Commissioning product photos: what it means for your web shop
Written by Barry Eichhorn
Owner & AI Advisor
Having product photos made is important for making a good first impression on potential customers. A first impression is often decisive, and high-quality product photos can make the difference between a passing glance and an actual purchase. In this article we take an in-depth look at the importance of professional product photos aimed at increasing conversions.
We discuss what sets a good product photo apart, the choice between real photos and mock-ups, the optimal size for the web, and the investment versus the return of professional photography. Discover how investing in high-quality product photos not only makes your web shop more appealing, but can also boost sales.
What makes a product photo effective and appealing?
A good product photo sets itself apart by doing more than just showing the product; it shows what the product can do and who it was designed for. It is important to research what appeals to your specific target audience, so that you can have product photos made that not only attract attention but also convince. By understanding what your customers value, you can create product photos that truly resonate and highlight the unique features of your products.
When making product photos, take the following elements into account:
- Lighting: Make sure the lighting conditions are optimal and show your products in their best light.
- Functionality: Show how the product can be used. This also reduces returns on impulse purchases.
- Calm background: Choose a neutral, calm background to minimise distraction and keep the focus on the product.
- Detail shots: Close-up photos show the quality and unique features of your product.
- Consistency: Make sure your photos have a consistent look for a professional presentation in your web shop. For example, this could mean that all backgrounds are the same colour. The aim is for your web shop to look sleek and cohesive.
By working these points into a brief in advance, you can have product photos made that are not only appealing but also increase the conversion rate of your products.
The difference between real product photos and mock-ups can be enormous. Having real product photos made offers a level of detail and realism that mock-ups often cannot match. This is essential for building trust with your customers. They want to know what they are buying, and clear, realistic photos help enormously with that.
In addition, having real product photos made gives you the opportunity to show your products in different settings and scenarios. This not only helps illustrate how the product is used, but also increases engagement with your target audience. BE Digital helps you choose the right context for your product photos, so that potential customers can more easily picture themselves using the product.
Real product photos vs. mock-ups
The perfect size for fast loading speed
Choosing the right size for your product photos is essential for an optimal user experience on your website. Slow loading times can put visitors off, while pages that load quickly increase engagement and conversions. At BE Digital we understand the importance of this balance between image quality and loading speed. We are here to help you optimise your product photos, so that your website is not only fast but also visually appealing. That keeps your online presence strong and attractive for all your visitors.
To optimise your images for loading speed, consider the following steps:
- Reduce file sizes: Use tools or software to reduce the file size of your images without significant loss of quality.
- Choose the right file format: JPEG is often the best choice for photos because of the balance between quality and file size. Use PNG for images that need transparency and consider WebP for even more efficient compression.
- Implement lazy loading: Only load images when they are needed, for example when the user scrolls down, to speed up the initial loading time of the page.
- Use thumbnails: For overview pages, use thumbnails of your product photos and let users click for a larger view.
- Optimise for mobile: Make sure images load quickly on mobile devices by using smaller versions optimised for smaller screens.
By making these adjustments, you can significantly improve the loading speed of your website, which benefits the user experience and helps potential customers feel more engaged with your content.
The costs and benefits of professional product photos
Having professional product photos made is an investment that pays for itself. Although the costs can vary, the effect of high-quality product photos on your sales is a difference like night and day. BE Digital offers transparent pricing models and works with you to put together a photography package that fits your budget and needs. By investing in quality, you invest in the future of your business.
Why BE Digital is the best choice for your product photography
BE Digital stands out through a personal approach, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of what your customers want to see. By having product photos made at BE Digital, you choose a sparring partner who thinks along with you and translates your vision into images optimised for conversion.
Whether you are looking for a complete campaign shoot or simply high-quality product photography, BE Digital is ready to put your products on the map. Get in touch today and let's talk about the brand experience of your products. We are curious what you are running into and what your challenges are.