Whether we like it or not, the photographs play a big part in turning visitors into customers. The catalogue photo must initially compel a click. The product description images on each page must then persuade customers to add to basket.

Not everyone is a skilled photographer, and hiring one may not always be feasible if money is limited. The best option for ecommerce photography is to take your own in-home, on-brand seasonal pictures. It’s simpler than it sounds to take attention-grabbing product shots at home with a few low-cost gear and some simple approaches.

Any workflow requires organisation, but it’s especially crucial when it comes to getting your product images ready for your online store. To streamline your photo production workflow and achieve optimum efficiency, you’ll need to take a number of steps, including thorough planning, a personalised workspace, straightforward procedures, archiving and transfer systems, and communication.

We’ve compiled all the information you require to organise your processes so that you may adapt your post-production ecommerce photography process to the best practises in the field.

There are lots of different ways to jumpstart a photography career. Explore the following types to find a photography niche that is both artistically fulfilling and financially rewarding:

• Wedding photography. Wedding photographers cover ceremonies and receptions. They may also work with couples at other points, taking engagement and rehearsal dinner photos.
• Portrait photography. Portrait photographers can snap their subjects in a studio (think family portraits) or on-site (think school or workplace photos). Some specialize in one type of portraiture (such as actors’ headshots), while others take on a broad array of projects.
• Real estate photography. These photographers work on behalf of real estate agents, landlords, and sellers. They produce marketing photos that entice someone to buy or rent a property.
• Photojournalism. A photojournalist, or news photographer, covers current events, including breaking news and sports. They specialize in candid shots taken with little notice.
• Food photography. A food photographer may work for a food manufacturer or a restaurant. They may also work in journalism alongside a food critic. They specialize in capturing portraits of food and drink, including both raw ingredients and plated meals.
• Travel photography. Travel photographers journey to destinations around the world and capture scenes on behalf of hotels, magazines, airlines, and other industry clients.
• Nature photography. A nature photographer takes shots of animals, landscapes, and other elements of the natural world. They may work for magazines, travel companies, and real estate businesses.
• Stock photography. A stock photographer creates a photography portfolio that users can license. Depending on the photographer’s specialties, a stock portfolio can include landscapes, portraits, solitary objects, food, and more.

Starting a business requires effort and discipline, no matter what field you pursue. It doesn’t require a formal business education, just a clear plan and determination. Here are the seven steps that can help you get a photography business up and running:

1. Determine your photography niche

Start your journey with a photography business plan geared toward a target market. Whether you see yourself as an on-set photographer in the film industry or a school photographer traveling from campus to campus, you’ll want to focus on where you fit in the industry. You can use a free business plan template to guide your way through the process.

2. Conduct market research

Once you’ve found your photography niche, it’s time to study the competition and the pool of potential customers. This means diving into market research and market analysis, which may involve third-party reports and industry publications. Analyzing competitors will help you define a unique selling proposition (USP) that makes you stand out.

3. Choose a business name

The best business names offer clues about your products and services. They may also communicate your style or price point. For instance, Red Lobster and Nobu both serve seafood, but the names convey a very different customer experience—one unpretentious and the other elegant. The same applies to photography business names. A photo studio called Actor’s Home Base clearly serves a different client base than Jerry’s Party Pix. Shopify’s business name generator can aid your quest to find the perfect name for your photography business.

4. Legally establish your business

Once you’re ready to establish your business in your state, consider whether you would like to legally establish your business as a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation. You may also choose a less formal structure called a sole proprietorship. In all cases, your state will have specific rules for registering the business, obtaining a business license, collecting and remitting sales tax, and periodically reporting business information. 

Note that, as a photographer, you may not have to collect sales tax on your services, but you might on any retail items you sell, such as photo books or digital images.

5. Create a business website and post your work

Having a strong photography portfolio can help you attract new clients. To keep up with the competition, create a portfolio website that showcases your best work, along with the breadth of what you can do. If you’re on a budget, you can start with a free portfolio website, or use social media platforms such as Instagram or VSCO to showcase your photography.

6. Market and advertise your business

You can market your business in many ways, from online ads to social media campaigns to word-of-mouth referrals. As you promote your brand, develop elements such as your branding design, logo, brand voice, and brand storytelling. When these elements are consistent, they help potential clients draw subconscious associations between your marketing materials and your business.

7. Build a network of clients

A business is only as strong as its client base. Your biggest job is to meet or exceed customer expectations. This leads to repeat business and new client referrals. You can do this by operating with the utmost professionalism whenever you pitch your services, create client contracts, show up to take photos, or deliver your final images. If your clients appear satisfied, ask for referrals and online reviews. 

How Much Will it Cost?

Like any small business owner, a photography entrepreneur can expect a number of expenses as they launch their enterprise. Plan to absorb the following business expenses:

• Photography equipment. Clients expect professional photographers to provide all of their own equipment. A high-quality DSLR camera costs roughly $700, plus $300 or more for a lens, and prices go up from there. Many professional cameras cost several thousand dollars. Other expenses can include tripods, flashes, cases, and accessory lenses.
• Photo editing software. Some of today’s leading software is sold on a subscription basis. Adobe, maker of Photoshop and Lightroom, offers subscriptions that range from $20 to $55 per month. Photographers on a particularly tight budget may choose to start off with software that comes preinstalled on some computers, such as Apple’s Photos app. 
• Legal documents. Depending on your business structure, you may need to enlist a lawyer or use a legal services site to properly establish your photography business in your state. Lawyers typically charge several hundred dollars per hour, although legal services sites tend to charge a small fraction of that.
• Business licenses. You may need a business license to operate in your area. The fees and requirements vary by region, so consult your local government resources.
• Marketing. Selling photos online requires a well-designed website that functions as a way to offer your services to prospective clients. Your marketing materials will center around a photo portfolio that highlights your best work. Many small business owners start with a tiny marketing budget, which you can increase as your photography business grows.

How to do Ecommerce Product Photography

1. Set-up your studio

If you’re going to be taking a lot of product shots, then it helps to have a dedicated area for photography. A well-organized studio and a streamlined workflow can go a long way in helping you take a lot of professional product photos for your ecommerce business in a short period of time. 

Here’s what you’ll need: 

• Camera: You don’t have to buy a fancy DSLR camera with a range of lenses to take good product images. If you have one, great! If not, don’t be afraid to take product photos with your iPhone. Contemporary smartphones have fairly advanced cameras, and the quality of your photos will depend more on your shot setup, lighting, and post-processing than on the camera you use. 
• Tripod: A good tripod will help keep your shot steady, reducing blur. If you need to take a lot of shots of different products from the same angle, a steady tripod will help keep your shots consistent. 
• Light: Good lighting is essential. Window light gives you a good amount of light with a soft shadow. We’ll go into more detail about lighting strategies below, but in the set-up stage, it’s important to know that natural window light is best, so set up next to a large window. 
• Table: You need a stable shooting surface to place your product. A table or desk will work for most products. For larger products, it’s easiest to use the floor as your surface⁠—just keep in mind that you’ll want to pick a spot that gets a lot of window light. 
• White background: You can invest in a white sweep (which is a backdrop that curves down into the floor) or if you are on a budget, you can buy some craft paper or poster board and mount it over a table. 
• Reflectors: A reflector is anything white or metallic that bounces light onto the far side of your scene to brighten it and soften shadows. This “bouncing” of light is why reflectors are also called “bounce cards.” Because they “fill” the dark side of your scene with light, they’re also called “fill cards.”

2. Style your shots

Full-white backgrounds are great for your main product images, but experimenting with different props, angles, and styling will help breathe life into your photos and give your audience a better sense of the physicality of your products. 

Read Also: How do I Name my Ecommerce Business?

There are a lot of composition styles that you can try, but when it comes to ecommerce photography, two of the more common compositional styles are the diagonal and the “C.”

• The diagonal

A diagonal setup is great for eye-level shots where your camera lens is positioned at the same level as your product. The idea here is to place objects in a diagonal line from back to front, with the tallest objects in the back and the shortest in the front.

When choosing background and foreground props, consider objects a customer may use with your subject. For example, a bath poof and towel make sense with a skin care product. Alternatively, you might choose attractive objects that fit with your color scheme, even if they don’t relate to your product. 

For background objects, try glass bottles, vases, plants, or a bowl of fruit. For foreground objects, try a sprig of greenery, citrus slices, flowers, or a sprinkle of something textured, like coarse salt, oats, or loose tea. 

• The “C” 

If your product is flat (like artwork or paper goods), flat lay may be a better angle for you. The second composition is the “C,” and it’s amazing for flat lay product photos. The trick here is to arrange your subject and props in a crescent shape, leaving the middle area bare.

3. Get the lighting right

Lighting is essential for really defining your images. Use natural light, if possible. Placing a table next to a large window usually works well. This gives you a good amount of light with a soft shadow. If the shadow is too sharp, you can place a screen on the inside to soften it.

But the “natural” part also means it changes throughout the day, and it depends on the season, weather, and direction your window faces. Typically, photographers refer to the last hour before sunset and the first hour after sunrise as the “golden hours,” because these times provide the perfect amount of light for shooting. 

It’s also best to shoot on an overcast day, to avoid direct sunlight. Just like strong backlight, direct sunlight can be too harsh and can create unsightly dark shadows. 

If you have to use artificial lights, two identical softbox setups can usually do the job, using one as your key light and the other as fill to soften any shadows.

• Assessing your shadows

No matter what you photograph or what type of light you use (natural or artificial), you’re going to get shadows. The goal is to assess and modify your shadows to achieve a look you (and your customers) will love. As you look at your scene, try to observe two things about the shadows: location and quality.

• Location

Shadow location depends on two things: prop position and light position. If you’re shooting objects of different heights, make sure a shadow from a tall object isn’t landing on a short object and obscuring it.

In this photo, you can tell the light source is on the right because the shadow from the bottle is covering the shorter lavender dish on the left. To fix that, you can swap object positions.

See how the dish is brighter? The downside is that this changes the composition you already decided on. The fix? Switch the direction of your light by carefully rotating your setup.

• Quality

The quality of your shadows is an assessment of how hard or soft they are. Hard light creates crisp shadows with a sharp transition between the shadow and the background in such a way that you could easily trace the border with a pencil. Soft light creates subtler shadows that blend gradually into the background.

The quality of shadows is determined by two things: light distance and light size. Distant light sources create harder shadows while close light sources create softer ones. To achieve soft shadows, place your setup right next to the window. To create harder shadows, move (or roll) your setup further from the window.

The size of your light can also impact whether shadows appear hard or soft. Small light sources (like a ring light or a phone camera flash) create hard light. They concentrate light over a small area. Large sources (like big windows or big artificial lights) create soft light because they disperse light over a greater area. 

To soften your light, consider using a diffuser. Diffusers are anything placed between your light source and your subject to soften light by reducing its intensity and spreading it out over a larger area. Diffusers make light sources act larger than they are.

To diffuse natural light, you have a couple options: you can hang a white bed sheet or a translucent shower curtain over the window. If you shoot frequently, you may want to hang translucent white curtains instead.

4. Take photos from every angle

Good product photographers know to capture products from any angle that might be relevant to customers. The purpose of your product photos is to create a vivid mental image of your product for your customers, as though they’re seeing it in-store. Close-ups, eye-level shots, and even bird’s-eye view shots can help them do this. 

When setting up your shots, here are some things to consider: 

• Focus, stabilization, and consistency

Do not underestimate the importance of a tripod to minimize blur and keep the angle consistent across multiple products.

The whole purpose of product photography is to sell more on your Shopify store. That means capturing a customer’s attention while keeping your product the star. The best way to do that is to make sure to take pictures from any angle that might be relevant to your customers.

For those of you who are a bit more advanced and if your camera allows, set the lens to a small aperture, a.k.a. a high f-stop, and set a slow shutter speed. The higher the f-stop setting, the smaller the aperture. This will give you a wide depth of field that brings your entire product into focus to give it a crisp look. But your camera always needs to be well-fixed on your tripod or you will get blurry images.

5. Edit your photos

After you’ve taken your shots, you’ll want to move on to retouching them. Expensive photo editing software isn’t necessary for this step, as there are many free photo editing options available for post production. If you’ve taken great shots, you’ll only need to do some light editing to make the images pop. 

Here are some things to consider when editing your photos: 

• Sharpness: With good lighting and a stable tripod setup, you should already have fairly sharp images. The goal here is to lightly sharpen the image to give the edges in your image a more defined look. 
• White balance: White balance is the level of blue and red tints on the white areas of your photograph. Adjusting the white balance of your image can make it look more “cool” or “warm,” depending on your intention. Generally, commercial photography should look warmer, since it brings a sense of coziness to the photos. 
• Brightness and contrast: Brightness can be used to give more highlight to certain areas of your image, but be careful not to turn the brightness up too much. A high level of brightness can give an image a “washed out” quality. Contrast describes the separation of light and dark areas of your photograph. Slightly higher contrast can give the textures of your photo more depth, but again, don’t overdo it. Excessively high contrast can stifle the range of colors in your photo and make the image appear flat and lifeless. 
• Color saturation: Slightly increasing the saturation of your photographs will help bring out more color and breathe a sense of liveliness into your photos. Again though, don’t overdo it. Too much saturation can look otherworldly and make it hard for customers to envision what your product looks like in real life.

Once you’ve edited your photos, it’s time to prepare them for uploading. 

6. Prepare your image files for uploading

It would be a huge waste to go through the process of creating and editing stunning product photography only to find out it slows your ecommerce site down. That’s why this step is important. After you’ve edited your photos, you’ll want to compress them, to make sure they’re able to load quickly and easily in your Shopify store, Amazon, and other online marketplaces. 

On Shopify, the maximum image size is 4472 by 4472 pixels with a file size of up to 20 megabytes; but even this is quite large. While images this size will load, they won’t load quickly. It’s recommended that you use a size of 2048 by 2048 pixels for square product photos.

Also keep in mind that many Shopify themes have a “zoom” function that allows users to take a closer look at your photos. When users zoom, they’re viewing the full size of the photo, so anything smaller than 2048 by 2048 pixels might make the zoom function difficult to use. 

For compressing the file size, there are online tools available, like TinyPNG and Compress JPEG, that will help you do this. Most photo-editing software tools (like Adobe Photoshop) also have functions for compressing the file-size.

Harnessing the Power of Grids: How They Enhance Softbox Photography

In the world of photography, lighting plays a crucial role in capturing stunning images. And when it comes to controlling light, softboxes have long been a favorite among photographers. These versatile tools create a soft and diffused light that beautifully illuminates the subject. But did you know that by harnessing the power of grids, softbox photography can reach new heights? Grids are a game-changer when it comes to directing and shaping light. They work by narrowing the beam of light, thus creating more focused and precise lighting. This not only enhances the overall control and versatility of softbox photography but also allows photographers to achieve dramatic and captivating effects. In this article, we will delve into the world of grids and explore how they can take your softbox photography to the next level. So sit back, grab your camera, and get ready to unlock the full potential of grids in softbox photography!

Understanding the Purpose of Softbox Photography

Softbox photography is a technique that involves using a softbox, a light modifier that helps create soft and diffused lighting. The purpose of softbox photography is to achieve a flattering and even lighting on the subject, reducing harsh shadows and highlights. This technique is commonly used in portrait, product, and fashion photography, as it helps create a more professional and polished look.

Softboxes come in various shapes and sizes, but they all share the same principle of diffusing the light emitted by the strobe or continuous light source. The diffusion material helps scatter the light and create a larger light source, resulting in softer and more flattering light. However, even with the diffused light of a softbox, photographers often face challenges in controlling the direction and spread of light. This is where grids come into play.

The Benefits of Using Grids in Softbox Photography

Grids offer several benefits when used in conjunction with softboxes. First and foremost, they provide photographers with greater control over the direction and spread of light. By narrowing the beam of light, grids allow photographers to precisely direct the light where they want it, reducing spill and creating more defined shadows. This level of control is particularly useful in situations where you need to highlight a specific area or subject, such as in beauty or product photography.

In addition to light control, grids also enhance the versatility of softboxes. By adding a grid to your softbox, you can transform the light source into a more focused and directional one. This opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities, as you can experiment with different lighting techniques and create unique effects. Whether you want to create dramatic portraits with striking shadows or capture intricate details in product photography, grids can help you achieve the desired results.

Types of Grids Available for Softbox Photography

When it comes to grids for softbox photography, there are several options available. The most common types include honeycomb grids and fabric grids. Honeycomb grids are made of a series of interconnected cells, resembling a honeycomb structure. They are typically made of metal or plastic and are attached to the front of the softbox. Honeycomb grids come in different sizes, with smaller cells producing a more focused beam of light.

Fabric grids, on the other hand, are made of a black, opaque material that attaches to the inside of the softbox. They consist of a series of narrow strips that help control the spread of light. Fabric grids are known for their ability to create a more feathered and gradual transition between light and shadow. They are often preferred in portrait photography, as they produce a softer and more flattering light.

How Grids Enhance Light Control and Direction

Grids work by restricting the spread of light, allowing photographers to have more control over the direction and intensity of the light. When added to a softbox, grids create a more focused and directional light source, reducing the amount of light that spills outside the intended area. This helps eliminate unwanted reflections and light flares, resulting in cleaner and more professional-looking images.

The ability to control the direction of light is particularly useful when shooting in challenging lighting conditions or when you want to create specific lighting effects. By using grids, you can easily sculpt the light and create interesting shadows and highlights. Whether you want to add drama to a portrait or highlight specific details in a product shot, grids give you the power to shape the light according to your creative vision.

Tips for Using Grids Effectively in Softbox Photography

Using grids effectively requires some practice and experimentation. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Experiment with different grid sizes: Different grid sizes produce different effects, so don’t be afraid to try out various options to see which one suits your desired look.

2. Position the grid closer or farther away: The distance between the grid and the subject will impact the intensity and spread of the light. Experiment with different distances to achieve the desired effect.

3. Combine grids with other light modifiers: Don’t limit yourself to using grids alone. Combine them with other light modifiers, such as reflectors or gels, to create even more unique and creative lighting setups.

4. Try different angles: Changing the angle of the grid can significantly alter the direction and shape of the light. Experiment with different angles to see which one works best for your desired effect.

Remember, mastering the art of using grids in softbox photography takes time and practice. Don’t be afraid to experiment and push the boundaries of your creativity.

Examples of Grid Photography in Different Settings

To illustrate the power of grids in softbox photography, let’s explore a few examples in different settings:

1. Portrait photography: Grids are commonly used in portrait photography to create dramatic lighting effects. By positioning the grid at an angle and closer to the subject, you can create striking shadows and highlights, adding depth and dimension to the image.

2. Product photography: When photographing products, grids can help highlight specific details and textures. By using a small grid and positioning it close to the product, you can create a spotlight effect that draws attention to the desired areas.

3. Fashion photography: Grids can be used in fashion photography to create a more controlled and focused light source. By using a grid with a larger cell size, you can create a soft and diffused light that beautifully illuminates the model while still maintaining a sense of direction.

Comparison of Grid Photography with and Without Grids

To truly understand the impact of grids in softbox photography, let’s compare images taken with and without grids. In the first set of images, we have a portrait shot taken with a softbox alone. While the softbox provides a nice soft light, the overall lighting is more diffuse, resulting in less contrast and definition.

In the second set of images, we have the same portrait shot, but this time with a grid added to the softbox. Notice how the addition of the grid creates more defined shadows and highlights, adding depth and dimension to the subject. The overall look is more dramatic and captivating, drawing the viewer’s attention to the subject.

This comparison clearly demonstrates the significant impact that grids can have on the final outcome of an image. By using grids, photographers can elevate their softbox photography to a whole new level, creating images that are visually striking and captivating.

Recommended Softbox and Grid Setups for Different Photography Genres

The ideal softbox and grid setup will vary depending on the specific photography genre. Here are some recommendations for different genres:

1. Portrait photography: For portraits, a medium-sized softbox with a fabric grid is a popular choice. This setup provides a soft and flattering light that beautifully illuminates the subject’s face while still maintaining a sense of direction.

2. Product photography: When photographing products, a small softbox with a honeycomb grid is often preferred. This setup allows for precise control over the direction and spread of light, highlighting specific details and textures.

3. Fashion photography: In fashion photography, a large softbox with a fabric grid is commonly used. This setup creates a soft and diffused light that beautifully illuminates the model while still maintaining a sense of direction.

Remember, these recommendations are just starting points. Feel free to experiment and adapt the setup according to your creative vision and the specific requirements of your photography project.

Conclusion: Exploring the Creative Possibilities with Grids in Softbox Photography

Grids are an invaluable tool for photographers looking to enhance their softbox photography. By narrowing the beam of light, grids offer greater control over light direction and intensity, opening up a world of creative possibilities. Whether you’re shooting portraits, products, or fashion, grids can help you achieve stunning and visually captivating results.

In this article, we have explored the purpose of softbox photography, the benefits of using grids, different types of grids available, and how grids enhance light control and direction. We have also provided tips for using grids effectively and showcased examples of grid photography in various settings.

So, the next time you find yourself reaching for your softbox, don’t forget to harness the power of grids. With their ability to shape and direct light, grids will take your softbox photography to new heights, allowing you to create images that are both visually stunning and creatively compelling. Embrace the possibilities, experiment, and let your creativity shine through the lens!