The Differences Between Professional & DIY Product Images
If someone placed two images in front of you and asked you to choose the one that was taken by a professional product photographer versus the one that was taken with an iPhone, would you be able to spot the difference?
One month ago, I ran this experiment on my Instagram stories. And how surprised was I!
I posted two product photos: one taken with my professional camera (as a product photographer does) and the other with a cell phone. Then I asked my followers to pick which one they thought was the professional shot. (Scroll to the bottom of this blog post for the images).
25% of people chose the cell phone image. Now, I do realize that 25% is not a lot, and the majority of people were able to distinguish which one the professional photo was. However, I thought the answer was SO OBVIOUS - that it truly shocked me that 25% were fooled.
Being the curious person that I am, I reached out to several people who chose the cell phone image and asked them why they chose that one. Here is what they said:
"Haha I thought it was a trick question!"
"I totally thought the first one [the professional image] looked nicer but then I thought maybe you just did a raw photo vs. an edited phone photo!!"
"The flash! I didn't think you edited anything and was showing how your styling can fool you with an iPhone. So I thought choice A [the professional image] was better, but I thought you were trying to trick us."
Okay, yes, modern smartphones are impressive with their cameras these days and can sometimes fool us. However, there are several key differences between a professional product image and a phone image that I feel is VERY important in taking your brand from a "do-it-yourself" to a "we are professionals, you can trust us" situation:
1. Professional photos are captured in high resolution and are better in overall image quality. This will translate to better image quality on websites, prints, packaging, labels, and other materials where perfection is very important for first impressions!
2. Professional photos capture the product in a way where edges are straight, the subject is proportionate, and angles are intentional. While these factors may not seem like a big deal in theory, they can make a significant difference in the subconscious minds of consumers while they are shopping.
3. Professional product photographers know how to manipulate artificial light in a way that accentuates your product, rather than misrepresent it. Think of it as an analogy to a person looking their best after dressing up and putting makeup on versus a person who just got out of bed.
Phone images may look “good enough,” but when it comes to truly showcasing your products and representing your brand as a professional business, there’s no substitute for professional product images.
And finally, here are the infamous images you have been waiting for. Can you spot the professional image?
