Product photography is one of the best ways to show off your products to potential customers. In fact, according to e-commerce statistics, "a potential purchase is decided based on product photos for up to 75% of online shoppers".
Visual storytelling is more important for brands now, more than ever. Visuals need to come in an alluring and appealing format to draw people to go to your website, understand your business better, or buy your product or service (source).
However, not all start-up businesses have a big budget to hire a professional product photographer! Small businesses and self-starting entrepreneurs need a simplified approach to creating visual content that doesn’t break the bank, can be sustained long-term and that doesn’t take up too much time.
One sure-fire approach to creating professional grade product photos, is to invest in photography backgrounds.
Simply put, these are affordable, high quality printed products that mimic real surfaces, and help you create mini-studios with portable ‘backdrops’.
For example, the printed surface can be of a marble background or a wood background that is lightweight, portable and reusable that will help you create beautiful imagery with your products, to make them stand out and look professional.
Photo backgrounds are high-resolution prints that are ultra-realistic when photographed, like the texture paint effect featured in the above image. Surface featured: Texture 85
Used more and more for reels and video content, as well as static content, photo backgrounds are a favourite across a wide range of industries. Some of these include:
A beauty influencer using a marble photo background at an influencer workshop in Johannesburg. The backgrounds are spill-proof and portable.
Close-up of amateur food photography shot on photo boards with the design mimicking that of a sheet pan/ cookie sheet.
One of the main reasons for their popularity, is that photography backgrounds are reusable, which is a great benefit for those concerned with price as well as sustainability, and they are also highly portable. Their sizes are suitable for carrying and transporting to and fro and their lightweight qualities make this easy too.
Quality photography backgrounds are non-reflective surfaces designed specifically for photography needs. They are also spill-proof, can be wiped clean and are durable when proper care and maintenance is taken.
Using an iPhone for your product photography works well when paired with photo backgrounds
Once a selection of photography backgrounds is chosen according to a brand’s look and feel, then they can be repeatedly used for all products or lifestyle content. No need to hire a photo studio or even a professional every time you feel inspired to be creative - simply set up and take photos on the go!
This is especially true for entrepreneurs working from home, and without a lot of space to work in, as well as start-ups with smaller budgets.
Photo backgrounds are portable and easy to set up, durable and reusable.
For product photography of an on-demand nature, such as those in the hospitality industry needing real-time product images of their cooked food or baked creations, setting up a mini-studio onsite is a lifesaver!
Food photography by bloggers, bakers, foodies, stylists and recipe developers is an on-demand process, needing quick setup before the food spoils.
Our clients range from professionals, corporates and small business owners. The products are suitable for everyone, and you don't need special training to use them.
They are simple to set up, can instantly uplift your photos and help you create better content. With a few tips and tricks to get you started, you'll be well on your to improving your brand's look and feel, getting noticed and making sales.
Image above: Shows a behind-the-scenes look at a more professional photo shoot with artificial lighting.
Image above: shows how aspiring photographers can still create beautiful imagery to showcase their products using natural lighting, an iPhone and our background boards. Products featured above: white subway tile + Tile 64 Seastone Terrazzo.
Great product photos don't have to come at a big cost, especially for start-ups just entering the market and unable to expense such large amounts for product photos. While absolutely critical to an e-commerce business' conversion rates and success, great results can still be achieved on a smaller budget, with quality backgrounds and creative energy! YOU GOT THIS!
Leather handbag product photo taken using an iPhone, photo backgrounds and the mobile Lightroom editing app. Products featured here are Texture 28 as the vertical back board, and Texture 47 as the flat surface.
Flatlay Studio is an online store that sells photography backgrounds in a variety of designs and sizes, holding inventory and shipping nationwide in a few short days. Starter kits and bundles are available at discount for those needing guidance, and custom designs can be sourced and supplied too.
Read more about size information here, or read our blog piece on getting started with your flatlay journey.
Starter kits + bundles:
