Tips on How to Take Great Product Photos for Your Social Media
The Rule 1:1
Each social media platform have a different optimal image and video sizes for each post. Unfortunately, these tend to change often. To save time from cross-posting between Facebook and Instagram, the 1:1 ratio in 1200 pixels size would be ideal. It works well on mobile and can be used on LinkedIn and Twitter platforms.
Ultimately, it will be up to the quality of your product posts that will gain the engagement your post deserves. Here are tips on how to take a great product photo:
#1: Pick the right camera
Don’t use a wide-angle lens. You will distort your product. Use the correct white balance. If you have a good smartphone, you don’t need to worry about investing in a camera when you’re getting started as long as you get your lighting and background right.
#2: Use proper lighting
A white background without light appears grey in the photo. The type of lighting you need will depend on the purpose of the photo you’re photographing.
Natural lighting can work really well with food items, people, and clothing. If your product is primarily used indoors (e.g., cookware), features small details (e.g., artwork), then studio lighting is preferable.
#3: Use a tripod
This is essential if you have shaky hands. Tripods make a huge difference in the clarity and quality of your product photos. They are also not necessarily expensive or difficult to use.
#4: Shoot for the edit
Keep your mindset to only making small touch-ups and minimal post-editing when shooting.
Edits can only go so far and will waste most of your precious time. Hoping to work your magic on your sloppy photos in Photoshop won’t produce great results and may even look unrealistic.
#5: Take multiple shots from varying angles
If you’re starting out, it might be useful to shoot the product from different angles. It will help give you options when it is time to edit and prevent reshooting too soon. Taking multiple shots from a variety of angles will also show your customers exactly what your product looks like.
