Photography Mistakes That Kill Your Sales

You've taken 20 photos of a vintage jacket, but none of them look right. They’re either too dark, too bright, or just plain unappealing. Sound familiar? As an experienced online reseller, I’ve been there. Over the years, I’ve learned that improving your product photography can triple your sales. Let’s dive into some common mistakes and how you can fix them without breaking the bank.

Common Product Photography Mistakes and How to Fix Them

1. Poor Lighting

Mistake: Relying on overhead lights or the flash on your phone often results in harsh shadows and unnatural colors.

Fix: Use natural light whenever possible. Position your item near a window, preferably during the golden hours (morning or late afternoon) for softer light. If that’s not an option, invest in a basic lighting kit.

• $0 Option: Use a white sheet or poster board to reflect natural light onto your product.
• $25 Option: Purchase a basic LED ring light from Amazon.
• $80 Option: Upgrade to a softbox lighting kit which provides diffused, even lighting.

2. Cluttered Backgrounds

Mistake: A messy background can distract from your product, making it hard for potential buyers to focus on what you’re selling.

Fix: Simplify your background. Use a plain white or neutral-colored backdrop.

• $0 Option: Use a large sheet of white paper or a clean wall at home.
• $25 Option: Buy a roll of photo backdrop paper for a consistent, professional look.
• $80 Option: Invest in a portable backdrop stand and multiple backdrop options.

3. Lack of Detail Shots

Mistake: Not providing enough detail shots can leave buyers with unanswered questions, leading them to skip your listing.

Fix: Capture close-ups of important details. Show unique features, labels, and any imperfections to set clear expectations.

4. Inconsistent Angle and Composition

Mistake: Taking photos from varied angles and distances can create a disjointed presentation.

Fix: Keep your shots consistent. Use a tripod or mark the floor to ensure you capture your products from the same height and angle.

• $0 Option: Use stacked books as a makeshift tripod to keep your shots steady.
• $25 Option: Purchase a basic smartphone tripod.
• $80 Option: A professional tripod with a phone mount for versatile angles.

5. Overediting

Mistake: Applying heavy filters or over-correcting colors can make your product look unnatural.

Fix: Use easy editing tools to adjust brightness and contrast while maintaining color accuracy.

• Step-by-Step: Apps like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile can help correct exposure and enhance details. Adjust sliders gently to avoid over-editing.

Real Example: From Drab to Fab

Imagine a vintage leather jacket photographed in a dimly lit room with a cluttered background. After repositioning near a window and using a white poster board to reflect light, the jacket now pops against a clean backdrop. Simple changes like these can transform your photos from drab to fab.

Complementing Photos with Compelling Descriptions

Once you’ve nailed your photography, make sure your descriptions match. Use ListingGenie to craft compelling product descriptions that highlight the features you’ve captured in your photos.

Budget Breakdown

• $0 Tier: Natural light, DIY tripod with books, and free apps like Snapseed.
• $25 Tier: LED ring light, backdrop paper, and a basic tripod.
• $80 Tier: Softbox lighting kit, portable backdrop stand, and a professional tripod.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What camera settings should I use for product photography?
  Use a lower ISO (100-200) for minimal noise, and a higher aperture (f/8-f/11) for greater depth of field.
• Do I need an expensive camera?
  No, smartphones today have excellent cameras. Focus on lighting and composition instead.
• How many photos should I include in a listing?
  Aim for at least 5-7 photos, including full shots and close-ups of details.
• How can I reduce glare on shiny objects?
  Diffuse the light source with a softbox or use a polarizing filter if shooting with a camera.
• Is it okay to use digital zoom?
  Avoid digital zoom as it reduces image quality. Move closer to the product instead.