine what method suits your product best.
Different Types of Product Photography
White Background Photography
White background photography is the process of capturing the subject in a plain white colored background. This background style is perfect for ecommerce products.
For example, you can capture a smartphone on a white background. Simply place it before a white backdrop to shift all the attention towards the product. You may use the photo for online stores or social media to present its precise shape and details.
Lifestyle Shots
Lifestyle photography captures people in a real life setting. For example, you can capture a wristwatch while it is worn by a person sitting in a coffee shop. This photography style will add emotion to the photo apart from simply presenting the product.
Lifestyle shots work best for social media, promotional ads, or targeted sponsored posts. It is recommended for products like sportswear, home decorative items, or kitchen items, etc.
Flat Lay
Flat Lay is the process of taking product photos on a flat surface and showcasing them from above. For example, you can take photos of neatly arranged makeup items on a clean white table. It creates an attention grabbing view which is pleasing to the eye.
Flat lay is a popular photography method on Instagram. You can use this technique if you are looking to boost your social media presence with aesthetic product photos. It is perfect for blogs, social media posts or lookbooks.
Ghost Mannequin Photography
Ghost mannequin is the technique of displaying garment items with their fit and style. Image editors hide the visible parts of the mannequin in the post production to create an uncluttered presentation. It creates a 3D look of the outfit without showing a person or mannequin.
This photography method is ideal for virtual clothing shops. You can utilize this photography style for RMG products like blouses, jackets, and even dresses to maintain uniformity and professionalism.
Macro Shots
Macro photography is used for capturing the finest details of the subject. It is utilized for expensive products.
For instance, you can take super close up shots of a clothing item to capture its stitching. This photography style is ideal for products where the design of the products matter to the customers.
Packaging Shots
Packaging shots focus on the packaging of the product. They present the design, labels, and brand along with the product. This photography style is useful when the design aesthetic of the packaging material is an important decision maker in the buying process.
For example, a retailer can shoot a skincare product together with its branded box. This can capture the product and the appearance of its box. These photos can be used for retail catalog and unboxing promotions.
Infographic Photography
This type of product photography illustrates product features through supportive texts. The objective of these photos is to clarify specifications, dimensions, or other useful attributes of the product. Infographic photography works well for gadgets, appliances, or dietary supplements.
For instance, the photographer can capture a blender and then add icons and texts to indicate the speed setting, capacity, and other features of the product. This photography style works well for e-commerce listings and brochures. You may use this style when you need to convey important information using product visuals.
Group Shot
When you have several items to show in a single frame, group shots are the most appropriate approach. It captures the product, packaging, categories, and bundle items within a single picture. This is a suitable photography idea for cosmetics, makeup kits, clothing sets, or gift packs.
For instance, you can capture a skincare set containing lotion, toner, and cleanser together in one picture. It will help clients understand what’s included in your total package. This photography style is useful for bundle offers and product line presentations on websites, catalogs, and social media.
Product-in-Use Photography
As the name suggests, in-use product photography captures an item in its real operational environment. It shows how the product works in real life situations. It is an excellent style for tools, kitchen gadgets, workout equipment, and gear.
A blender, for example, can be captured while a user is mixing fruits and other ingredients. This picture can promote usability and relate the users to real life. It can establish trust and make the presentation engaging. Websites, ads, or social media are perfect places to utilize this style.
Process Shots or “How To” Photography
Process photography illustrates how an item is manufactured step by step. This photography style is utilized when the production process itself is a matter of promotion. It is perfect for handmade products, crafts, or food items.
For example, you can capture how to bake a cake showing some special ingredients. It will help you create a narrative and build trust in your brand. These photos are great for blogs and tutorial videos or behind-the-scenes content.
Service as a Product Photography
If you are selling a service, then this type of photography is the way to go. This technique captures a staged scene while actual people are working or providing service to the customers. It works for salons, cleaning providers, workshops, and more.
For example, a salon service provider can take pictures of a man wearing a hairdressing cape, providing hair cutting service in a salon. These pictures engage customers with the brand and create trust. You can use these for brochures, websites, and social media where the customers may be interested in knowing how your service functions.
Overhead Product Photography
Overhead photography is often termed as top down shots where the photographer captures the product from a bird’s eye view. This photography style is useful for a clean and complete presentation of the product. Food products are commonly captured using overhead photography techniques.
For example, you can present a coffee setup including a mug, coffee beans, and a spoon to take a picture from above. This photography idea is useful for blogs, menus or Instagram posts where a neat presentation is required.
Reflective Shots
In this style, photographers use reflective surfaces to capture the product with its reflection. The purpose of this photography technique is to portray excitement and high end touch in the photo. It works best for expensive perfumes, electronics etc.
For example, photographers can take photos of a perfume bottle placed on a glass surface. These photos can be used for any kind of promotional campaigns.
Themed Photography
Photographers may often develop a theme to create a desired mood. They choose props, backgrounds, and color elements are selected based on the theme. This type of photography is perfect for special occasions or specific branding campaigns.
For example, you may use candles, pine cones, and snowy backgrounds to create a Christmas theme. This photography style helps create emotion and bring out a particular vibe. It is ideal for holiday-themed social media posts or email campaigns.
360 Degree Product Photography
With 360 degree photography, photographers will spin the product all around and take photos from all angles. They use special equipment such as a turntable for this photo session.
For example, you can showcase a sneaker as it rotates to display the product from different angles. It will allow the customers to experience the sneaker from a detailed perspective. This photography style helps the viewers make a more informed purchase decision and reduces returns.
Product on Colorful Background
Taking product photos on a colorful background is another popular photography idea. This technique is ideal for beauty products and fashion items. When taking the photo, the background color is chosen in such a way that it creates a clear contrast against the product.
For instance, you can place bright lipstick on a pink or yellow background to create a colorful photo composition. These photos are useful for ads and social media campaigns to get the quick attention of the viewers. It works great when you want something vibrant and noticeable.
Ecommerce Photography
Ecommerce photography targets e-commerce platforms and captures photos as per the platform’s guidelines. Photographers take motionless and neat photos of a single item to capture the detail of the product. They will use a light gray or white background. This photography style is utilized for Amazon and other e-commerce platforms.
For example, you can take a photo of a kitchen appliance against a white background filling the product at least 85% of the frame. It is a requirement for the primary product image of the Amazon.
Conceptual Creative Photography
Conceptual photography is the process of taking photos using unique ideas. Here, the photographer specially designs the photography setup using props and other elements and applies advanced editing techniques.
This photography style works best for the beauty and fashion industry. For example, you can take photos of sunglasses floating on air with lighting effects to create a dreamy vibe. Retailers use these types of product photos as an innovative marketing tool.
Scale Shots
Scales shots are utilized to visualize the size and shape of the product. Photographers take a photo of the subject next to a common object to give viewers a complete idea of the product. Small and strangely shaped items, such as jewelry and gadgets, are most suited for scale shots.
For example, take photos of a handbag carried by a woman. These photos will minimize the misunderstanding about the size of the product. It also boosts buyers’ confidence and decreases return rates.
Action Shots
Action photography is the process of taking photos of the subject when it is in motion. It presents the product along with its performance and energy. Sport equipment, tools, and outdoor products work best with action photography.
For instance, if you are selling bicycle, you can capture a cyclist wearing a helmet and riding his bicycle on a highway.
Product Photography Price List
| Pricing Type | Description | Estimated Cost, USD |
| Cost Per Image (Basic) | Simple product, white background | $25 – $50 per image |
| Cost Per Image (Advanced) | Complex product, editing, including props | $75 – $200 per image |
| Volume Based | Discounted after 20 photos | $15 – $40 per image |
| Half Day Photographer Hire | Hiring a photographer for 4 hours with basic setup | $300 – $600 per session |
| Full Day Photographer Hire | Hiring a photographer for 8 hours with basic setup | $500 – $1,100 per day |
| Model Hire | Lifestyle, action, or fashion shoots | $150 – $500 per day |
| Post Processing | Color correction, background editing, retouching, etc | $10 – $50 per image |
The table above is a generalized idea about product photography costs. There are many factors that impact the overall cost of photography. Let’s learn about them.
Factor that influence product photography cost
Types of Photography
The type of photography can greatly influence the cost. For example, straightforward shots such as the white background photography may cost around $30. However, for a 360-degree shot of the same product may cost around $400.
Number of Photos
More photos will cost less. For example, shooting a single pair of shoes will cost you around $50. However, 20 pair of shoes may cost around $30 per photo as the photographer will use the same setup to shoot all the photos.
Number of Images per Product
The number of photos of a single product may impact the cost. For example, a single photo of a cell phone will cost around $25. If you want five more photos of the same product, the price may jump to $100.
Use of Models or Props
If you need human models or props, the photography cost will be more than average. For instance, a skincare company should expect to spend around $250 per skincare photo shoot if they’re using a model. However, using props such as flowers may cost as little as $50.
Location of the Shoot
The shooting location can impact the cost of photography greatly. For example, shooting inside a studio will cost a few dollars whereas outdoor shooting may cost you nothing. Shooting in a special indoor setup can be expensive.
Post-production Work
The need for post production work can increase the overall cost of product photography. The price for any coffee mug photo, for example, is low because not much editing is needed. But for a pair of reflective sunglasses, advanced editing is required to remove the reflections. Therefore, it becomes costly.
Equipment and Lighting
If the photographer needs to use sophisticated equipment, the cost per image will be much higher. For example, the need for expensive lenses for jewelry photography increases its cost. However, the toy shoot will only set you back around forty dollars.
Turnaround time
If you are in a rush, expect an increased cost of photography. If the price for clothing photography is $300 with standard deadlines, you may have to pay around $400 if it is an urgent delivery.
FAQ
What sort of pictures work best in e-commerce sites?
White background photography is the best approach for product listing. Follow the guidelines of the platform and customize your photography needs.
Should I hire a model for product photoshoots?
It depends on the type of photography. For fashion, lifestyle or action shots, you must hire a model. For a simple white background photography, for instance, models are not required.
How many images for products are ideal for online shops?
3-5 images are standard for online shops. Images from multiple angles and perspectives give the buyers a complete idea about the product, which helps them make an informed decision.
Can I use my phone camera for product shoots?
For small businesses dealing with a few products, smartphone photography is just okay. When the business grows, retailers must consider professional product photography.
How much time does it take for a product photoshoot?
Basic product photography can be done within a few hours. However, more complex or bulk photography can take a full day or longer.
Do the photographers offer discounts for bulk photography?
Yes, the majority of them will give you discounts as the photography costs decrease due to economies of scale.
Conclusion
Product photography is more than just taking the photos and uploading them to the website. It must tell a story and take the viewers to the shopping cart. Selecting a photography style from the many available options depends on the specific brand, product type, and marketing platform used. With a combined knowledge of branding and photography, you will be able to produce visuals that will attract customers. Remember, great images will turn scrolls into sales.
