Delhi, the city of rich history, is also the hub of so many startups and has its unique e-commerce brands and culture. Its traditional markets remain strong, but there’s a rapid transition into the e-commerce market. That’s why ecommerce photography plays a vital role in the world. Only conventional retail spaces and brick-and-mortar stores aren’t a safe bet anymore.
Once we dive into the ecommerce world, the primary requirement is the quality of pictures and how well the product is depicted. Over 75% of e-shoppers make purchases based on the quality of the photographs. In addition, 22% of the returns occur only because there’s a mismatch between product photos and the received product. It makes sense to invest in content, and ecommerce photography is a primary requirement, where cost-cutting is not acceptable.
Once we move to the social media domain, the engagement factor is driven by the use of lifestyle photography and videos. All the major ecommerce sellers invest in content marketing. They can leverage social media to get customers, thus cutting the cost of advertising.
So, What Does Ecommerce Photography Include?
Ecommerce photography isn’t only about shooting bland images. There’s creativity involved, and also there’s a strategy. The product’s first image and the flow of images to image number 4 or 5 often determine the chances of the product’s sales. Here, we are covering several types of product images:
1. White Background Images:
Photography for Amazon and Flipkart involves at least the first, or in some cases, the first two images on a white background. In ecommerce photography some other players also prefer the same. Only a few categories are allowed and encouraged to use lifestyle images as their first image, e.g., home décor. Yet, a white background image doesn’t have to be boring. There are two ways of going about it:
Images with Shadows:
Soft and natural shadows add realism to the product images. The sense of depth makes for a better customer experience. However, shadows can also increase the budget of the shoot.
Flat Cutout Images:
In Flat cutout images, the background is pure white, and there’s only the product on the white background. The focus remains on the product, and the product covers at least 80% of the space from either the length or the width. In ecommerce photography some websites prefer cutouts, and they can even be programmed to change backgrounds and add shadows.
Images with Reflection:
Ideally used in cosmetics and bottles, a reflection helps make the product stand out. However, it is not acceptable on all platforms.
2. Lifestyle Images:
Lifestyle images are where your products come to life. Ecommerce photography help visualize the product in real life. The images transform the user experience and are essential in today’s times. They can also help set the mood of the product or creatively showcase the ingredients. For example, shooting Ayurveda products with their real ingredients will help convey the benefits directly.
Lifestyle images are where your products come to life. Ecommerce photography help visualize the product in real life. The images transform the user experience and are essential in today’s times. They can also help set the mood of the product or creatively showcase the ingredients. For example, shooting Ayurveda products with their real ingredients will help convey the benefits directly.
3. Infographic Images:
Infographic images are information in the form of graphics. The images may have dimensions, features, benefits, or USPs. Data, designs, and icons are used to showcase the product details since product descriptions are rarely read. They help improve conversions considerably.
4. Model Images:
Ecommerce photography showcase products on models, offering a real-life portrayal that enhances the appeal of products. Be it apparel, accessories, or cosmetics, model images provide a more comprehensive view of how the product would look in use.
5. Brand Images:
These are not just images; they’re stories that communicate your brand’s identity, ethos, aesthetics, and much more.
Best Practices to Follow
These are some of the tips for ecommerce photography and marketing team must know so that even if you outsource your work, you get the best results possible.
1. The Magic Resolution:
Our e-commerce has become mobile-first. Yet, a large portion of the population uses their laptops for their shopping requirements. We’ve discovered that a minimum of 2000 pixels on the longest edge, with a 300 dpi resolution, helps create the best UX. Users can pinch-zoom on their phone, while the listing will look great even on full-screen modes on desktops and Retina displays on the Mac. The magic number is 2000 x 2000 pixels, with 300dpi, JPG or PNG. JPG will help compress the images, so the size is low, but the quality is paramount.
2. Number of Images:
In ecommerce photography the more images, the better, which isn’t entirely true. The number of images is dependent on the product. We recommend a minimum of 4 images per product. We also recommend a mix of white background, lifestyle, infographic, model, and scale shots. The flow of the photos should be immersive.
3. Coverage:
The coverage of a product depends upon the product itself. A shampoo bottle or an Ayurveda medicine requires that you display the product front, the ingredients, the manufacturing, instructions, MRP, etc. These usually cover three sides of a box or a round bottle. You can also benefit from lifestyle images showcasing benefits. They may also require an infographic. On the other hand, cosmetics may need only a white background, lifestyle, and model images. For products like handbags, scale shots depicting dimensions become important, as does a showcase of the number of pockets.
4. Lifestyle Impact:
Categories like home décor and fashion require you to do a lifestyle and model shoot, respectively. The product won’t come out as well, and even Amazon recommends that you have lifestyle and model shoots for the two categories.
How to Optimize Photos for both Amazon and Own D2C Stores?
If you’re getting a product photographed, you need to make sure it covers the possibility of display on all the platforms, including your own D2C store. In ecommerce photography a brand book will help you set the photography standards. You should optimize the images for your store and Amazon/Flipkart/Myntra, etc – depending on where you expect your primary sales. For categories like home décor, you can focus on your D2C store and use the same images because they will already be consistent.
For other categories, you can have one or two white background pictures so that your products can be displayed on Amazon without any problems. You can use the same images on your website as well, especially since it adds consistency. You can also pick a lifestyle image as the first picture and use white background images to prepare an infographic, etc.
Crucial Role of Images in Sales
In the visually charged environment of online retail, images act as your virtual salespeople. Effective, high-quality product images can lead to an unprecedented boost in conversion rates. Unlike mockups, real photos offer an authentic view of your products.
They enhance trust and create a realistic expectation of the product, which in turn encourages customers to complete their purchase.
Leverage the Alpha Visuals Advantage
At The Alpha Visuals, we understand the power of compelling ecommerce photography. Our team of photographers and editing wizards strive to bring your product stories to life while ensuring that each image keeps your brand ethos at its core and resonates with your target audience.
Our mission is simple – to make every image count. With strategic image planning, meticulous execution, and a creative approach, we aim to transform your product images from mere visuals to persuasive storytellers that convince visitors to click that ‘buy’ button.
The Next Step towards E-commerce Success
Join the ranks of successful e-commerce businesses in Delhi who have witnessed a transformation in their online presence courtesy of The Alpha Visuals. It’s not just about images; it’s about creating an immersive visual experience that connects and echoes your brand story.
Get in touch with us today to learn how we can take your ecommerce photography a notch higher and push your sales to new heights.
Remember, in the crowded marketplace of e-commerce, standing out is necessary to survive and thrive. A successful business needs much more than a simple catalogue. It calls for a synergistic blend of the right images, captured and curated thoughtfully, to engage customers effectively. The importance of high-quality, engaging product images in the world of ecommerce photography is indeed paramount. By applying these practices and enlisting the expertise of The Alpha Visuals, you’re not just adding images to your website; you’re crafting an online buying experience that speaks to your customers without saying a word. In essence, you’re capturing their clicks and their hearts.