Amazon Image Requirements and How to Get the Best Photos

 To understand the importance of your Amazon product images, stop and imagine a world where they don’t exist. No matter how well you wax poetic about your product, customers still wouldn’t truly know what to expect and would understandably be apprehensive about buying. Convincing people to purchase something that they can’t see for themselves is awfully difficult — and the reason why product photos thankfully do exist.

Clear, high-quality product photos show potential customers exactly what they’ll be receiving so they can purchase with confidence. And not only are your images instrumental in driving sales, they’re also a key component in improving your click-through rate, reducing returns, and curbing negative reviews.

However, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that certain rules will apply. Here are the Amazon image requirements you need to know plus some best practice tips to help your photos convert.

Amazon began making images viewable from the search results page in early 2022. Shoppers can now scroll through your product photos without clicking into your listing.

Amazon also started beta testing shareable product images on desktop browsers, making it absolutely imperative that you have helpful, high-quality images that will appeal to shoppers.

Amazon Image Requirements for Product Photos

According to the Amazon product image guidelines, every detail page on the Amazon marketplace is required to include at least one product image.

Depending on your product category, you may upload up to nine images to your Amazon listing, but reserving one of those spots for a product video is highly recommended.

In June 2023, Amazon made product videos available to brand-registered and non-brand-registered sellers, with the caveat that you must have been selling on the platform for at least three months.

Also, note that only the first seven images will be shown on the live listing; shoppers will have to click into the gallery to see the rest.

To create a consistent—and attractive—shopping experience and make it easier for customers to evaluate products, all of the photos that appear on the site must follow specific Amazon image requirements.

Amazon Photo Requirements

The following are Amazon’s site standards for all product images:

• Images must accurately represent the item listed for sale and match the product title provided.
• The product must fill at least 85% of the image.
• Images must be in focus, professionally lit and photographed or scanned with realistic color; no pixelation or jagged edges should be visible.
• Images can’t contain nudity or be considered sexually suggestive; leotards, underwear, and swimwear for kids and babies shouldn’t be shown on human models.
• Images can’t display Amazon logos or trademarks or something that can be confused as one; this includes words and logos with the terms “Amazon,” “Prime,” “Alexa,” or the Amazon Smile design.
• Images must not include any badges used on Amazon or anything that can be confused as one; this includes the terms “Amazon’s Choice,” “Premium Choice,” “Amazon Alexa,” “Works with Amazon Alexa,” “Best Seller,” or “Top Seller.”

A key rule to highlight involves your Amazon image size. The smallest your file can be for the site is 500px, but if you want customers to be able to zoom in on your images, they must be at least 1000px, with the optimal size being 1600px or larger on the longest side, not to exceed 10,000px. Zoom has been shown to increase conversions, so enabling this feature is highly recommended.

Amazon Main Image Requirements

Your main image, or hero image, is the first image that appears on your product detail page and the one shown to customers in search. It can also appear in Google’s search results. Getting this one right can be a huge boost to your bottom line.

Amazon shoppers have no shortage of products to choose from, so you want your main image to stand out by looking professional and making it abundantly clear what is being offered. If there’s any question on this, or if the image quality is poor, people will simply continue scrolling and go to other pages instead.

Since the main image is so important to the shopping experience, there are certain Amazon photo standards to follow for main images as well.

Amazon Main Image Requirements

The following are Amazon’s site standards for all main product images:

• Main images must have a pure white background with RGB color values of 255, 255, 255.
• Main images must be professional photographs of the product being sold; no graphics, drawings, illustrations, mockups, or placeholders are allowed.
• Props or accessories that aren’t included with the item shouldn’t be used.
• Text, logos, borders, color blocks, watermarks, or other graphics placed over the product or in the background may not be used.
• Multiple views of the same product are not allowed.
• The entire product must be shown in the frame; images shouldn’t touch or be cut off by the edge of the frame, with the exception of jewelry.
• Books, music, and video/DVD main images should be displayed as the front cover art and fill 100% of the frame.
• Products must be shown outside of their packaging; boxes, bags, and cases shouldn’t appear in the main image unless they’re considered an important product feature.
• No human models who are sitting, kneeling, leaning, or lying down can appear in the main image; however, models expressing various physical mobilities with assistive technology (wheelchairs, prosthetics, etc.) are permitted.
• Multi-pack apparel items and accessories must be photographed flat and off of the model.
• Clothing accessories shouldn’t show any part of a mannequin, regardless of whether it’s clear, flesh-toned, etc.
• Men’s and women’s clothing must show the product on a human model, not a mannequin.
• Kids and baby clothing must be photographed flat and off of the model.
• Shoes need to be photographed facing left at a 45-degree angle; only a single shoe should be shown.

As you can see, some categories (like clothing in particular) have extra image standards, so be sure to consult your category style guide as well.

Lifestyles, Infographics, and Other Secondary Images

Your remaining images should continue to help sell your product by highlighting its top features and benefits. Show the product in use or in a relevant environment, and incorporate different angles of view so customers can virtually pick up the item and inspect it like they would in an actual store. Props, backgrounds, text, graphics, logos, and close-ups are all permitted in your additional “other view” images, so this is your chance to get creative and build your branding.

Lifestyle images are photographs that show the product in action. These styled shots can involve sets, models, and/or props and allow shoppers to visualize the product in their own lives and form more of an emotional connection to it.

Infographics combine text and images to give more information about the product while also visually representing what is written. Infographics are great for educating your customers in a more engaging way.

But good secondary images shouldn’t be all glitz and glamour — you also want them to relay the practical information shoppers are looking for, such as the product’s size, material, and color (this is where close-ups of product features and enabling for zoom can really be helpful!). Size charts and comparison photos can also be very effective for increasing conversions, as are graphics demonstrating proper usage and/or assembly instructions.

What if Amazon is Not Showing All of My Images?

When you add product images on Amazon, they must also meet certain technical specifications:

• JPEG (.jpg or .jpeg), TIFF (.tif or .tiff), PNG (.png), or GIF (.gif) file formats. JPEG is preferred.
• Image pixel dimensions of at least 1000 or larger in either height or width preferred.
• sRGB or CMYK color mode.
• File names must consist of the product identifier (Amazon ASIN, 13-digit ISBN, EAN, JAN, or UPC) followed by a period and the appropriate file extension. No spaces, dashes, or additional characters are allowed in the file name.

Files that don’t meet these technical specifications and the Amazon image requirements either won’t be uploaded or may be removed after upload.

Product listings can also be removed from search until a compliant image is provided. If you’re not seeing all of your images, chances are something is in violation. The Image Issues page in Seller Central is a great resource if you run into any trouble.

5 Amazon Product Photography Tips

Keep these five Amazon product photography tips in mind when creating your images.

1) Show Your Product in the Best Light

While this is also true figuratively speaking, we mean this quite literally here. Professional lighting makes all the difference in your product photos. The sharpness it provides creates intrigue and makes it easier for customers to examine the finer details of the item. Dark, shadowy photos look dull and give your product a low-quality feel, even if that isn’t the case.

2) Try Split Testing

When your product photos have the power to make or break a sale, you want to make sure they’re the best they can possibly be. But choosing the ones that resonate the most with consumers doesn’t have to come down to the luck of the draw — split testing, or A/B testing, different versions of your images with your intended target market can help make sure your photos are set up to succeed.

Amazon has split testing tools available, and you can also turn to external polling platforms like PickFu to get key feedback from real people in a matter of hours instead of days.

3) Optimize Your Images for Mobile

In 2021, Amazon’s shopping app averaged 98 million mobile users per month. That’s a massive audience that you may be failing to reach if your images (and listing content) aren’t optimized for mobile.

When shoppers visit your listing on a mobile device, the only content immediately visible is your product title and images. The bullet points and description are located a lot farther down the page, so most people are relying on your images for this information instead of scrolling down to find those sections.

Including key product details in your images can help increase conversion for mobile users. Something else to think about is your image size. Images should be clear on all devices, but since they’re naturally smaller on a mobile screen, you’ll want to make sure your product can still be viewed properly. This is especially true for your main image which serves as the biggest attention grabber when shoppers are scrolling.

4) Make Adjustments as Needed

Your images really aren’t meant to last forever. That doesn’t mean you should swap them out every single week, but you should keep them updated with the times (especially if you have lifestyle photos) and use them to react to customer reviews that could be impacting sales.

For example, maybe you received several negative reviews claiming that your product doesn’t work when, upon further investigation, it actually came down to user error. In this case, you may want to devote more than one image to proper usage and assembly to stem the flow of negative reviews and better educate potential customers about your product.

5) Invest in Your Images

When it comes to your product photos, you can hire a professional photographer or take them yourself. If you’re just starting out or are on a tight budget, it’s entirely possible to shoot and edit professional-quality photos with a DSLR camera or even your cell phone, but you’ll still need some extra props to get them up to standards. Check your local camera store (or Amazon!) for a tripod, white backdrop, light kits, and more.

However, an investment into professional Amazon product photography will almost certainly pay for itself over time. Great product photography takes a significant amount of time and effort, not to mention skill. Most people don’t have the knowledge (the innumerable Photoshop fails on Amazon are proof of this fact) or resources to get it done the right way. And as an Amazon seller, you want your brand and products held to a higher standard so you can enjoy the sales that go along with it.

Turn Browsers into Buyers with Better Amazon Photos Today

The saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” is an old adage that’s used time (and time) again because it still remains true—maybe even more so in today’s technology-driven world. We’re very visual creatures, and our attention spans have only gotten shorter. Use this to your advantage and create quality images that not only support your listing content but have the ability to convert the large number of shoppers who most likely won’t be reading your listing text.

Images that are informative, eye-catching, and in line with Amazon photo standards will contribute to the success of your product and Amazon business as a whole.

How to create a signature visual aesthetic for your videos

 As you create more and more videos, you’ll likely find yourself choosing to use visual elements with common characteristics. It could be something subtle, like a color palette or font that represents you or your brand. Or something more obvious, like a motion graphic or a transition effect between shots. If used consistently, these elements will become familiar touchstones for your audience. Over time, your unique creative decisions will start to establish themselves as hallmarks of your signature visual aesthetic. And that will help your audience connect more deeply with your videos.

Defining and refining a unique visual aesthetic for your videos is super important for cementing your channel or brand in audiences’ minds. But did you know it also helps you create content more efficiently?

Tip 1: Visual aesthetics and efficiency go hand-in-hand

You have endless creative and stylistic choices when it comes to making videos. Different combinations of lighting, effects, and camera movements can all result in a completely different finished product. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by so many options. To combat this, Chrys suggests focusing on the things you like, and allowing your unique style to emerge organically. 

Identifying the visual elements you’re naturally drawn to is your first step on the path to establishing your signature visual aesthetic. Then, using those elements consistently across your videos is a surefire way to ensure your unique style will shine through. But that’s not the only benefit. Favoring certain aesthetic choices can also streamline your production process.

If you find yourself using specific lenses, lighting setups, or camera angles, take note of them for next time. This will reduce the number of production decisions you need to make every time. And that makes it a lot easier (and faster) to plan how and where you’ll set up your equipment.

Keep your lighting consistent for a recognizable visual aesthetic

Pay attention to how every shot is lit in your videos. This includes lighting color, intensity, and warmth. Different types of videos tend to favor different lighting setups, and each will create a distinct ambiance that the viewer will feel. 

Softer light, for instance, bathes the subject in a gentler, more flattering glow. You might use this more diffused lighting style if you make interview or testimonial videos with a lot of “talking head” shots. Hard light, on the other hand, is meant to stand out. It’s generally reserved for scenes where you want to heighten the mood, such as a harsh, concentrated ray of sunlight beaming through a window. Whatever kind of lighting you use, be sure it looks the same throughout your videos. 

A pro tip on how to use natural light: Windows are great, free light sources. You can easily alter the light from windows with sheer, textured, or patterned curtains to create different lighting effects.

Use the same camera and lens combinations throughout

You can use various cameras and lenses to give your videos dramatically different looks. Narrowing down your go-to camera/lens combos will not only give your videos a more recognizable aesthetic, it can also streamline your production process. 

When you go into a shoot knowing which angles, equipment, and lighting sources you’ll use, it reduces the number of production decisions you’ll have to make on the spot. That can save you precious time and mental energy (as well as some weight in your camera bag). 

Tip 2: Watch your assets

Creating videos requires a ton of decision-making, particularly around which assets to use. This can include everything from fonts and lower thirds to motion graphics and transition overlays. Chrys says it’s important to avoid getting bogged down by the avalanche of choices you have. 

We likes to keep his visual aesthetic simple. He only uses a single font and a handful of motion graphics and transition overlays in his videos. Some people incorrectly consider this a lazy approach. The truth is, these touches help make his videos stand out to his audience. That’s because they’ve come to recognize the consistent style cues he uses and has identified a bespoke combination of assets, angles, lighting, and gear that give his videos a signature look while streamlining his entire process.

Tip 3: Use color to your advantage when creating a visual aesthetic

The colors you choose to highlight in your videos can be a powerful visual differentiator, but selecting them can be time-consuming. Having a color palette in mind before you start shooting will drastically reduce the amount of time it takes to make your videos. One specific thing you’ll want to pay attention to is color temperature, which measures the “warmth” or “coolness” of your light sources. 

Soft, warm lighting is what you might want to capture if you’re shooting in restful settings like homes, restaurants, and hotels. For places like doctor’s offices, warehouses, and sports stadiums, harder, cooler lighting will usually help express the visual vibe you’re going for. Different light colors can make viewers feel a range of emotions, so don’t take that power for granted.

The time of day you film is another factor that affects the color in your videos. We prefers shooting during the day because it helps him achieve the warm tone he really likes. During the editing process, he simply copies and pastes his favorite color presets from his previous videos. Those presets speed up his process immensely, and ensure consistency across different projects. Every filmmaker is different, so shoot at the time of day that makes the most sense for the visual tone you want to capture in your videos. 

Using color consistently for branding and visual aesthetic

Color is a subtle but important branding signal, too. So, be sure to be consistent with color choices in your videos when considering your visual aesthetic, including any visual elements you incorporate.

As you work through your own creation process, pay attention to the colors that give your videos an aesthetic you love. Then, create your own presets so you can use them consistently from video to video. It will help solidify your signature look while also speeding up your production.

Flat Lay Photos: 10 Tips for Acing the Internet

 Creating a flat lay photo is one of the easiest ways to take your Instagram posts from “nice” to “Are you a production designer? This looks like it was in Vogue.” Whether you want to create some sweet Facebook ads for your small business or up your personal branding game, we’ll take you through all the steps to creating the perfect flat lay photo. 

What is flat lay photography?

Flat lay photos are images shot directly from above. Think bird’s eye view, with said view consisting of a beautiful arrangement of objects. Great flat lay photography tells a story through its objects, colors, and organization. It’s become immensely popular over the past few years, showing up frequently on social media. Personal brands use flat lays, company brands use flat lays…

…errrybody uses flat lays. Now let’s walk through some flat lay photography ideas to learn how to use ’em yourself. 

1. Get inspired by flat lay photos

If you’re not sure where to get started, or what direction you wanna take, we suggest browsing Pinterest or Instagram with the #flatlay to get an idea of what looks you like. Or browse our Pinterest pins and other templates for inspo.

2. Assemble your props like a pro

Just like props exist in theatre to amplify the scene, props are used in flat lay photography to amp up the pic. Follow these intuitive tips to assemble your best-laid photo (pun intended).

Appropriate theme

Consider the focus of your flat lay photo. If it’s business-driven, maybe you have a beauty blog and the answer is super straightforward (cosmetics!), or maybe you’re going for something a little less concrete (like trying to capture the feeling of excitement before an impending journey). Whatever it might be, establish a theme and keep it in mind while selecting your props so you end up with a cohesive look.

Prop type

Let’s talk prop type. Props can be neutral or universal objects like plants, books, paperweights, or everyday knickknacks you’d find around the house that photograph well. You don’t want to detract attention from the main subject – only to have complementary objects that will enhance the photo.

If you’re in the health and wellness field, consider stones and crystals, or yoga-focused objects. Décor with motivational quotes is always a good idea, too. Consider what energy or vibe different objects give off as you begin to assemble them. And put yourself in your ideal audience’s shoes – how does this flat lay make you feel to observe it from the opposite perspective?

Prop volume

Don’t be shy – pick a lot of props (more than you would conceivably use) so that you can swap things in and out while you compose your shot. As you begin to shoot, you don’t want to have to go back to your in-home shopping spree. The small adjustments you make can be intuitive and result in the perfect, marketable flat lay photo.

Prop color

As you peruse your home for props, it helps to have a color palette in mind. Different colors prompt different moods and feelings in an audience, so consider color theory as you prep. How does your variety of props make you feel as they lay together? How would you like to feel? Let these decisions inform your focus.

Diverse shapes and sizes

Lastly, go for objects of varying shapes and sizes in order to prompt visual interest. What just looks good together? Trust your gut. Maybe too many bulky objects clash. Maybe alternating objects as big, small, big, small, looks too staged. Create balance in your photo by mixing smaller objects with larger objects in a subtle way and placing objects of similar colors on both sides of the image.

This is a great time to consider diversifying textures as well — whether that pertains to your background or the objects themselves. Soft, rough, hard, smooth. Just like we desire foods to have a balance of salt, sour, bitter, and sweet, the same is true here. Balance is key. As you keep finding inspiration at home and on social, you’ll get clear about what exactly feels right.

Be fluid, be creative, be flexible!

3. Grab an extra pair of hands to assemble the flat lay

Some of our favorite flat lay photos look more “candid” because they include people (or, more accurately, body parts). If you want to create a look that has a sense of movement and action, consider enlisting the help of a friend. It’ll be way easier/less impossible than trying to pose and photograph yourself.

4. Pick a flat lay friendly background

When choosing a background, it’s best to keep things simple. A plain white background works well because it won’t distract from your props, but you can also pick something neutral like a wood floor or table. If you want to use a colored background, you can get crafty by taping some matte wrapping paper on a floor or table. 

Or, if you’ll be doing flat lays consistently, consider investing in some vinyl backdrops to easily create a rustic look. You can also magically erase any background you have after the photo shoot and put in a new one with our automatic background remover tool.

5. Stage your flat lay photo

Now that you have all your props and your background, it’s time to get organized. Set up next to a window and try to shoot in the morning or late afternoon when you’ll get the best light. Try not to use a flash, as this will create shadows.

When setting up your shot, leave a little bit of space between each object. This will help highlight each prop and keep your shot from looking cluttered. 

If you plan on posting your photo to Instagram, a square layout looks really nice. If you’re shooting with your phone, it’s easy to set up a shot by picking the square setting in your camera.

6. Leave space for text and graphics

You might want to leave some space where you can add text or graphics in post-production. If you’re creating an ad, this is where you can add your brand name and logo. Or if you’re going for a more inspirational look, you can stick in a quote.

7. Shoot from above

Climb up on a ladder or step stool and get to shooting. Creating distance between you and the flat lay will help you fit everything into the shot. This is also one of the only ways to ensure that your photo actually looks flat.

Once you’re up there, take a few test shots and don’t be afraid to keep moving props around until it looks just right. When you have your perfect shot, it’s time to edit!

8. Work some basic editing magic

Start your flat lay design quickly with one of our designer-made templates. 

You might have a great photo (we knew you could do it), but a few simple edits to your image’s colors, exposure, and clarity can seriously up the wow factor.

9. Add text and graphics

If you left space in your image for text and graphics, now’s the time to add them in.

10. Post it and bask in the glory of your social media savvy

You probably didn’t spend all this time on your flat lay photo just to let it sit. Time to share with the world! 

C-STAND TIPS FOR FLAT LAY PHOTOGRAPHY

 Let’s talk tips for flat lay photography. The number one piece of equipment that I recommend that you get to improve your flat lay photography is a tripod or a c-stand. But, how do you know whether you should choose a c-stand vs. a tripod…or both, and why are they even important in the first place?

I’ll break it all down for you in this post and tell you why I prefer a c-stand over a tripod for flat lay photography. But, let’s start with a little story…

WHERE I WENT WRONG WITH MY FIRST TRIPOD

I first bought a tripod about a year ago when I began my photography journey. In my excitement, I bought ALL the things. You know, every single piece of gear that I thought made me appear to be a “real” photographer. Tripod? Check. Everything you could possibly think of. Never mind I didn’t know how to use all of the things that I purchased, nor why I even needed them in the first place. 

In my rush to look the part, I made a number of rookie mistakes:

Neglected to carefully think through my selections.

Didn’t factor in quality.

Failed to consider the features.

Also, I didn’t even think through how I, personally, planned to use the piece of gear or tool I was purchasing.

With the various models available, these are crucial considerations to make sure the model you choose fits your current needs and any potential future needs you might have.  

Putting price of equipment above everything else (e.g., features, quality, current and future needs) was my rookie mistake.

Let’s take my first tripod, for example. I bought an inexpensive tripod that was around. (I considered it expensive at the time.) It included both the legs and a head that was attached to the tripod. My first professional use for that tripod was an interiors shoot. By that time, I had upgraded my camera to one that was heavier in weight.

When I got to the shoot, the head would not support the weight of that camera, so it wouldn’t stay in place. It kept tilting…which is NOT ideal for interior photography where you need the verticals (e.g., walls) to be straight. I had a lot of editing to do after the shoot. Needless to say, I only used it once. Talk about a waste of money! 

My first tripod definitely wouldn’t have cut it for flat lay photography. Had I known from the start that I was going to shoot flat lays, and anticipated that I would upgrade my camera and lenses to better quality ones, I could have saved up to buy the best tripod for my purposes. My goal with this post is to help you not make the same mistakes and to guide you with tips for flat lay photography in order to make the best decision for your needs when it comes to choosing a c-stand or tripod (or potentially both) for flat lay photography. But, first things first.

TIPS FOR FLAT LAY PHOTOGRAPHY: MY TOP 5 REASONS YOU NEED A C-STAND OR A TRIPOD!

If your goal is to shoot flat lays regularly, then having a c-stand or tripod really is a must, and here is why:

Ensures (along with a camera level) that your camera is directly overhead.

Allows your camera to maintain a consistent vantage point as you tweak your styling.

Eliminates camera shake (i.e., unintentionally blurry images) that is caused by shooting hand-held, especially when the shutter speed is slow.

Keeps your hands free to slide your hands in the shot.

Saves you from back pain from hunching over your scene while capturing the image.

TRIPOD VS. C-STAND: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

The main difference between a tripod and a c-stand relates to their primary and intended purposes. 

Most people are familiar with a tripod. It is a piece of photography equipment that is designed to stabilize your camera and is used in various genres of photography, from landscapes to portraits to products and food. 

On the other hand, a c-stand’s primary purpose is to hold or grip lights, scrims, reflectors and other accessories at various angles and distances to the set without getting in the way like a traditional light stand might. A c-stand also eliminates the need to have someone hold the reflector, for example, for you. Over time, photographers also began using c-stands to mount cameras for overhead shots or flat lays. 

A secondary difference is the way that the two are constructed. With a tripod, you extend the legs to get more height and widen them to get a more stable base. With a c-stand, the legs remain in place and low to the ground, and you adjust the body to get more height without compromising the stability.

WHY I SWITCHED TO A C-STAND FOR MY FLAT LAY STUDIO WORK

Reduction of Maximum Height

For a long time, I used this tripod for my flat lay photography. I love that it has a center column that I can position horizontally for overhead shots. Also, it is relatively lightweight and collapses to a small size, which is perfect for travel. At 6ft maximum height, I thought that it would be perfect for all of my needs. What I didn’t anticipate was that the height would be reduced to 4ft 8in if I used the center column horizontally and even more so (to 3ft 8in) if I widened the legs. This was fine for tighter shots but more problematic for wide ones.

You might ask, “Why widen the legs?” With a tripod, the legs go on the side of your setup. For some larger backdrops, you need to widen the legs so that the tripod doesn’t sit on top of your backdrop and cause potential damage. Also, widening the legs gives the tripod a more stable base so that it doesn’t tip as easily. 

The tripod legs got in the way

With the legs narrowed, I sometimes encountered a situation where the legs got in the shot, depending on the lens I was using. While I could compensate for this by switching to a longer lens, I like to make my lens choices based on the composition and image I have envisioned vs. logistical concerns. At other times, the legs would cast a shadow on my scene. If the legs were too close together, I found that I couldn’t position fill cards (e.g., white or black foam core) the way I wanted to bounce more light into the scene or block light from entering the scene.

For these reasons, I knew that I needed a different tripod option. However, my tripod already worked well for me in many ways. For example, it is perfect for 45 degree or straight-on shots as well as for interiors. It even works well for some flat lay images, especially if I am shooting a minimalist image with a long lens on a standard size (e.g., 18”x24”) backdrop. It is also highly portable and easy to take along with me when I deliver flat lay workshops at conferences. So, getting another tripod would only give me increased height and no other advantages.

IMPORTANT TIP FOR FLAT LAY PHOTOGRAPHY: ADVANTAGES OF A C-STAND OVER A TRIPOD

That’s where the c-stand comes in. In addition to the height advantage, a c-stand has the added versatility that I mentioned above in terms of holding lights and accessories. Plus, it has some additional advantages specifically for my flat lay photography. The primary reasons I prefer a c-stand include the ability to:

Get much higher above the scene:

This was important for shooting wider scenes as well as for using certain lenses (e.g., 85mm) that have a minimum focusing distance that was not conducive to the height of my tripod. If your camera is too close to your subject, the camera will not be able to lock focus, unless you use a macro lens.

The minimum height of my c-stand is approximately the same as the maximum height of my tripod. The maximum height of my c-stand is about 11ft, so I am now only limited by the height of my ceiling. Although the c-stand can extend far above my height, I don’t have to worry about reaching my camera because I shoot tethered to my laptop and control the settings from there. 

Set up two scenes simultaneously:

I am able to style one scene on the floor and another on a table. This works great when I have both a product shoot and a food shoot on my agenda. When I am ready to shoot the second scene, I just swivel the boom arm to the next surface area.

Leave my gear set up between shoots:

I don’t know about you, but having to break down and set up my gear every time I want to shoot is a bit annoying. I’d rather use those precious few minutes to begin styling my scene. No more tripping over my tripod legs or breaking the tripod down each time.

I keep my c-stand setup and just swivel the arm parallel to the wall or release the boom arm to rest vertically when I’m not using it. That way, I don’t bump my head on it and can walk freely around my office studio.

Slide large reflectors in on all sides for a bright and evenly lit photo:

Because of the triangular formation of the tripod legs and the length of my centre column, I was not able to position large pieces of foam core appropriately. 

Position myself to get my hands anywhere in the frame:

See reference image below. Without having to maneuver around the legs. I know longer have to practice being a contortionist.

The Ultimate Guide to Off-Camera Flash

 It is a myth that working with off-camera flashes or a detachable camera flash is only for advanced and professional studio photographers. Nature and macro photographers should use external flash units from time to time, even if they take photographs outdoors and benefit from natural light. Portrait photographers should learn to use flash from their very first photographs, regardless of the environment they use. Flash is also an essential requirement for product and food photography, interior design pictures, and still-life artworks. That’s why I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to working with off-camera flash to get you started.

Although having an off-camera flash can come in handy, the price for this type of equipment is high enough to make you think twice before buying it. Therefore, make sure you get one that suits your needs but most of all, learn how and when to use it.

Why and When You Need an Off-Camera Flash

An off-camera flash is any flash unit that is not the built-in flash of your camera. An off-camera flash can be mounted on the camera or lens, or placed anywhere around the subject. Typically, an off-camera flash is better than the built-in flash and provides more features. However, this isn’t the main reason for which you buy one.

You want an off-camera flash because it increases your freedom of expression. With an artificial light source at hand, you can take great photographs in less-than-perfect lighting conditions without compromising other settings such as ISO and shutter speed. Furthermore, you control the intensity and direction of the light, which allows you to aim for more creative compositions.

Instead of always lighting the subject directly from the front — as with the internal camera flash — you can use whatever lighting angle you want: back-lit, front-lit, or side-lit.

The Best Kind of Off-Camera Flash for Your Photography Style

When you choose an off-camera flash, you have to take into consideration your subject matter and photographic style.

Single External Flash

The most versatile off-camera flash is a speedlight flash, which produces a burst of light similar to the built-in flash. You can use flash with any subject matter. However, the trick is to make it look natural and subtle. The easiest way to do this is by mounting the external flash in the camera’s hot shoe and pointing the flash up into the ceiling. You can’t change the direction of the internal flash. However, this simple change of direction of the flash and bouncing the light off the ceiling will evenly illuminate the room with soft light and make your image look like there was enough light to begin with.

It is a very easy way to use flash. However, bouncing light off the ceiling doesn’t work if there are low-hanging lamps in the room. Otherwise, it is a great and simple way to start using an external flash.

If you photograph children or pets, don’t get the flash too close to their eyes. Portrait photographers also prefer to keep the flash away from people’s eyes because it helps avoid red eyes and strange-looking skin tones. The easiest way is to place the flash off to one of the sides to avoid red eyes and create a bit more depth in your subject.

Candid photography (i.e., street photography, photojournalism, event photography, etc.) requires a fast and flexible approach like this with the external flash mounted in the hot shoe of your camera.

A speed light isn’t necessarily attached to the hot shoe of a camera. Furthermore, it is much more powerful than the built-in flash, gives you more control over the light, and has an adjustable angle. You can place it anywhere in the vicinity of the subject and trigger it when you press the shutter by letting the internal flash act as the trigger. However, with this setup, the internal flash will both trigger the external flash and affect the lighting, which might not be what you want.

Using a Wireless Flash Trigger System

A speedlight with remote triggers is useful when you control the scene. Having control means having the time to set up a lighting system and a subject to wait for you. Use it with static subject matters (e.g., still-life, food, products) and human models. Most wireless flash trigger systems allow you to trigger multiple flashes with different settings, so you can sculpt the light as you want it.

There is also a wired option in which you use a TTL flash cable to connect a single external flash with the hot shoe of the camera. It’s a wired version that permits placing the flash at around 3 meters from the camera. But compared with the up to 100 meters of range of a radio-frequency trigger, it’s not so much.

Ring Lights for Artistic Purposes

Ring lights are an exciting option for portrait photography. However, they attach to the front of the lens and thus provide less versatility than a speedlight. Instead, you get a soft and uniform light that wraps around the subject and softly fades into the background. Furthermore, you can create circular catch-light in the subject’s eyes.

Light Stand

If you choose to place the flash off the camera, you will need something to place it on. You can, of course, use anything you have at hand, from furniture to rocks, tree branches, or have someone assist you. The easiest method is to use light stands. Like the camera sits on a tripod, an off-camera flash sits on a light stand. And also, like tripods, light stands provide stability and versatility.

Light Modifiers

You should also consider other flash accessories such as diffusers and light shapers. Diffusers are simple boxes that you place on the flash cap to create a smoother and softer light. Usually they are white, but you can also find colored diffusers that slightly change the color temperature of light.

Light shapers are more advanced accessories that modify the light, making it softer and diffused (e.g., umbrella, scrim, softbox), or, on the contrary, harsher (e.g., grid spot, beauty dish, etc.). They are used often in studios where setting up lights can take as much as you need and it doesn’t change very often.

To change the color temperature of an off-camera flash, you can use color correction gel on your flash. For example, to create a warmer light, you need Color Temperature Orange (CTO) gels. They come in various strengths and change the standard color temperature of the flash (5500 °K) to one between 2900 °K and 4900 °K. You can also use blue-colored gels to create a cooler look.

This is where your lighting can get very creative. Use a flash with one colored gel to light your subject and another external flash with another colored gel to illuminate the background.

Concluding Words

Working with flash isn’t easy, but the results are amazing. Off-camera flashes allow you to take pictures in otherwise impossible conditions, mix ambient and artificial light for stunning effects, and create more interesting compositions. You can use them for creating natural-looking photographs or abstract artworks. Working with flash adds a new dimension to your visual story and enhances the narrative. It isn’t a technical skill — it’s a storytelling skill.

4 Tips for a Perfect White Background in High Key Photography

A bright, white background creates a high energy, happy, and distraction free scene, perfect for pictures of your friends and family. Known as high key photography, this technique instantly cures problems with ugly backgrounds and focuses the viewer’s attention on your subject.

Besides being a popular for portrait photographers, it’s a more modern choice, rather than traditional (ie., painted muslin). Here are my favorite tips for creating high key photos.

Tip #1 – Use a Solid White Background to Eliminate Distractions

I used a big, white piece of paper as the background for this portrait of my twin nieces because anything natural for a background would have clashed with their colorful outfits. The brightness also perfectly matches their expressions.

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The solid white background eliminates all distractions

High key photography was the perfect choice for this picture of my daughter eating a strawberry because there’s nothing to distract the viewer from her eyes and the strawberry. You don’t need to use an expensive camera or lens for this type of picture, because you can use any camera for high key photography.

Tip #2 – use sunlight as your background

A white background isn’t everything you need to create a perfect high key photograph, however. You need one additional ingredient – light. A white background without light doesn’t appear white in the photo, it appears grey. My flash failed to fire for this next photo, causing an ugly, grey background.

To create a solid white background, you need to completely overexpose your background without overexposing your subject. That means you’ll need much more light on your background than on your foreground subject; about 16 times more light (or four stops of light).

Fortunately, we all share a very powerful and free light source: the sun. 

Tip #3 – use a flash on the background

Another easy way to create a bright background is to light it with an off camera flash. Simply move your model four to six feet away from your background and hide a flash behind your model, pointing it at the background. When you take your photo, the flash will light the background to overexpose it and make it appear completely white.

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Place a flash behind your subject to light the background

An off camera flash doesn’t have to be expensive. Any manual flash with an optical slave will work, including the $60 (US) YongNuo YN-560 that I often use. Simply turn on both the flash’s optical slave and your built-in flash. When you take a picture, your flash will trigger the off camera flash to light the background.

Tip #4 – don’t over, overexpose the background

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If you have too much light on your background, it’ll wash out your subject

You can overexpose a high key background too much. If you bounce too much light off your background, the backlighting will overtake your model and wash out your picture. For example, the picture on the left had too much light on the background, while the picture on the right had just the right amount.

To get a perfectly white background without washing out your picture, start your background light at its lowest power and increase it one stop at a time until the background is barely overexposed. 

ULTIMATE SAMSUNG GALAXY S20 CAMERA AND PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS AND TRICKS

 The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G Cameras

The main lens is 108MP, the telephoto lens is 48MP (with 10x optical zoom), and the Ultra-Wide lens is 12MP. It also has a Time of Flight sensor. A 40MP selfie camera is on the front.SINGLE TAKE: TAKE ONE SHOT, GET MULTIPLE FORMATS

When using Single Take, the camera will capture up to 10 photos and four videos, depending on how long you choose to record.Single Capture is a new mode that shoots a 10-seconds video and then presents you with a whole variety of photos and smaller video clips, all shot with different zoom levels and some with different effects like black and white already applied.The idea is that you shoot a little scene in front of you — say, someone is jumping into a pool – and instead of having to decide in advance to just take one image, Single Capture takes a whole bunch of different shots for you to choose from all at one go.You can then select the shots you want to save as they are, or use the software to automatically combine them into a little highlight reel you can instantly share with your friends or family.HOW TO USE THE GALAXY S20 SINGLE-TAKE FEATURE:To start the camera, navigate to and open the Camera app, and then tap SINGLE TAKE. Tap Capture. When Single Take is activated, the camera will utilize multiple functions at once, including Best Shot, Ultra-wide Shots, Live Focus, Filter, and Smart Crop. The videos will use motion photos, bounce and reverse, and Hyper lapse.After you’ve taken your shots you can select a thumbnail, and then tap Favorite (the heart icon) to set it as your favorite of the bunch.To access additional editing options with Single Take, touch and hold the thumbnail you’d like to edit. Tap Best shot (the crown icon) to set a clip as the best-looking photo. Tap Save to add the thumbnail to your Gallery and delete the rest. Tap Share to send your video or clips to friends or a social media app.You can also create a movie by tapping Story Video Editor, and then choose from Highlight reel to show off the best moments from your clips, or Self-edited if you’d like to trim the video yourself. In Story Video Editor, you can customize your video by adding text or music. NIGHT MODE – BRIGHT NIGHTThe main camera sensor has an astonishing 108-megapixel resolution. It can combine nine pixels into one single pixel that, according to Samsung, captures a lot more light. The result is a 12-megapixel image that even in the darkest conditions should come out well-exposed.The new Galaxy S20 phone Series also offers improved low light photography, stability, and zooming functions. If you want to take a selfie or video while out with your friends after dark, use Night mode for a high-quality shot without any distortion.How does it work?In low light, the pro-grade camera system captures multiple photos at once, merging them into one stunning shot with minimal blur and noise. With larger image sensors and AI, switching to Night Mode means you can shoot luminous nighttime scenes without flash, even in low light.Galaxy S20’s Space Zoom technologyWith the Galaxy S20’s Space Zoom technology, even when you are far away, you can zoom in close. Use up to 30x zoom on the Galaxy S20 and S20+ with Space Zoom, the AI-based Super-Resolution Zoom, or step-up to 100x Space Zoom, with the folded lens on the S20 Ultra with 10x Hybrid Optic Zoom.You can zoom in from at least 100 feet away using the Galaxy S20 5G and Galaxy S20+ 5G models and still capture the details on your subject. Use the Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G’s advanced zoom while standing 300 feet away and still get that perfect, clear shot.Once you’ve taken your photo, tap the Edit icon to crop it. Touch and drag the corners of the photo until you are finished cropping, and then tap Save.Once you tap on the different modes, the phone will give you several new zoom options such as 3x, 5x, 10x, and so on. The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G goes a step further and lets you try the ultimate Space Zoom mode.All you have to do is make sure that your hands do not shake much.However, if you are not a fan of the new options, you can switch to the old method of pinch-in and pinch-out. When you do that, you will see a small counter at the edge of the screen. Once that appears, slide over it to get the shot you desire. HOW TO CAPTURE AWESOME WIDE-ANGLE SHOTSThe wide-angle shooter makes plenty of things look amazing. Just aim your camera to a wide spot, switch to the wide-angle mode (0.5x zoom), and you will soon see the magic. However, that’s not the only new thing that is possible with the new Galaxy S20 phones.

Take a 108MP photo with the Galaxy S20 Ultra like a bossThe big deal about the Galaxy S20 Ultra is its main 108MP camera sensor. However, you don’t take 108MP pictures by default – you have to manually enable this camera mode. To do that and take a 108MP photo, simply tap on the aspect ratio icon at the top bar of the camera interface and choose the respective capture mode. Have in mind that 108MP takes up significantly more space than regular images and you can’t zoom in or out while in 108MP shooting mode. How to take a 40MP selfie on the Galaxy S20 UltraThe Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra also has an impressive 40MP selfie camera, which is capable of producing images with amazing detail. It’s true that selfies are often better when they show as little detail and imperfections as possible, but technology is moving forwards and it’s not really worth it to be left behind, so better get along with the times. To take a 40MP selfie, hit the aspect ratio button on the top bar of the camera interface, then select the respective capture mode.Selfie tone EffectSelfie tone is a new hidden feature that lets you tint the overall tone of your selfies with a cool, warm, or neutral tint. The same effect can be achieved with any third-party image-editing app as well. It’s great of Samsung to include this feature.How does it work? To change Selfie Tone, open your selfie camera, then scroll down to Useful features, where you’ll find the Selfie tone menu.GROUP SELFIE UISamsung has bundled a cool Smart selfie angle, which automatically switches the front camera to the wide selfie mode when it detects two or more faces in the frames. We tried this feature several times and can safely say that the transition is seamless, and the results look great. Activate the feature from the settings. Simply tap on the Settings cog and toggle the switch for the same.How to Rearrange camera modesFeeling like changing up the camera interface layout? Samsung’s got your back! Simply swipe all the way left until you reach the More sub-menu where all non-essential camera modes are situated and hit the pencil icon. After that, you can simply drag and rearrange the different modes that appear as large icons down where they’d be more easily accessible.

 

How to use the PRO MODECraft your content with a pro-grade tool set made for masters. Control the way you capture with the options at your fingertips in Pro Mode. Just like on a DSLR, you can manually adjust settings like ISO, shutter speed, and exposure level to your heart’s content.

 

How to use MY FILTERSUse the My Filters feature to create your own filters for your photos or videos. Take an existing photo that you like, and apply the colors and styles to another photo as you capture it.If you’ve seen another photo with an effect that you admire, just add it to your Gallery and use it to make your own filter. Up to 99 custom filters can be created and saved to your phone. How to CREATE YOUR CUSTOM FILTERYou can create a custom color filter on the Galaxy S20 series. So, if you like the color profile of a particular photo, you can have it as the base for your next photos.To create a filter, click on the Filters icon at the top-right corner and select My Filters from the list. Tap on the Plus icon and select the base picture of your choice.SPECIAL VIDEO Tips & Tricks

8K VIDEOGet the highest-resolution video on a smartphone. Samsung has revolutionized the resolution for mobile video, taking it from 4K all the way to 8K. That’s 4 times bigger than UHD and 16 times bigger than HD. That’s right, moving images that keep their super-sharp resolution even on your Samsung TV screen.The Galaxy S20 offers stunning 8K video shooting, so users can capture their world in true-to-life color and quality. When you are done shooting, stream your video to a Samsung QLED 8K TV and enjoy a best-in-class viewing experience or grab a still from an 8K video and turn it into a high-res photo. And even the bumpiest videos look like they were shot using an action camera, thanks to Super Steady and its anti-rolling stabilization and AI motion analysis.

Take Live Focus videoThat’s not a tip in the traditional sense of the term, but more of a public service announcement – Live Focus videos on the new Galaxies are now actually usable. Unlike previous iterations of the feature, which were mostly hit or miss, the Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, and S20 Ultra now consistently isolate the subject from the background and apply the bokeh effect evenly. Here’s a sample that we took a while ago:How to take a Super steady videoThe default video stabilization of the Galaxy S20-series is already excellent, but to achieve an even more stunning result, make sure to enable Super steady video. It’s great, but as we already mentioned in our review, Super Steady uses a crop of ultra-wide cameras to achieve that, and with that decision comes to a slightly degraded camera compared to regular video.To enable Super steady, simply tap the “electrocuted hand” icon at the top of the camera interface.

SUPER STEADY MODE AND 8K RECORDINGOne of the best features of the Samsung Galaxy S20 series is the Super Steady mode. As its name implies, it lets you shoot really-really steady videos.All these are made possible by the built-in anti-rolling features (up to 60 degrees) and AI motion analysis. So the anti-rolling and AI motion analysis will work together whenever you are capturing videos while running or from a car. And the good news is that it doesn’t crop out the edges. To enable it, simply tap on the Hand-shaped icon at the top.How to Enable Zoom-in micZoom-in mic is a great feature that amplifies volume and reduces background noises as you zoom in on while shooting video. It’s great and it’s definitely better to leave this one enabled rather than disabled, but do have in mind that this feature cannot be used with Live focus video, Super steady, or with the front camera. To enable this feature, open the camera in video mode, hit the settings cog at the top bar, then head to Advanced recording options. From there, simply toggle the zoom-in mic feature at the bottom.BONUS Create GIFs with a swipeFirst of all, it’s pronounced with a hard “G” (just like a gift, but without the “T”), and secondly, all-new S20 models allow you to quickly create a GIF by simply flicking down the shutter button. The resulting GIF is a pretty low-quality one, but hey, more power to you!To enable this feature, open your camera app settings, then look for “Swipe Shutter button to edge to” under the Pictures sub-menu. By default, it should be set to “‘Take burst shot”, but tapping it would lead you to change it to “Create GIF”.Augmented reality on the Galaxy S20-seriesAny and all AR-related camera features have been migrated to a new section within the camera interface. To access these, swipe right until you get to the “More” section within the camera app, and lo and behold, the AR Zone menu will be visible at the top row. From there, you can access various AR-related features. AR Emoji Camera, AR Doodle, and AR Emoji Stickers are certainly well-known to long-time Galaxy owners, but 3D Scanner and Quick Measure are arguably a bit more useful and exciting. The former lets you capture a three-dimensional scan of a real-life object by rotating your phone around it to capture a quick scan, whereas Quick Measure lets you… measure distances using the ToF camera at the back. Fairly reliable, but don’t count on it when purchasing a new sofa.

 

The VerdictThe S20 series’ cameras are packed with new features that are simple to use and will take your video and selfie skills further. It’s easier than ever to post exciting and personalized content to your favorite social media app with Single take photos. Enable Night mode when shooting outside in the evening, and use advanced zoom from hundreds of feet away without sacrificing quality.

7 At Home Photoshoot Ideas to Capture Your #OOTD

 I love selfies as much as the next gal, but they’re not the most effective way to present your #OOTD.

Since it’s not like you can show off your outfit at a party right now, you’re going to have to get creative. While we are all still (mostly) stuck at home, now is the time to try out some new photoshoot ideas.

We’ve got plenty of tips and tricks for creating the perfect backdrop, lighting, and more, all while in the safety of your own space!

Backyard Backdrop

The only photoshoot tip you really need is: find natural light. The best way to do that? Step outside, of course!

Even if you don’t have a perfectly manicured yard, there are likely plants, outdoor furniture, or neat walls around for posing.

No outdoor space whatsoever? Walk down your street and you’re bound to run into a cool spot. Or, find a blank wall in your home in front of a window and decorate with your largest indoor plants. Voila!

Tips & Tricks:

Find a field of flowers or trees to get more detail and depth in your photos.

Find colors that compliment you and are guaranteed to make your outfit pop.

Bring the Indoors Outdoors

Let’s face it; the mirror selfie was getting boring.

Thanks to TikTok influencers, they’ve switched up the game by bringing a mirror outdoors for the coolest fashion snaps. This is hands down one of the neatest at home photoshoot ideas we’ve seen lately.

This simple, but creative challenge grew into a really great way to capture some cool shots. Why stop at a mirror? Bring some fun indoor items into your outdoor space and stage a full shoot.

Tips & Tricks:

To avoid blinding yourself with any harsh lights, angle the mirror so you don’t have the sun directly shining on your face. This is *very* important.

Big, statement mirrors work best for this.

Lighting Games

If you don’t have a lot of natural light where you live or want to create a more abstract look to capture your ‘fit, this other TikTok challenge might suit your needs.

All you need is your phone, a roll of toilet paper, and some tape – that’s it! Set your phone in a place that will capture your shot and tape the roll over the flashlight of your phone to create a small spotlight.

All that’s left is for you to smile and pose!

Tips & Tricks:

The self-timer on your phone will help you capture the perfect picture.

Adding a small piece of holographic paper or even a crystal in front of the camera lens can add funky effects.

Mini Studio

You do not have to own a fancy camera or expensive backdrops to create a studio for yourself.

One of the easiest and most effective ideas for creating this photoshoot look at home is to use bed sheets. You can hang them up anywhere and bring in the props of your choice.

If you have large windows or some natural light, I recommend setting up somewhere near there (just not directly in front).

Natural light will make your photos feel bright and airy and help if you don’t have any fancy studio lights.

Tips & Tricks:

White sheets are the best option to give the illusion of space and will make any of your outfits pop.

Push pins or small clips with tape are also an easy way to hang up your sheets without causing any damage to your walls.

Polaroid Party

Out of at home photoshoot ideas? There is nothing more charming than a Polaroid photo!

The magic of a Polaroid is the simplicity and the fact that they’re not perfect. Yes, play around with staging and props, but don’t overthink it.

Tips & Tricks:

Avoid shooting with direct light as this can blow out your photo. Instead keep the light slightly behind you or at your side to get the best results.

Don’t be afraid to bring the camera closer towards you! A Polaroid lens captures a very different shot than a phone camera.

Windows for Days

Instead of just using a window for light, try posing next to one.

If you’re out of ideas about how to make this at home photoshoot feel more unique, move your bed or couch near one to create a cozier atmosphere.

You can always change it up by adding more plants to your scenery, bringing in different chairs, and other fun props.

Tips & Tricks:

Shoot these images during sunrise or sunset. You will get some beautifully vibrant colors and the photos won’t turn out completely dark either.

Don’t be afraid to open up the window and pose within the frame, rather than around it.

Play with POV

If you’re looking to capture a detail-orientated photo rather than a full-outfit shot, switch around your perspective.

This could mean an up-close glimpse at accessories or one item, or a flatlay of your outfit.

If you’re going the flatlay route and don’t have a clue where to begin, don’t fret, we have a guide on how to do it properly.

Tips & Tricks:

Find a background that will add style to your look while also complimenting your outfit details.

Outdoor product photography tips

 Product photography is much more than pack shots and white backgrounds – although those are essential for almost every eCommerce platform. One of the powers of photography is its creativity and range, and this can be used in product photography just as much as in any other photographic genre.

Some products need an outdoor shoot, but many more will benefit from it.

Scroll down now and read about:

• Which products benefit from an outside shoot
• Why it is more challenging
• Extra equipment that may be needed
• Why it is all worth it

So here are tips to help you get the more out of taking you eCommerce product photography outdoors.

Will your product benefit from an outside shoot?

Whilst you will almost always need some studio shots or plain backdrop shots for your products (some eCommerce platforms insist on it), many products will benefit from an outdoor photoshoot as well.

Anything that belongs outside or is used outdoors should be the first items on this list.

Cars, gardening tools, outdoor clothing and barbeques are just a few things that spring to mind from what turns into an almost unending list once you start to think about it.

But aside from these, many other products will benefit from an outside shoot as well.

Think about products with natural ingredients – soaps, shampoo, skincare. Food products – natural products or food items made with natural ingredients.

Many healthcare products are promoted now because of their nature-loving content.

Ecologically friendly ‘green’ products also fit into this group.  In fact, almost any product looks good in an outdoor, natural environment! And that’s without starting to mention products that look great un urban settings!

Outdoor product photography will benefit almost any product; there is something very appealing about any connection to the outdoors and if there is one, it should be highlighted in your photographs.

The more you take a moment to stop and think about it, the more you could add to this list. So take a few moments to think about your products and how this may benefit them.

Outdoor product photography is a challenge

Photography is about understanding the interplay of light and shadows and how they interact to produce ranges of colours and tones. And there is no getting away from the fact that outdoor product photography presents very different challenges to studio shots.  When shooting outside, you are working with natural light (predominantly, at least).

Photographing your products during the ‘Golden Hour’ (dawn and dusk) will give you a softer light to work with, whereas during the main daytime hours the light will be harsher and create deep shadows.

Make sure the light is to one side of your products, not in front of them. Even with the sunlight behind them (facing the camera) can work, but can produce a hazy effect, depending on its strength and the angle you are shooting at, so this is best avoided unless it’s the look you are wanting.

If the sunlight is too harsh, it can be softened using a diffuser – a screen that will soften the light for you. If some of your product is still in deep shadow, then you can use a reflector to throw extra light from the direction opposite the sun.

Much outdoor photography is done using a combination of both of these, in conjunction with a lot of manual adjustments to the camera settings to adapt to the available light conditions. For a professional outdoor photoshoot – this is one of those times that the single best option is to hire a professional product photographer.

They will understand how to control the light and get all the keys shots that you want and that your products deserve. Make sure you engage a professional with experience and knows what they are doing – this means they will already have all the equipment that is needed also.

Discuss what you want with your photographer before the appointment and – although the customer is always right – in this case, try and be as adaptable as possible around shoot times, because if the professional says early morning will make a real difference – that’s because it will.

Regardless of perfect times (not always possible, of course), you can be confident that a professional product photographer will do the best job possible, whatever the light conditions.

The benefits of outdoor product photography

We’ve already mentioned a few – but if outdoor photography can be a challenge, why bother?

Here are just a few reasons:

An outdoor photoshoot will make your product stand out from all the other similar items that have only been photographed in a studio. They will get you noticed.

Outdoor product photography can show scale, by having your product being worn or being photographed next to something else – even a building!

There are many more ways to get creative with in-context or lifestyle shots than if you are restricted to a studio; you can show your product being used in real-life situations.

Products with natural ingredients or components look great in natural settings.

You have a limitless choice of backgrounds – so there is definitely one that will make your product look perfect!

If you want a promote a ‘natural’ message you have an endless supply of props and extras – literally everything that nature provides.

Natural sunlight makes photographs look amazing!

So go ahead and try it

Lifestyle product photography

You can have fantastic products, but if you don’t show how your products will benefit your customers, how will you convert leads into sales? Your products can be introduced to your customers more effectively with lifestyle photography. Best of all, it doesn’t need to cost a fortune.

What is lifestyle product photography?

Lifestyle product photography shows products for sale in the context of the environments in which they’re intended to be used. It makes products more relatable and helps shoppers envision how they’d use the items in their own lives. 

Whenever consumers shop for new products online, they learn more about them through text and photos. Written descriptions are great for explaining every little detail—what the product is, how to use it, top features, size, and available colors or materials.

Lifestyle photography, on the other hand, puts the product in the context of everyday consumers. Using the right location, props, and often models, lifestyle photography helps buyers envision what it’s like to own and use the product—as well as how the product might improve their life or how they might feel after purchasing it.

For example, if you sell computer accessories, buyers want to see what the keyboard or mouse pad may look like on a typical desk. If you sell shoes, buyers want to picture how they might style their outfit or use the shoes on appropriate surfaces—trails for hiking shoes or the dance floor in high heels, for example.. 

Lifestyle photography takes the guesswork out and shows a lifestyle the brand promotes—often aspirational but not entirely out of reach. After all, the goal is to grab attention and encourage shoppers to hit “add to cart.” 

Healthcare product provider Carstens supplements its wall-mounted workstation product photos with lifestyle ones. The product shots on a white background are great for inspecting the product. But the lifestyle shot of a nurse attending to a young patient brings context to the company’s products.

Prospective buyers can visualize the product as a valuable addition to their healthcare facility when they see the nurse’s positive interaction with her patient. It also shows Carstens customers that the brand knows patient care and support are pillars of the healthcare industry.

A recent survey found that 51% of consumers believe their relationships with brands start the moment they feel understood by those brands. Lifestyle photos can kickstart that connection, demonstrating you understand consumers’ pain points and how your products can solve them.

What makes lifestyle photos successful is the photography team’s ability to create themes people can relate to. It goes beyond creating a photo that looks good on a website. It can be the start of a positive relationship if customers feel like the brand understands what they need and desire.

Lifestyle vs. product photography

Lifestyle images and product photography both feature products, but the styling and purpose of photos differ. Product photos show your customers exactly what they’re buying, providing views from different angles, with and without packaging.

As a health and beauty brand, you could show a facial cream’s color or texture and the jar it comes in. If you sell lipsticks, you can show different color swatches to help consumers compare them. Some product photos also display what’s included in the purchase, such as any extra accessories, cleaning or care products, or other complementary items. 

Ecommerce product photos generally have a white or light gray background—ideal for browsing, hero shots, and third-party marketplace selling. Some brands use colorful backgrounds, props, or product groups to add creativity. Most product shots are high quality and high enough resolution to allow consumers to examine the product from every angle. Some products even have a 360-degree spin.

Lifestyle photos, on the other hand, focus less on product information. The goal of lifestyle photography is to show where and how consumers are likely to use the product, along with the intended results.

Home goods and gifts merchant MOXON London lists a diary for sale on its website. The product page  features a lifestyle shot and a white background product photo side-by-side. The left image shows a young professional flipping through a diary—a familiar moment for many at the start of every workday. 

The white background product photo on the right shows the layout of each diary spread. A combination of product and lifestyle photos provides consumers with practical information and aspirational lifestyle.

Another example is lifestyle and wellness brand Paris Laundry, which uses both types of photography for its online store. The first photo for the brand’s nourishing facial oil shop listing is a straightforward ecommerce-style product shot with a white background. It shows the packaging and the glass bottle.

Paris Laundry also uses a group photo of its skincare products. This photo highlights other products by the same brand and may help upsell other complimentary items. 

Following that, you can see a more creative product shot that still features the same glass bottle with added oil drops and a vibrant grapefruit.

The brand has chosen a female model with dewy skin and minimal makeup for the facial oil’s lifestyle photos. With a smile, she’s holding the glass bottle, ready to use the oil. The styling of the photo mirrors the product’s signature colors of white and gold. 

With the claims of rejuvenating skin and minimizing signs of aging, the facial oil’s target audience is likely reflected in the model’s appearance: women buyers who want to look after their skin using luxury skincare with long-lasting benefits.

The importance of lifestyle product photography

Lifestyle product photography brings a new level of intimacy and transparency to browsing products. It can also make the difference between opting in or out of a purchase. Or help decide on keeping the product or sending it back for a refund.  

To put it into perspective, a recent study found 37% of shoppers returned their purchases because of unmet expectations. Another 29% felt unhappy the product looked different in person than online. Accurately representing your products through photography is critical to your bottom line. 

Lifestyle photos can also answer questions buyers may have. For example, you can show where best to use the product, like at home, in an office or business environment, or outdoors. You can also show the scale of the product. Plus you can repurpose your lifestyle shots for other uses—social media, digital ads, press releases, packaging inserts, brochures, and more. 

You can commission two types of lifestyle photos: composites with existing stock photos and your product or photoshoots put together from scratch by photographers, studios, or agencies.

1. Lifestyle photography composites

Lifestyle photography composites involve Photoshopping a product image(s) into another image that features context for your photo setting. This means you don’t need to worry about props or models on set, and you can source backgrounds and context images from stock sites. 

A good composite will look natural, so much so you can’t tell it from an actual photograph. To get a natural result, photographers and editors will add elements like natural shadows and make sure the product doesn’t have sharp cut out edges. For example, we created the lifestyle composite below with a stock photo of the kitchen for the background and added the product photo we shot for our client in the foreground. Without knowing, you’d likely think it’s a real photograph.

Some of the benefits of using lifestyle composites instead of organizing a photoshoot include:

Save on model fees. Professional model fees range from $300 to $3000 per day. Plus, photoshoots with models often include hiring a professional hair stylist, makeup artist, and stylist. You also need to add time spent on casting the right talent

Avoid hassle with photoshoot locations. Shooting on location at a private residence usually requires a property release and can cost between $400–$2000 for the day. With a full-on lifestyle shot, you’d also likely need props, a set, and a stylist. The photographer may also require special equipment and an assistant. And if the location has complicated lighting, more advanced retouching may be required.Not to mention the food for cast and crew is an often-overlooked expense.

Reduce costs overall. A full day of professional-level lifestyle photography can result in around 5–10 final looks in a day, can involve between 5–6 different parties, and cost $2000–$10,000. The budget for composites pale in comparison. In fact, you can get lifestyle composite shots from POW for as little as $150 per image—pricing that makes for easy budgeting and planning. 

2. Products in-use

Lifestyle photoshoots organized from scratch show products in use. These photos are taken on location in the original scene they depict. Unlike composites, lifestyle photos aren’t edited onto new backgrounds. Instead, it’s all shot together at once. 

For example, baby and children clothing brand Monica + Andy uses lifestyle photos, both with and without models. The first photo shows a set of play chairs for toddlers. The background looks like an authentic children’s room, although the image might have been shot in a studio. The leftover fruit on the table implies children have just been there. The second photo shows two content toddlers sitting in chairs and playing at the table. The model outfits are carefully coordinated, as are all the props in the photo.

To execute a photoshoot like this, it’s essential to hire an experienced lifestyle photographer—even though it comes at a high price.

Lifestyle photography tips

If you want to hire a photographer for lifestyle photography, follow our tips to make the most of your photoshoot. If you haven’t done this before or weren’t satisfied with the results the first time, these suggestions will help you prepare for every stage of the process.

Stay organized

As you start with your first lifestyle shoot, set up a simple, accessible file management system to store your photos. You may reuse them in the future. Having an organized asset library will speed up the process when you or a marketing team member need to use a photo you’ve ordered in the past, even more so if your team works remotely. We recommend using a standard naming convention for your assets so that as your business expands, your organizational process can also handle the scale.

Be clear with your vision

Once you have a better idea of your brand’s visual identity, it’s time to brainstorm and share shoot ideas with your photographer. You can use Pinterest to create moodboards with photos that align with your branding and ideas for scene setups, model outfits, product placement, and more. 

It’s easy to go overboard with your vision, but your photographer can advise what’s feasible, given the timeframe and budget. Make sure you know which products you want to shoot and have the stock ready—you may want to get more than one unit of the same product in case any get damaged before or during the shoot. 

To keep everything on track, it helps to create a shot list. This will help you ensure you’ve covered all the bases as well as your photographer understand your expectations. 

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Show your brand’s values and personality

Lifestyle photos should reflect your brand’s values and personality. For example, is your business eco-friendly, or does it target the latest technology trends? Is your brand inclusive, or does it stick to traditional values? Knowing if your brand is more playful, relaxed, serious, or polished can help your photographer understand what photos to create.

Fur, a vegan skincare brand, markets itself to bodies of all types. The brand’s modern, off-the-cuff vibe is also reflected in its product shots. For example, the lifestyle photo for bath drops shows a grainy photo taken with direct camera flash, reminiscent of retro film photographs taken in the spur of the moment.

On the other hand, the sea-inspired bath and body brand Old Whaling Company opts for a more polished, classic look. The lifestyle photo for its bar soap set is bright with soft lighting and crisp details. The styling signals a more traditional bathroom setup compared to Fur.

Mix it up

Why only promote one product at a time when you can include others in your photos? Use other products from your line as props in the background or mix and match to add texture, color, and visual interest. 

Sustainable home care product retailer Full Circle highlights its soap dispenser in the lifestyle photo above. But you can also see other matching products in the background. Not only do the other items help create a realistic kitchen scene, but they also show consumers how the products work well together.

Put yourself in your customers’ shoes

If you need ideas for lifestyle photos, think about questions your customers may have about your products, such as where they should use them. For consumers to be able to relate to your photos, use models whose appearance, body language, and outfits reflect the product’s target audience.

Not sure what questions your customers have? Check with your customer success team to see what types of queries they’re getting. You might also check your on-site search report to see if people are searching for answers on your site. 

Maintain your standards

If you receive poor-quality photos, consider whether it’s worth using them at all—a bad-quality photo may be more damaging than no photo at all. You don’t want to get off on the wrong foot and scare people away with a bad first impression. At the same time, reflect on what may have gone wrong to lead to a negative outcome.

Double-check your brand guidelines and photoshoot requests in case of a communication breakdown. It’s also possible it wasn’t the right photographer for your brand.

Maximize your investment

You’ve already invested time and money into a new set of lifestyle photos—now is the time to bring a return on your investment. Make the most of them in other parts of your marketing besides product listings on an online store or website. 

Sharing lifestyle photos on social media is an excellent way to raise brand awareness. In a recent study, almost half (48%) of online shoppers reported social media is a good source for discovering new products. As many as 87% took action after seeing a product they liked on Instagram: they followed the brand, visited its website, or made a purchase. 

How to get lifestyle photography

Depending on your budget, you have several options to get lifestyle photos for your business. Don’t be discouraged if your business is small and you don’t have a substantial amount for photography now—there are ways you can still get lifestyle photos worth sharing on your website or online store. 

Hire a photographer or a studio

Hiring a qualified photographer or studio gives you access to professionals who live and breathe photography. While the most costly route, it typically yields the best results. 

Find a photographer with a portfolio that matches your brand style. Every photographer has a different style and niche. A photographer who takes dark, edgy photos outside may not be a good fit for a bright, fun indoor children’s product photoshoot.

Compare at least three estimates. This is standard, and it’s the only way to get a sense of what’s realistic and required to make your expectations a success.

Keep your expectations reasonable. A normal lifestyle shoot is around 5-10 looks in a day with one model. Think of a look as a scene or setup. If you want an estimate for 100 looks, the quote will increase accordingly.

Pay attention to each photographer’s portfolio. Some beginners might have a few nice photos, but you don’t want to hire someone who is not up to the task. The more you compare, the better you’ll get at spotting good and bad photos.

Hire a studio to photograph your product and then edit it onto a stock photo. An experienced team of photographers and editors will match your product with an existing stock photo for a realistic composite, so you don’t have to spend time and money organizing a lifestyle photoshoot. Look out for all-inclusive pricing, so you don’t have to pay extra to use your photos commercially—when you work with POW, for example, you pay just $150 per image. That’s it. When comparing studios, check for examples with realistic shadows and lighting. 

Get creative using social media

If you have a fun lifestyle brand Instagram influencers will love, you might be able to get someone to do it for trade or part-commission-part-trade. When looking for potential collaborations, keep an eye out for influencers who do their own photography in a style that will work for your brand, too. 

Do it yourself

If you’re not up for hiring a professional product photographer, you may want to try doing it yourself. The results will probably be similar to a low-production shoot. 

There’s nothing wrong with that, and you should go for it. Especially if you have creative or technical experience or have friends, family, or industry colleagues who are glad to assist and can contribute their talents or experience.

An essential thing to look out for is lighting in your setup. Soft lighting works wonders. You can use a large white diffuser to eliminate harsh shadows or bright spots. A solid backdrop is also a good idea, and getting the product in focus is key.

It’s okay if you don’t have the latest photo equipment—the camera on the smartphones released in the past few years will be fine, too. Just remember lighting makes all the difference if you’re going to DIY lifestyle product photography.