When photographing clothing for your e-commerce store, you want to get it right. It could mean the difference between closing the sale and the potential customer leaving the page. Clothing photography is easier than jewellery photography because you aren’t dealing with small, shiny, and detailed pieces, but you still need to get your setup right and capture all of the details. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll go over the fundamentals of Product Photography Montreal, such as what equipment you’ll need, how to prepare your clothing, and how to set up your photo studio.
Step 1: Choose your product display strategy.
To effectively display clothing items on your online store, consider using three common Ecommerce Photography Montreal methods: using an invisible mannequin, hiring a model, and flat-lay photography. While mannequins offer a more lifelike shape, models give a brand personality and strength. Flat-lay photography is effective for shirts, socks, and men’s trousers but is not recommended for e-commerce stores unless needed. Knolling, a popular social media technique, is also beneficial for e-commerce traffic. It is difficult to drive sales to your online store unless you select and consider how accessories or household items relate to one another.
Step 2: Set up your gear for clothing photography.
The right photography equipment for clothing photography is essential for capturing professional-looking images. The best option is a mirrorless camera because of its lighter weight and more recent technology. Lighting is crucial for capturing details, and a light kit with three lights is recommended. A studio backdrop kit with a stand is also essential. To synchronize the lighting and camera setup, a studio lighting trigger is required. A sturdy tripod is essential for avoiding camera shake. Mannequins or models can enhance style and add natural movement to clothing. A photography toolbox with tricks for preparing garments is also essential.
Step 3: Get your apparel items ready.
A successful product photographer Montreal requires careful planning and organization, as a small detail can save editing time and redo time.
- Gather all desired clothing items and set up a production line.
- To avoid wrinkles, iron or steam your clothing before hanging it.
- Have a photography toolbox with spare batteries and pins ready.
- Dress mannequins with the first item of clothing.
- Check for small details on clothing.
- Ensure all buttons are accounted for and buttoned up.
- Style tassels or ties neatly and consistently.
- Fold sleeves neatly and consistently.
- Ensure no stains on the clothing.
Step 4: Prepare your studio for photography
A studio for clothing photography can be set up in a spare room of your home or a professional setting. As long as you have the right camera and lighting, it makes no difference. Set up your backdrop first. Once that’s done, start preparing your lighting and camera. A three-point lighting setup is ideal for clothing photography. To begin, position one light next to your camera and direct it toward the mannequin; this will be the key light. The second light will serve as a fill light and should be placed at a 45-degree angle to your mannequin, further away from the first key light. Finally, position the remaining light between the mannequin and the backdrop.
Step 5: Check your camera settings
Three things should be taken into account when configuring your camera: shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, and aperture.
- aperture
For apparel product photography Montreal, shoot at a high f/stop, between f/8 and f/11. You will be able to capture your clothing items in a sharper image as a result.
- Shutter speed
Shutter speed refers to how long your shutter will stay open. When photographing clothing, aim for a shutter speed of about 1/125.
- ISO Sensitivity
When photographing clothing, the ideal ISO setting is between 400 and 800. This will be determined by the type of lighting you use. If you’re using artificial lighting, set the ISO between 600 and 800 to reduce noise.
Step 6: Start taking photos of your products.
When photographing products, ensure your camera is stable and use a tripod for crisper images. After positioning your model or mannequin in the centre of the frame, use the tripod or optical zoom to get closer shots. Instead of using digital zoom, refocus the camera using the 2-second timer mode. Show off the details of clothing items, such as stitching, fabrics, tags, zips, and buttons, to reduce custom service questions and increase conversion rates. Use props and tools to position the item properly, iron clothing to remove wrinkles, place a padded bra on the mannequin, clip garments if too large, use a fan for movement, and use clear tape to keep tags or labels out of the way.
Step 7: Edit your product photos to increase sales.
You can hardly provide consistency to your online store unless you edit the photos taken. This includes handling alignment, white background, cropping, and colour correction. For a professional touch, consider creating ghost mannequins to simulate a human appearance in your product images. This technique shows small sections of the garment’s interior, giving the product a three-dimensional appearance. A mannequin can be used without a model, making the process less time-consuming but well worth it. The process of creating ghost mannequins is not easy but can be well worth it.
Step 8: Upload product images to sell online.
As a Montreal product photographer, your final step is to upload your items to your online store and any marketplaces where you sell, ensuring that they meet the image requirement.
Final Words
Remember that clothing photography can be enjoyable—and, when done correctly, can make your store look fantastic.
