LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY: WHAT IS IT?
Genuine individuals using genuine products in real-world settings are depicted in lifestyle images. Imagine a young youngster unwrapping their very first Christmas gift. A hot day and a woman opening a hard spritzer. A man at the gym finishing off his final set of exercises.
These are the “real life” incidents that portray a brand in its authentic setting and essence.
In contrast to Amazon product photography, which aims to highlight every feature of the goods, lifestyle photography tells a story, uplifts the viewer, and responds to inquiries about the product, who uses it, and where. Lifestyle Photography can be a really useful one.
In this article:
· Lifestyle Photography: What is it?
· Stock Images v lifestyle images: Which one is better for your Amazon FBA brand?
· DIY Best Practices to take Lifestyle Images at home
· Reasons why you should use Lifestyle images for your Amazon FBA brand
· How including lifestyle images will impact the EBC for Amazon FBA sellers
· Conclusion
STOCK IMAGES v LIFESTYLE IMAGES: WHICH ONE IS BETTER FOR YOUR AMAZON FBA BRAND:
Selecting between real-life pictures and stock photography is not as simple as one might think. This is due to the lack of a definitive correct or wrong response. In the end, it all comes down to the individual’s goals and intentions about the image. There are a lot of factors to take into account when trying to decide, thus there are variables.
In order to assist you in selecting the option that is best for you, we will try to break down some of the advantages and disadvantages of each below. While some people enjoy the ease and simplicity of stock photos, others desire their final product to have the authentic sense that only a real picture can deliver. Whichever is more nearly in line with your vision is what matters most.
Stock photography: To begin the discussion on stock photography vs. actual photos, let’s first define the terms. Real images are photos that you or a professional photographer have taken for whatever purpose you can think of.
Generally, stock photography is a database of previously taken images from which you can select. As we’ll cover later, things are not always what they seem to be. However, stock photography can offer some rather significant benefits to the smart user.
Advantages: Cost should be the primary factor taken into account when deciding between stock photography and original photos. As was previously indicated, you can choose from a variety of photographs in stock photo banks for free or very little money, both of which are typically extremely affordable.
Furthermore, hiring a professional photographer may be too costly or time-consuming for individuals with tight deadlines. With only a button click, stock photo banks typically provide a wide range of photographs and a search function that makes it quick and simple to locate an appropriate offering.
Disadvantages: The most obvious drawback of stock photographs is their lack of uniqueness. For many people, stock photo banks can be an excellent solution—that is, an option that works for everyone.
Getting a license to use the picture doesn’t stop the next person who sees it from taking the same exact action. It is more likely than one might think to come upon a previously used image because most printing shops give their patrons free access to the business stock photo image bank.
Furthermore, a lot of stock photo banks use clichéd, comical characters or images that are inappropriate for a service or product that is meant to be regarded seriously.
Finally, and perhaps most significantly, if you’re not careful, using free stock photo banks like Google Docs may have unintended costs. Since a lot of these employ photographs that are freely accessible online, using the image might not be free even though the platform is.
Real images: Because the advantages greatly exceed the disadvantages, users are increasingly choosing Real Images. Furthermore, the prospect of having total control over the image—its quality and application—is usually too alluring for individuals to resist.
As real images are photos that you or a professional photographer has taken for payment, you have total control over what occurs next. When it comes to branding, the originality that results from choosing the precise picture rather than settling for something similar can make a subtle but significant difference.
Advantages: Using genuine photographs has several advantages, the most important of which are their originality and adaptability. You may design any kind of vision you have in mind, and you can take as many pictures as you need from different perspectives to achieve the exact shot you want.
Additionally, since many printers do not format photos for free, you can format the image for its intended application and maintain control over its quality without having to pay extra for design services. Although it’s not the biggest benefit on this list, not having to worry about whether or not the image is being utilized appropriately or as intended can save you time and headaches.
Disadvantages: Aside from possible expense, there aren’t really any drawbacks to using real photos. Depending on what you need, hiring and arranging a professional photographer might get pricey. Although purchasing design software or photographic gear can be expensive, you wouldn’t normally do so unless you planned to pursue photography as a career on a regular basis. The cost shouldn’t be a barrier at all, as mobile phone cameras are growing better with every generation and there is a tonne of Photoshop software available.
Ultimately, the choice between stock photography and actual pictures comes down to your vision and which will help you accomplish your goals. Whichever better represents you and your brand will win out in the end, even though both have benefits and drawbacks.
DIY BEST PRACTICES TO TAKE LIFESTYLE IMAGES AT HOME:
While there are a variety of techniques for taking lifestyle shots, we have discovered that using models and props that present the products in an enticing way yields the greatest results. Here are some pointers to help you capture stunning lifestyle images with your own camera:
1. Make Use of a Clear Background
To ensure that the background of the shot doesn’t detract from the topic, it should appear clear and sharp. Instead of choosing colored locales, try employing solid ones like tan or white walls. Books and bowls are additional tools you can employ to hide background clutter.
2. Recessed Lighting
We are all aware of how important lighting is to Product photography. You can’t utilize the same lighting for every product, even if you should alter different kinds of lighting for different products. Direct lighting, from a bulb or the sun, is to be avoided.
For lifestyle product photography, use a softbox lighting setup; direct light highlights an object’s intricacies and creates unwanted shadows. Think about taking pictures in the shade instead. There will be less shadow and an even, gentle exposure as a result.
3. Props Can Help Cover Up Flaws
This one is significant! Instead of purchasing goods, people choose to purchase improved versions of themselves. Gather every pertinent thing associated with your goods and use it to take pictures. If you are selling rubber bands, for instance, you should display them on currency, hair, or anything else.
Ensure that any extra props or unrelated objects in the photos relate to the product in some way or serve as a metaphor for it when you are shooting the product. If you sell adhesive, for instance, you could display an elephant next to it. Despite having no bearing on your product, the elephant highlights strength.
Ensure that the focal point of each prop is your product. In a photograph, use no more than three props. For additional details, view Amazon’s requirements for image content.
4. Setting and History
Selecting authentic websites is advised whenever feasible. However, let’s say your budget is tight. In that scenario, all you would need to do is use Photoshop to alter the background and add objects to illustrate the location.
The key to successful lifestyle product photography is creativity; with a few simple tools and Photoshop, you can create any indoor scene. You must fabricate the landscape. Additionally, you don’t need to be flawless at this. It doesn’t matter if your audience is aware that the background is artificial; after all, the message you want to get over is what matters.
5. Angles of Shooting
The three most popular viewpoints picked by photographers are 45 degrees, eye view, and aerial view.
From Above, an Ariel Perspective Image:
Flat ley is an aerial view from above that resembles images of a tabletop. In aerial view photos, use associating props to tell a narrative. Similar to showcasing a knife, you can present sliced lemons on a chopping board.
Make sure the image contains vibrant elements that are frequently associated with the product you are shooting. In addition to focusing on creating a cohesive image with a powerful visual effect, you need also consider the color scheme.
45-Degree: After an aerial view, 45-degree perspectives are typically most prevalent. Your product must have a 45-degree angle between the lens of the camera and the object, meaning it must be straight.
Eye-level: Capturing images directly from the camera lens and product is known as eye-level photography. Though eye-level photography is typically employed to capture images of clothing and accessories, it is extremely uncommon to use this approach for Amazon product lifestyle photography.
Low level: Take the photo from a low level if you want your merchandise to appear enormous. Consider them from a low perspective and incorporate the model view, much as you would like to make shoes larger and more focused.
Unusual viewpoint: Unusual viewpoints involve shooting pictures from various, arbitrary perspectives.
6. Display Parts or Ingredients
The best way to take food and cosmetics photos is to include the major elements in the shot. You can include pictures of food and the tools needed to prepare it.
For instance, you can display pills, tablets, and capsules in each cabinet if it is a pill container. Alternatively, you can display all of a multi-part product’s parts dispersed throughout the image from an overhead perspective, such as a shaving kit.
7. Pay attention to the primary product
Ensure that every image of your goods is crisp. It would disappear into the backdrop without it. If you want your core subject to take center stage, this is not what you desire.
When you take pictures of small objects, the background will always be hazy. Sharp edges on the item’s front and back can be guaranteed by stacking focus.
Photoshop can be used to blur the background and draw attention to the product. Make sure your product always shines out from the other props in the picture; for dark-colored products, utilize light-colored backgrounds and props, and vice versa.
REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD USE LIFESTYLE IMAGES IN YOUR AMAZON FBA BRAND:
· Photographs of lifestyle products provide a narrative and invite viewers to participate.
· Emotionally charming lifestyle product photos can change a potential buyer into a customer.
· Lifestyle Product Photos support the personality of your brand.
· Lifestyle product photography enables consumers to comprehend how to utilize the product and see it in context.
Crafting the Perfect Photo Book: A Memorable and Personal Gift(Opens in a new browser tab)
HOW INCLUDING LIFESTYLE IMAGES WILL IMPACT THE EBC FOR AMAZON FBA SELLERS:
The Enhanced Brand Content (EBC) will be accessible to verified Amazon sellers. When prospective customers shop on their mobile devices, this content will appear more frequently. You have the option to tell the story of your brand in this field. It is strongly advised to include the same lifestyle photos of the goods in this part as doing so will probably boost your Amazon sales by establishing credibility with your customers.
CONCLUSION:
Lifestyle product images give your business personality, tell a story, and bring your products to life. Stronger sales, increased brand loyalty, and an abundance of relatable photos for social media usage are the outcomes. Amazon product photography is also helpful for Amazon SEO.
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