Apparel
Remove any tags, stickers, or other visible labels. Use lint rollers and tape to remove dust and string from fabric. Iron or steam away wrinkles and creases; steamers are particularly useful for quick spot fixes.
Steam apparel before shooting.
Apparel should be shot on a model or mannequin to demonstrate shape. Use clips and pins to create a flattering fit.
With a little bit of planning and some post-production processing skills, you can create a 3D effect known as the “invisible mannequin.”
This allows you to display your product with its natural shape and fit, while avoiding the distraction of a mannequin.
The invisible mannequin technique demonstrates fit without distraction.
Jewelry
If you’re shooting jewelry, polish it. Style your product in a manner that is both useful and appealing to customers.
Don´t obscure your product unnecessarily
A clean white background displays the whole product.
Don’t overcomplicate with props; many products look their best on a plain white background, and using unnecessary props will distract customers.
Footwear
Clean and polish footwear.
Create shape as if footwear is being worn.
Take time to clean and polish your shoes. Check laces and straps for damage, and replace if necessary. Fix anything you can fix.
Create the illusion that footwear is being worn. Communicate shape and help boots stand alone by stuffing them with tissue paper or crumpled paper, or tie dental floss to shoe straps to hold them up in the frame. Follow our do’s and don’ts checklist for footwear.
It’s picture day! Prep your products like a pro to be the talk of the class.
Furniture
Avoid distracting props and keep it always clean and simple!
Clean and polish your items with multipurpose cleaner or furniture polish. If it’s secondhand, repair any damages – but be honest in your product listing. Read our guide to smartphone photography for furniture.
Find a spacious area with ample light and either a white or neutral background. Don’t waste time adding props to style your product. Props will serve to both distract from and obscure your product. Focus on taking quality shots from multiple angles of the product itself.
Save time in post-production processing
Time spent on preparing your product will save you time in DIY post-production processing, as well as increase the overall quality of your product photography. If you want to save even more time and money, enlist the professionals at Pixelz and get your images back in 24 hours or less.
You’ve got a beautiful product you believe in. Prepare your products with care, and everyone else will see what you see!
