Visuals are pivotal for the fast-paced online retail realm. When customers shop for clothing online, they make purchase decisions based on what they see in pictures.
Without the ability to touch or try on items, high-quality images are the main instruments for attracting potential clients. That is why apparel photography is essential for boosting conversions and increasing sales.
This guide covers essential photography tips and tricks in the context of clothes. These recommendations aim to improve your brand’s online presence and boost ecommerce sales quickly and effectively.
We’ll discuss how to set up a shoot from scratch, share different ideas for inspiration, and tell you what to look for in an e-commerce image editor.
So, let’s get started—there’s a lot of interesting stuff ahead!
How to Photograph Clothes: Setting Up
Start by preparing the garments. Wrinkles, tags, and dust can easily ruin a good shot. Ensure each piece is clean, carefully steamed, ironed, polished, and ready for display.
Check for any loose threads or other minor imperfections that might be distracting, and try eliminating them.
Prioritize natural lighting when possible. Soft and even illumination is best for revealing textures and details.
If artificial lighting is the only option, ensure your studio equipment is properly adjusted to prevent harsh shadows and overly bright spots. Opt for gentle, diffused lighting.
Select neutral and muted backdrops. Ensure they complement your items without overpowering them. White, light gray, or beige are great options that make the garment the image’s focal point.
For lifestyle or creative shots, you can incorporate themed settings, but ensure you keep the balance and showcase the product in the best light.
Whether you choose to display clothing on models, mannequins, or flat lays depends on your store’s style and goals.
Models give your customers a better understanding of fit and how the clothing looks in real life. Mannequins provide a simple yet effective display. Flat lays are great for smaller items or accessories.
Creative Clothing Photography Ideas
Lifestyle Shots
Lifestyle photos spark a visual interest. They showcase the items in action without any pressure on the viewers.
Potential customers can pay attention to your merchandise without even realizing that something is advertised to them. The picture in front of people’s eyes should emotionally appeal to them.
The goal is to make your audience want to integrate into the image they see. For example, shooting a summer dress on the beach conveys a sense of vacation and relaxation.
People wishing for the same emotional experience will consider buying the same clothes to make it closer to reality.
Capture Movement
Motion pictures highlighting the fabric flow are especially effective for delicate items like skirts, dresses, or scarves.
Ask your model to walk, twirl, or interact naturally with the garment to capture movement. A slow shutter speed can help create a sense of flow.
Emphasize the fabric’s quality and texture as it moves with the wearer.
Flat Lays
As stated above, flat lays work for small items, collections, and accessories. They are great for social media posts, encouraging your brand’s engagement rates.
Adding complementary accessories, like shoes or hats, can complete the look and make the clothing feel part of a curated style.
Flat lays allow customers to see how different pieces can be styled together. It can encourage them to purchase multiple items.
Close-Ups
Motion pictures highlighting the fabric flow are especially effective for delicate items like skirts, dresses, or scarves.
Ask your model to walk, twirl, or interact naturally with the garment to capture movement.
A slow shutter speed can help create a sense of flow. Emphasize the fabric’s quality and texture as it moves with the wearer.
Props
Select props that complement your garment and match the overall shooting theme to add more depth and specific context to your images.
For instance, adding elements like snow, logs, or a fireplace can create a cozy, seasonal vibe if photographing winter jackets.
Post-Production Editing
- Adjust the white balance and correct hues to represent the colors accurately. What customers see online should reflect what they will receive; their trust in your brand depends on it. Seeing the real colors of goods when purchasing prevents returns and clients’ dissatisfaction.
- Retouch the imperfections for a flawless look. Use photo editing software to smooth out fabric, brighten areas where shadows may obscure details, and sharpen focus on key elements like stitching or design features. The more professional your product appears, the more desirable it is.
- Enhance the features. If you shoot with models, editing is paramount. You can use a photo editor for beginners. Adjusting skin tones, ensuring consistent lighting, and subtly retouching the model’s features can highlight the garment’s fit and style.
- Maintain consistency across your shots. Utilize batch processing tools in your image editor to apply similar adjustments across your images for a cohesive look. Consider using presets within your photo editor. Prioritize customizable presets so you can modify them according to your creative needs and goals. Cropping each image to a uniform size and aspect ratio ensures that your product pages look organized and professional.
Conclusion
Investing in high-quality clothing photography is one of the most effective ways to elevate your ecommerce store.
Optimizing your shooting environment, experimenting with various creative ideas, and refining images through post-production can significantly enhance your products’ appeal.
High-quality imagery turns your online store into a visually compelling experience.
