Product photography can be a little expensive and businesses on a tight budget often skip it to save some money. Unfortunately, it is one of the most important tools in a seller’s arsenal, especially if they are an eCommerce business. You can afford to skip professional services and it is better to set aside a small budget for them. Some of the common reasons why people choose DIY photography instead are listed below.
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Product Photography Is Easy
Product photography isn’t easy and requires a lot of skill. Most professionals have years of experience under their belt and have undergone training to polish their skills. They know how to plan a composition, arrange studio elements like lighting and backgrounds, and make sure the product is showcased in a positive light.
Professional product photography is a complex process that requires research and planning. Most experts will take time to study the client’s industry and target audience before they come up with a concept. They will also discuss the project with the client in detail to ensure everyone involved is on the same page. That’s one of the reasons why this service takes a few days or weeks depending on the number of items you want to shoot.
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Product Photography Doesn’t Require Special Equipment
Professional photographers use equipment like high-quality DSLR cameras, expensive lenses, specialized lighting equipment, and more. Their cameras are designed to deliver images of utmost clarity and color accuracy. That ensures your product is represented faithfully in the images. Professionals also use special lenses like macro lenses to capture fine details.
Experienced photographers don’t just have specialized equipment, they also know how to use that equipment. They know how to tweak camera settings, change lighting positions, and set background elements to deliver the best results. Product photography is more accurate and descriptive if photographers use good equipment, which is essential if you want to impress clients.
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There’s No Difference Between Professional and DIY Photography
Most people wonder if there’s any difference between DIY and professional product photography. Most modern point-to-shoot or smartphone cameras are incredibly sophisticated. They can produce great images but they aren’t suited for professional applications. There’s a clear difference between an expert and DIY photography, especially on a mobile platform. Customers will view your photographs on different displays so you need to make sure the images are of good quality.
Sophisticated OLED screens or fine-tuned mobile phone displays will highlight every flaw in the image clearly. Things like poor white balance, unsightly reflections, blurry spots, etc, will be apparent in DIY photography. That will compromise the user experience and alienate your target audience.
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Professional Product Photography Is Expensive
Professional product photography can be pricey. The average cost can be anywhere between $25 to $50 per copy based on the number of images or products. For example, a project with 100 or more products will have a lower cost per photograph than one with just two or three items.
However, product photography isn’t too expensive and you can get good-quality images with an investment of just a few thousand dollars. There are ways to cut down the cost of professional photography. You can choose product-on-white images, limit per product image quantity to two or three pictures, hire a photographer close to your business, supply your own props or models, etc. Consult with an expert and get quotes from multiple vendors before planning a budget.
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They Will Have To Change Product Photographs Regularly
Professional product images are highly valuable and can be used for a long time. You can utilize the same image for more than a decade without the need to change unless you rebrand or take the product off the market. Modern photography technology has evolved considerably over the years. If you choose a skilled photographer, the images will look fresh and modern for years to come.
DIY product photography isn’t as reliable and won’t last that long. You may have to change the images more often to ensure they keep looking fresh and current. That is usually a waste of time and effort.
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Photographers May Damage The Product
Many businesses skip professional product photography because they don’t trust the studio to handle their expensive or delicate items efficiently. Unfortunately, there have been incidences when a studio has mishandled a client’s product and cause damage costing hundreds of dollars.
The best way to avoid this is to choose a studio with a good reputation and comprehensive insurance. Research the studio and study their reviews carefully. You can also check the local Better Business Bureau for more information. Most studio websites will mention their insurance coverage but it is always a good idea to double-check. Make sure the business has systems in place to prevent product damage as well.
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Photographers Don’t Represent The Brand Accurately
No one knows your brand better than you but professional photographers taking branding seriously. They will ask you questions, conduct competitor research, study your target audience, and collect as much information as possible before hiring the studio. You will get the best results if there’s open communication between you and the photographer. It is a good idea to discuss the brand and its message with them before hiring them for the project.
A good photographer will also conduct their own research and come up with concepts that that help make your brand more visible.
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Customers Won’t Know The Difference
Customers can tell the difference between professional and DIY photography. DIY images look less polished and complete. They have small flaws that are clearly visible on modern displays. That’s one of the reasons why it is a good idea to invest in professional product photography. If your images look unprofessional, your prospective customers will have a poor impression of the brand.
As you can see, all of these reasons are invalid and can compromise your marketing strategy. Investing in a good product photography service can help you generate more leads and convert more prospects. You just need to hire a reliable and experienced photographer for the job.