Artfinder’s mission is to empower artists everywhere to turn their craft into a living, to give them the tools to become their own best salesperson. Unlike portfolio sites, Artfinder puts the control directly in the artist’s hands, allowing them to shape and market their brand to the world. In fact ALL of the images that you see on the site are created by artists themselves!
One of the greatest ways to do this is through product photography. It’s not simply enough to make beautiful art - you need fabulous product photography too! Online shoppers are so used to being given detailed supporting imagery; without it it’s hard to establish trust.
Why is product photography so important?
Photography gives a sense of scale and depth, which helps the customer visualise your art in their home. It allows you to capture and highlight the amazing details of your art, and can make your work look so delicious that it’s really hard to resist. Your customer will look to your photographs to reassure them that this piece is for them and that your products are of a high quality.
Photography creates a need
Showcasing your art in context - whether that’s pride of place in a magnificent room, sitting on a rustic bookshelf, or giving life to a small corner - is a great way to create a feeling of lifestyle around your artworks, particularly if your photography is consistent in its style and quality. Your customers will buy into the lifestyle you’re promoting, whether that’s aspiring to a sleek and contemporary flat with bold abstract paintings or simply adding character and personality to a tired shelf. As soon as you create that need, your works will find their way into their shopping basket.
This might seem a little daunting, but break it down into manageable chunks and you’ll be on your way:
What kind of brand and lifestyle do you wish your art to communicate? Sleek? Vintage? Minimal? Once you’ve figured out your brand, think about how to photograph your works in context. If you don’t want to use your home, perhaps ask friends or family, or even your favourite local restaurant, bar, or cafe.
When in doubt, just keep it simple. Think through composition and don’t go over the top. Your photography should be uncluttered so to keep the focus on your art. Neutral backgrounds with minimal props are good guidelines to adhere to.
If you don’t have an expensive camera with bells and whistles, most smartphones will take great photography. Don’t forget to include detailed shots of interesting textures and your signature and of course, if your work is delivered framed, photograph it framed!
Great photography shows confidence and conviction in your brand
Online consumers are picky. A professional, thorough approach to your shop will ensure consistency and strengthen your brand. Keep your photography consistent - don’t add 5 great photographs to one listing then forget about the others. Likewise, pick a style and stick to it. It’ll show to your customers that you care about your shop, your art, and about giving them the best possible buying experience.
When you’ve finished taking photographs, sit back and review them. Are they blurry, awkwardly composed or dark? Customers frown upon these kind of images, as it shows a neglect to detail and quality. It shows you don’t care enough about your art to photograph it well, and who knows, perhaps you don’t care about your packaging, customer communication, or even their order?
A great brand image will build real trust
What does this all boil down to? It’s simple: good branding and thoughtful product photography builds trust. And trust is contagious. What’s your personality, which values define you as a seller, and how does your product photography communicate this? Once you figure out what makes you unique, you’ll be able to sell your story more convincingly through imagery. Customers will be more likely to remember you if you have consistent brand photography.
Hero image courtesy of Colin Cadle.
