A few weeks ago I did a Facebook live on creating white backdrop product photos.
Why, you might ask, would I give you the tools to create your own images when my whole business is built on taking photos for you? The answer is simple.
I want your business to succeed, however that may look.
If you have the capabilities to take these photos, if you have the time in your busy schedule and you don’t mind doing it then, by all means, let me give you the information you need to do so.
If on the other hand, you decide that these photos aren’t cutting it or you just don’t have the time, then friend, I’ve got you. I’m here to support you and your business however I can.
If you missed the Facebook Live and are dying to know how to approach taking your own white backdrop photos there is no need to fear, because I’ve got all that great content here for you today.
Setup Your Product Shoot
First comes first, the setup. I have two go-to setups for these kinds of photos, white butcher paper or two white foam boards. Both will get the job done but the seamless white paper is my favorite and allows for a little less editing. You have to be aware of wrinkles that will sometime show up in the paper but otherwise it’s pretty cut and dry. The two foam boards however, you’ll need to edit out the link where they touch. Because of their hard surface, they can create a brighter white which is why you’ll benefit from their use, but you’ll have to do more editing with the seam.
Lighting Your White Backdrop Photos
This is the most important part of your photos. Having access to a lot of natural light will make all the difference in your photos. Set up next to a door, a big window or in the shade outside. All these options will give you a soft light that doesn’t cause harsh shadows and will capture your product authentically. If you need even more light, add white foam board to the sides of your images to reflect even more light onto your product.
Simple Photo Editing
Assuming that your taking most of these photos with your handy smartphone, my go-to editing app is Snapseed. It’s free and AMAZING. (If you know how to rock a DSLR then lightroom or photoshop are great options).
Upload your images and make full image adjustments regarding exposure, contrast, saturation, shadows, highlights etc. or use the brush tool to lighten the background and make minor adjustments throughout the image.
The biggest focus when editing your images is to make sure that the background is pure white. When you see your images on your website you want them to seamlessly blend in. No edging should show up and just your products should stand out.
Here is the most important thing to remember when it comes to the photos in your business. Photography will not make your business. You have to have great service and an amazing product. But photography will break your business.
To be the brand you want to be, you have to look the part.
Your favorite companies – Patagonia, REI, and even TOMS – all have outstanding photography. Because they know that by showing their customers the future, by inviting them to be a part of the story, they’ll make the purchase. And then with your quality products and amazing customers service, you’ll keep them for life.
And it all started with a photo.
If you want the best of the best photos that showcase your product in an environment, lifestyle or solid backdrop photo, it might just be time to make the investment and become the brand you’ve always wanted to be.
Send me a message with your dream. The business you want to create, and let’s work together to start making that a reality, one photo at a time. It all starts today, all you have to do is send an email.
