Now more than ever, visual impact is key to product packaging. Modern consumers are inundated with endless choices on retail shelves and e-commerce platforms and eye-catching packaging might be the split-second decision-maker for shoppers. That makes it even more important to capture your product packaging in the best possible light. Working with a professional photographer or learning how to take high-quality product photos on your own can transform how your product is perceived and may even impact how many units you sell.
Create a Memorable First Impression
First impressions are everything in the world of product packaging. Those first glances at your packaging often determine whether or not a customer decides to investigate your product further. Professional photographers can capture your packaging’s design, material quality, and unique brand personality with high-resolution images that stand out in crowded spaces, both in person and online.
Represent Your Product and Brand Accurately
Even brand experts could misrepresent their own products and packaging if they don’t know how to take a professional-grade photo. Color discrepancies, improper lighting, poor composition, and low resolution can all lead packaging photos to appear unfaithful to your brand’s distinct character. Professionals have the experience and editing skills to take true-to-life images that accurately depict your brand’s standards. This is especially crucial on e-commerce platforms, as customers are often relying solely on images to make buying decisions. When customers get exactly what they anticipated receiving, they gain greater trust in the brand.
Highlight Unique Designs and Features
Custom paperboard folding cartons are created with all kinds of fine details. Whether it’s an embossed logo, detailed design, or a custom closure, professional photographers can use specialized lenses and lighting techniques to make these elements clearly visible in photographs. These little details add value to your product. Capturing them in photos reinforces your brand’s quality standard and what customers expect from you.
Consistency Across Marketing and Sales Platforms
From social media to website pages to print materials, pictures of packaging should look cohesive across all platforms. Professionals understand how to take photos that work well in different formats and resolutions, ensuring your brand maintains its identity across every consumer touchpoint. Consistent, polished visuals establish brand recognition and build customer loyalty over time.
How to Take a Good Product Photo
Wondering how to take better product photos? While professional photographers deliver the best results, knowing what goes into a great product photo can give you insight into their craft. Good product packaging includes:
- Lighting: Natural or soft, diffused studio lighting eliminates harsh shadows and reflections. Direct flash should be avoided since it creates a glare, especially on glossy packaging.
- Background: A plain backdrop helps keep the focus on your product. If you do opt for lifestyle shots, use props sparingly and make sure they complement the product rather than distract from it.
- Product positioning: Packaging should be shot from different angles to show off key features and details. Front-facing shots offer a clean, straightforward look while angled shots add dimension.
- Composition: Use the rule of thirds to keep products slightly off-center. This creates a balanced, professional look. Adding depth with props in the foreground or background can also make the image more visually interesting.
- Details and textures: Adjust lighting and focus to emphasize packaging with unique textures or materials such as matte finishes or embossing. Close-ups also help convey the quality and craftsmanship of your packaging.
- Edit: Post-production is key to achieving a great final image. Adjust brightness, contrast, and white balance to ensure the photos look true to life. Remove any imperfections or distractions for a clean, professional finish.