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June 1, 2023

HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOUR IMAGE IS HIGH-QUALITY OR NOT

3 min read

UNDERSTANDING IMAGE QUALITY: IT’S NOT ONE SIZE FITS ALL 

The idea of “best quality” for images can be different depending on who you ask. It depends on things like their knowledge, the platform they use, and what they expect. So, there isn’t a single “best quality” that applies to everyone.

Instead of looking for the absolute best, we should consider what works best for a particular platform or client. Trying to achieve a small increase in quality can be expensive and time-consuming. Sometimes, that extra bit of quality won’t even be noticed, especially if people view images on their phones.

RESOLUTION: GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT

Resolution is often associated with image quality, especially in product photography. It’s important to ensure that your photos meet the requirements of the platform where they’ll be displayed.

High-quality images are usually shot at 300 dots per inch (dpi) for printing and then scaled down to 96 dpi or 72 dpi for digital use. Getting even higher print quality, like 2400 dpi, requires expensive equipment.

Different platforms have specific size requirements for images. For example, Takalot asks for a maximum of 2048 px by 2048 px on ANY side, while WooCommerce prefers the maximum should be no higher than 1000px x 1000px.

Customers can zoom in on product images, but that can reduce the quality. To have more control over what buyers see, it’s a good idea to take close-up shots that highlight the product’s details instead of relying only on the platform’s zoom feature.

MORE THAN JUST RESOLUTION

At Prophoto, we believe image quality goes beyond resolution. We also consider how the image looks and how well it showcases the product’s features. A beautifully captured image is a waste if it doesn’t highlight what makes the product special. That’s why we pay attention to angles and how well the photo represents the product.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PHOTO?

To evaluate product photos, we have some criteria:

  • Color Accuracy: Does the image show the product’s true color? Lighting can change how colors look, so we use tools to make sure the colors are accurate.
  • Visual Consistency: Do the photos from the same shoot look similar? It’s important to keep a consistent look throughout the images, even if they were taken at different times.
  • Horizon Alignment: Is the product level in the photo? A crooked product suggests a poorly taken or edited image.
  • Symmetry: Is the product balanced and even? Sometimes products aren’t perfectly symmetrical, but we try to make them look balanced in the photos.

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Example: Visual Consistency

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CONSIDER COLOUR & LIGHTING

Getting colors right in product photos is challenging. Different lighting conditions can make colors look different. It’s important to meet customers’ expectations when it comes to color accuracy.

By paying attention to these factors, we can create better quality images that effectively showcase products without misleading customers.

 

If you would like to know more about product photo’s, we suggest checking out this article on “What You Need To Know Before Your Next Shoot“

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March 28, 2023

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR NEXT SHOOT

9 min read

WHY SHOULD YOU READ THIS ARTICLE?

If you are looking for a product photography studio that will take care of the images for your e-commerce store, this piece will:

 1. Save you valuble time: Imagine spending hours on reshoots and endless back-and-forth approvals. Sounds exhausting, right? By investing just 8-9 minutes in reading this article, you’ll avoid the hassle

2. Maximise your budget: Let’s face it, reshoots and photo editing can be costly. But here’s the good news: this article will increase your ROI on these services as you’ll have a good insight into what’s required to get high quality products photos for your online business or if even if you’re listing your products on Takealot, Makro etc.

3. Have your expectations met: We’ve all been there – struggling to communicate our exact expectations and ending up disappointed with the final results. Having clarity on the process for product photos before booking a shoot will help studios bridge the gap between your vision and the resulting images in 2 ways:

  • The talented photography crew will grasp your vision, ensuring they capture exactly what you desire.
  • You will have a better idea of what’s possible with white background product photography, thus avoiding the photography crew not meeting your expectations.

Lastly, before we get into a the finer details, always remember that The more time you spend in preparing for your shoot– the higher the chance of you getting the best photos of your product without additional charges.

These are the best practices for ordering product photography services based on photographing 1000’s of items.

Lets Begin!

BETTER INPUT = BETTER OUTPUT

In order to maximize the quality of your product photos, it’s essential to invest time and effort in the preparation process. The clarity of your vision will directly impact the outcome. If you find yourself lacking a clear vision, provide us with the context surrounding your brand, and together we can collaboratively arrive at a shared vision. Feel free to be open and transparent as it will yield significant dividends when we deliver the final images.

MASTER YOUR PRODUCT EXPERTISE

This point is of utmost importance, before sending your products to the studio, take the opportunity to thoroughly examine and understand them. Familiarize yourself with the intricate details of your product, such as its fabric, Texture or even if your product is reflective or not. This knowledge will serve as a valuable source of insight for determining how you envision the product being captured in photographs.

HAVE A CHAT WITH THE PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM

Let’s collaborate! If you encounter any uncertainties or feel the need for more information to make informed decisions, reach out to us. We are available for phone conversations or can even provide a Test Shoot to guide you through the process. This is particularly valuable if this is your first experience with product photography.

REFERENCES = YOUR VISION

Prior to the photoshoot, it is important to gather and share references of similar items that resonate with your preferences. The more references you provide, the clearer the studio’s understanding of your desired style and direction will be.

Aim to include references for various aspects, such as styling, layout, angles, and shadows. It is essential to label and articulate what specifically attracts you to each reference, as this will guide the studio in capturing the desired aesthetic. 

It is also key to understand what makes a product image high-quality, so that you can have your expectations met. 

CHECK YOUR PRODUCTS FOR DEFECTS

Take the time to carefully assess the condition of your products before sending them to us. It’s important to pay attention to even the smallest details that may not be immediately noticeable to the naked eye but can become apparent under a macro lens.

To provide some perspective, we have encountered instances where products had scratches, cracks, colours faded and previously worn shoes. These issues often require additional retouching efforts, resulting in extra charges. However, such situations can easily be avoided by replacing the product with a defect-free one, if available.

RETOUCHING CAN GO SO FAR

While retouching is an essential aspect of the process, it is important to acknowledge its limitations. The quality of the final product image is heavily influenced by the quality of the actual product. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

1. Select your best product: Choose the product that is in the best condition and represents your brand well.

2. Opt for unused, new products: Whenever possible, send products that have not been previously used or worn, as they tend to photograph better.

3. Ensure cleanliness: Send only clean products to the studio, free from any dirt, smudges, or blemishes that may impact the final image quality.

4. Remove unnecessary labels: Before sending the products, remove any barcodes, expiry dates, or price tags that are not intended to be part of the final product presentation.

5. Provide product variations: If available, consider sending multiple versions of the same product, allowing the photographer to choose the one that photographs best.

6. Communicate product defects: If your product has a known defect or limitation that cannot be addressed at this stage, such as samples with imperfections, inform the studio in the special requests section so that appropriate measures can be taken.

7. Check label alignment: Ensure that any labels on your products are neatly and straightly applied, as any misalignment will be noticeable in the photographs.

8. Verify fluid levels: For products containing fluids or liquids, such as beauty or makeup items, confirm that the levels are consistent with how they are intended to appear on your website or in marketing materials.

GET TO KNOW DIFFERENT SHOOTING FORMATS AND TYPES

Take the time to familiarize yourself with various shooting formats and types to ensure the best visual representation of your products. Not all products are well-suited for flat lay photography, and using a ghost mannequin may not be the ideal choice for every item.

Spend a few minutes exploring different options to determine what works best for your specific product. While we will provide recommendations based on best practices, having a basic understanding of the visual impact different shooting formats can have on your products will help you make informed decisions.

PACK YOUR ITEMS CAREFULLY BEFORE SENDING IT

It is crucial to pack your items carefully and securely for shipment to ensure they arrive at the studio undamaged and in excellent condition. Utilize materials such as bubble wrap and other softening materials to provide adequate protection.

CONCLUSION 

The underlying message of the article can be distilled into a single fundamental truth: preparation is not just an option, but a necessity.

At Prophoto, we want you to maximize the value of your investment and avoid unnecessary expenses. By adequately preparing both your product and yourself for the photoshoot, you can achieve optimal results and make the most out of your resources.

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