Apparel product photography is a specialized area of commercial photography that focuses on capturing images of clothing, accessories, and other fashion items for the purpose of marketing and selling them. The quality of apparel photography matters a lot when it comes to apparel e-commerce, as a customer buys the apparel product only when they find it appealing enough. If you run an e-commerce store or are looking to boost your online sales, this blog provides you with key tips for apparel product photography.
Wash and iron clothes
Before you begin your apparel product photography Montreal shoot, it is highly recommended to wash and iron your clothes to remove any dirt or wrinkles present in them. It’s always recommended to prepare and style your clothes before the shoot. It’s highly likely that the clothing can be worn, wrinkled, or creased during storage or transport.
Styling and preparing your clothes can make a huge difference in the overall quality of the photograph. For instance, a simple rearrangement of the arm or leg can make all the difference in the product image. Padding is one of the strategies that a lot of photographers opt for, such as under the neck and hems, and can give the clothes more body and shape.
Avoid being completely dependent on the photo editing software to fix strains, wrinkles, or other visible defects. The process will consume a lot of time and has the risk of compromising image quality. Use Photoshop or other software for the final touch only.
Reveal the texture or pattern of the clothes
Use close-ups or side lighting to reveal the exact texture and pattern of the clothes. There are three ways to capture apparel product photography:
- Clothes photographed above
- Clothes put on the mannequin
- Clothes worn by a model
- Flat Clothing Photography
Flat clothing photography, also known as flat lay photography, is a style of product photography commonly used to showcase clothing and accessories in a visually appealing and informative way. In flat clothing photography, the items are laid flat on a surface and photographed from a top-down perspective. This style of photography is particularly effective for displaying patterns, textures, and smaller items like accessories.
Impression Photo Montreal studio offers flat clothing photography at affordable rates and is done through professionals.
You can begin with the standard setup of two diffused lights placed on either side of the camera, pointing downward at 450. To diminish the appearance of creases, use forward-facing lighting. To emphasize the texture, use side lighting.
- Using a Mannequin
A mannequin is a smart choice for apparel product photography. Its best for tight budget shoots and gives a cloth depth and body that helps the customer envision how they will look when worn.
A half-size mannequin can be used for shooting jackets and shirts, while a full-size mannequin is best for trousers, skirts, dresses, and suits.
- Hiring a model
Though models are on the higher side of the budget, they help the customer envision the product for themselves. If you are a beginner photographer, study the pictures of models in magazines and on the Internet. Pay attention to their poses and figure out what works and what does not.
Work with lights
Light has a huge impact on any type of photography. It can be divided into two types: hard light and soft/diffused light. To determine if something is lit with hard or diffused light, look at the shadows. Shadwors that fall off abruptly between light and dark are caused by hard light while shadows with a gradual transition between light and dark are caused by soft light.
Lighting is a critical factor in apparel product photography, as it can significantly impact the way clothing and accessories are perceived in images. Proper lighting can enhance the overall appeal of the products, highlight their features, and create a consistent and Professional product photography look. It determines:
- Color accuracy
- Texture and detail
- Consistency
- Elimination of Shadows and Glare
- Mood and aesthetics
Prepare equipment
Camera and Lens: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a high-resolution sensor is ideal. A versatile lens like a 50mm or 85mm prime lens works well for apparel photography.
Tripod: Use a sturdy tripod to ensure consistent framing and sharp images, especially in low-light conditions. A tripod can provide the stability required for the best photos, as even the most experienced and professional photographers struggle to shoot alone with their hands and provide the required clarity in the photos.
Backdrop: Choose a neutral backdrop that complements the clothing colors without distracting from the products themselves. A simple white background is ideal for most of the apparel product photography.
Pay attention to editing
Editing is a crucial step in finalizing the best outcome for your photography. Editing plays a crucial role in enhancing the visual appeal and professionalism of apparel product photography.
1. Organize Your Files:
Before you start editing, make sure your files are organized. Create a dedicated folder for each product or photoshoot to keep things neat and easily accessible.
2. Choose the Right Software:
Use professional photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Lightroom. These tools offer a wide range of features and flexibility for editing apparel product photos. Photography Studio Montreal provides you with some steps for editing.
3. Import and Select Photos:
Import your raw photos into the editing software and choose the images that best showcase your products. Delete any duplicates or unusable shots.
4. Basic Adjustments:
Begin with basic adjustments to enhance the overall image quality:
Exposure and Brightness: Adjust exposure to ensure the image is properly lit.
Contrast: Enhance the contrast to make the clothing stand out.
Highlights and Shadows: Balance highlights and shadows for even lighting.
White Balance: Correct any colour casts to achieve accurate colors.
5. Crop and straighten:
Crop the images to remove any distracting elements and ensure a consistent aspect ratio. Straighten the image if necessary to make the product appear level.
6. Background Editing:
If you’re using a white or neutral backdrop, ensure it’s truly seamless and clean. Use the following techniques.
Background Removal: If you want a transparent or different background, use tools like the Pen Tool in Photoshop to carefully remove the background while maintaining clean edges around the product.
Background Replacement: Insert a different background if desired, such as a contextual image or a consistent studio background.
7. Color Correction:
Accurate colors are essential for apparel photography. Ensure that the product’s colors match the real-life item.
Color Calibration: Use tools like the Colour Balance and Hue/Saturation adjustments to fine-tune colors.
White Balance: Adjust the white balance to remove any color casts.
8. Retouching:
Retouching helps remove imperfections and distractions from the image.
Spot Healing: Remove minor blemishes, lint, or wrinkles using the Spot Healing Brush or Clone Stamp tool.
Clothing Corrections: Fix any wrinkles, folds, or uneven fabric using the Liquify tool for natural-looking adjustments.
9. Sharpening:
Apply selective sharpening to enhance the details of the clothing and accessories.
Unsharp Mask: Use the Unsharp Mask filter to selectively sharpen areas like stitching, patterns, and textures. Be subtle to avoid an overly processed look.
10. Export for Web and Print:
Once you’re satisfied with the edits, export the images in the appropriate formats and resolutions:
– Web: For online use, export images in formats like JPEG with optimized compression for faster loading times.
– Print: If you plan to use the images for print materials, export them in high-resolution formats like TIFF or PSD.
11. Maintain Consistency:
Maintain a consistent editing style across all product images to ensure a cohesive and professional look in your product catalog or website.
12. Backup Your Files:
Always keep backups of your original and edited files to avoid losing any data.
Conclusion
In the realm of e-commerce, mastering the art of apparel product photography is paramount. From meticulous preparation and creative styling to harnessing the power of lighting and employing expert editing, each step contributes to capturing the perfect look that draws in customers and elevates your brand. With these essential techniques in your arsenal, you’re equipped to create compelling images that entice and inspire, ultimately driving sales and success.
