Six Essential Product Photography Angles You Need to Familiarize Yourself With

When there are numerous products listed on a website, it can be challenging to make your product photograph stand out and attract customers who are seeking something similar to your offering. In this discussion, we'll explore the importance of product photography for eCommerce businesses and how the angles you choose can have a significant impact on your sales.

As an eCommerce business owner, you know that your product photographs can make or break your sales. That's why it's crucial to use the right angles when showcasing your products. If you're unsure which angles are best for your products, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll delve into the various angles and how to determine which ones will work best for your product photography.

MAIN PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY ANGLES
There are six different angles in product photography that will help ramp up your sales. These are as follows -

  1. The front angle
  2. The back angle
  3. The diagonal composition/the 45-degree view
  4. The back angle
  5. The shot from the top
  6. The macro shot

WHICH SHOT IS THE BEST?
One effective way to determine the best approach for photographing your product is to examine the methods employed by your competitors. Here's how you can do it:

Visit the websites of some of the leading brands in your industry and browse through their product listings. Identify a product that catches your attention and take note of the various angles in which it is depicted. For example, we examined some photographs of a tote handbag from Coach that was featured on their website for Mother's Day.

We observed that the bag was showcased from multiple angles, including a front view, a 45-degree angle view, a back view, and several top views that provided a clear perspective on the interior of the bag. Additionally, there was a close-up shot of the buckle on the front top side of the handbag.

While a side view of the bag wasn't necessary, the 45-degree angle shot provided ample coverage. Overall, Coach used several angles to showcase this particular tote handbag.

Ultimately, the angles you choose for your product's photography will depend on two key factors: the type of product and its design. So, which angles should you utilize?

ANGLES YOU SHOULD USE IN PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY
If you're considering which angles to use for your product photography, the key is to choose angles that will effectively showcase and sell your product.

To illustrate, let's revisit the example of the Coach tote bag we were searching for as a Mother's Day gift. Coach selected angles that highlighted the bag's features and intricate details, making it easier for me, the customer, to understand its quality and value.

Remember, each photo you take will come at a cost, so it's important to only capture images that will benefit your sales in the long term. Your product images should ultimately convince potential customers to make a purchase by showcasing key designs and features.

While it's certainly possible to include multiple photos, be sure to carefully consider the angles you choose. In the following sections, we'll explore six major product photography angles. Don't forget to bookmark this post for future reference.

1. FRONT ANGLE
The front-facing angle is frequently employed in product photography, with the majority of product images online showcasing this viewpoint. It offers a clear and concise display of the product's most significant features and is often the first image potential buyers see when browsing products online.

The front-facing angle is a simple and effective way to highlight the product's essential attributes. By displaying the front view, customers can get a detailed look at the product before making a purchase. This angle is ideal for emphasizing any noteworthy front details of the product, making it the ideal shot to capture all the necessary information.

2. THE SIDE PROFILE PHOTOGRAPHY
The second image in the gallery is often the profile angle, which becomes crucial when the product has more details on its side. For clear profile photos of your product, it is recommended to use a good background and a tripod to avoid any shaky pictures. In case both sides of the product have different features or details, start with the side that has more important information, and take a separate picture of the other side. This angle is useful for products such as footwear, toys, vehicles, and machines.

3. THE DIAGONAL COMPOSITION
The 45-degree angle, also referred to as diagonal composition, is an effective technique for showcasing two different sides of a product in a single picture. While all the discussed shots are useful in capturing essential details of a product, none can compare to the level of detail that a 45-degree angle shot can offer.

It's important to note, however, that the shot need not be precisely at a 45-degree angle. There's no need to measure the distance and angle accurately. Instead, experiment with different angles until you capture all the necessary details in one photo.

Moreover, if you're photographing similar products, taking note of the ideal angle can save you valuable time.

4. THE BACK ANGLE
It is essential to include a back angle shot for products that have information on the back. However, it is usually the last image displayed because the backside of most products lacks intricate details. To ensure clarity, it is recommended to keep this shot simple by using a tripod and a white background.

If the product does have intricate details, such as logos or designs, it is advisable to capture a clear shot of these.

Products such as books, toys, and medicines are examples of items that frequently feature information on the back.

5. SHOT FROM THE TOP
Your best or suboptimal picture for your product may depend on whether a top shot is necessary. A top shot is useful when showcasing numerous comparable products or a variety of products in a bundle. In situations where product size differences can cause obstructions, a top-down picture can help concentrate on each item. Despite the challenge of obtaining proper lighting and angle, a well-executed top shot can be the key to success.

6. THE MACRO SHOT
If you have a design on your product that can attract attention, it's time to take a photograph of it. Macro shots emphasize significant branded details, distinct features, designs, and materials, which can provide customers with a better comprehension of the product.

Capture the sections of your product that are likely to be the primary selling point. Take a macro shot by zooming in and capturing it from the correct angle. Concentrating on these minor details can foster customer trust and decrease the number of product returns.

CONSIDER THESE THREE UNDERRATED VIEWPOINTS
You've got it, everyone! Those were the 6 sought-after angles for product photography that can elevate your eCommerce business to the next level. It's time to seize the opportunity and perfect your product photoshoot.

However, before you head out, there's one crucial factor to keep in mind. Often, ordinary photography angles can produce remarkable outcomes. Here are three undervalued perspectives that you can experiment with and explore.

1. THE EYE-LEVEL SHOT
The most frequently used shot is the eye-level shot, which you'll probably use as well. This shot involves taking a picture of the product from a flat angle while looking directly at it. By using a flat-angle shot, you can easily capture all of the necessary product details in a simple way.

2. THE LOW SHOT
Taking a photo from a low angle can add drama to your image and is particularly effective if you want to highlight the subject's height or size. By positioning your camera near the base of your subject and shooting upwards, your product or subject will appear more prominent, making low shots an excellent choice for showcasing buildings.

3. THE HIGH SHOT
An upward shot, which is the antithesis of a downward shot, is a suitable option for showcasing smaller products. It is also employed when capturing images from a 45-degree angle, commonly known as a high-angle shot. This type of shot is ideal for products like hair gel, face wash, or any item with intricate details or branding on the lid.

FINAL WORDS
Now that you have gained knowledge on various photography angles, apply your learnings and make a sale! Utilize tools like DoMyShoot which enables you to capture precise shots of your product through your smartphone. DoMyShoot enables you to choose the product and website, and edit multiple images simultaneously.

By automating the process of capturing the right angle for your product in line with the marketplace guidelines, DoMyShoot can save you valuable time and expenses. Give DoMyShoot a try today!