As an e-commerce seller, you understand the significance of presenting your products in the most visually appealing and professional manner to attract potential buyers. Bag photography is no exception, and with the right techniques, you can showcase your bags in a way that entices customers, boosts conversions, and sets your brand apart from the rest.
In this guide, we'll explore essential photography techniques, helping you unlock the full potential of your bag products and elevate your online sales to new heights. Get ready to discover the art of bag photography that captures attention, ignites desire, and drives e-commerce success!
In this article
Bag Photography Ideas: Do's and Don'ts
When it comes to bag photography, certain do's and don'ts can significantly impact the quality and appeal of your shots. These tips will help you create eye-catching and visually appealing bag photos. Let's explore the do's and don'ts of bag photography:
1. Ensure The Bag Is Clean
You must ensure that your exterior is free of scratches and dust. Compressed gas duster cans can effectively remove dust while avoiding the additional smears and stains that a wet cloth can cause. Shiny patent leather and plastic handbags can be difficult to clean because studio lighting magnifies even the smallest smear. In this case, try polishing the surface with a dry duster.
Do:
Before photographing the bag, make sure it is clean and free from dust, dirt, or stains. A clean bag will look more appealing and professional in your photos.
Don't:
Avoid capturing images of a dirty or worn-out bag, as it can negatively impact the overall impression.
2 Show Off Textures
Different textures and patterns can be found in any type of product. The textures and patterns of the products are not visible to everyone. As any handbag enthusiast will tell you, one of the most important aspects of a handbag is the material used and the textures that result from it. A handbag's value will increase significantly if made of beautiful, soft goat leather rather than cheap shiny 'pleather'.
Do:
Highlight the bag's texture by shooting close-ups or using side lighting to create shadows that emphasize the material's texture, whether it's smooth leather, rugged canvas, or intricate patterns.
Don't:
Avoid flat, boring shots that do not showcase the bag's unique texture and craftsmanship.
3. Experiment With Different Angles
Angles are critical for capturing a good image. Angles enhance the visual appeal of a photograph. If someone can take good pictures but does not understand angles, the result will be a very average category picture. If photos are taken from various angles, they will have a smooth appearance. It will aid in the capture of beautiful photographs. For example, if you photograph a handbag from a side angle to attract the bag's basics with a beautiful look, you can capture a unique image.
Do:
Try various angles like overhead shots, low angles, or even from the side to find the most flattering perspective for the bag. Experimenting with angles can add dynamism to your composition.
Don't:
Avoid sticking to only one angle, as it may limit the visual interest of your photos.
4. Fill Up The Bag
A good-looking handbag is packed and perky, fulfilling its potential as an object carrier. A flat, floppy, and lifeless bag, on the other hand, is unappealing. As a result, you must get the bag's stuffing just right, revealing the shape of the bag without making it appear over-stuffed or under-stuffed. When it comes to stuffing your bag, you have several options, ranging from tissue paper and newspaper to bubble wrap - all of which make it look shapely and ready to do its job.
Do:
Give the bag a well-rounded and full appearance by placing appropriate items inside, demonstrating its capacity and functionality. This helps avoid a flat and unattractive appearance in the photo.
Don't:
Avoid presenting an empty or loosely-filled bag, as it may look unappealing and fail to showcase its purpose. Resist the temptation to fill the bag excessively, as it can distort its shape and make it less visually appealing in the photo.
5. Showcase The Use Of The Bag (Tell A Story)
Shooting the bag in context is an excellent way to communicate its purpose. A conceptual idea photo can be created by showing the use of the handbag and the style of the handbag. Whatever its intended use, try to convey it in your product photography by emphasizing features and providing context.
Do:
Create a narrative by capturing the bag in real-life situations, demonstrating how it can be used and its practicality. For instance, if it's a travel bag, include travel essentials around it to convey its purpose.
Don't:
While telling a story is beneficial, avoid including unrelated props or elements that can distract from the main subject. Avoid photographing the bag without context, as it may not resonate with potential customers.
6. Select The Right Background
A background in any type of product photography is essential. A handbag is elegant and sophisticated. As a result, you must select a background that is suitable for shooting handbag photographs for ecommerce. White background images are the gold standard of product photography, ensuring consistency and clarity for buyers. That doesn't mean you shouldn't include some creative, art-directed shots in your shoot. After all, handbags are fashion, and fashion photography always benefits from having a concept.
Do:
Choose a background that complements the bag and enhances its colors and design, creating a harmonious visual composition. A simple and uncluttered backdrop often works best to keep the focus on the bag.
Don't:
Avoid busy or distracting backgrounds that take attention away from the bag.
Learn more: Top 10 AI Background Generators
7. Avoid Direct Lighting
Lighting is critical in eCommerce photography, as in all other types of photography. Lighting setups can be tricky, so experiment with a few different options. Natural daylight is wonderful when used properly but less consistent than studio lighting. Examine your options carefully and choose the best one for your budget and the constraints of your location.
Do:
Use diffused or indirect lighting to create soft shadows and even illumination on the bag, preventing harsh contrasts. Opt for soft, diffused lighting, such as natural light on an overcast day or through a diffuser.
Don't:
Avoid direct, harsh lighting that can wash out colors and details in the bag. Flash photography can flatten the bag's appearance.
8. Beware Of Glare And Reflection
If you're shooting with a shiny material, such as leather or patent, you must be careful not to have reflections in the bag's material. The reflection could be caused by lighting or by your own image reflecting at you. Although post-production can help reduce reflections, avoiding reflections and shine while shooting is always preferable.
Do:
Check for reflections or glare on glossy or reflective surfaces of the bag and adjust the lighting or shooting angle accordingly to minimize unwanted reflections.
Don't:
Avoid capturing images with distracting glares, diminishing the bag's visual appeal. Watch out for unwanted glare or reflections on the bag's surface, especially if using artificial lighting or shooting outdoors.
Types of Shots for Bag Photography
Bag photography offers many creative opportunities to showcase the bag's design, features, and versatility. Here are some types of shots that you can consider for bag photography:
1. Being Carried
This shot captures the bag while someone is carrying it. It showcases how the bag looks when worn or held, giving viewers a sense of its size, shape, and how it complements an outfit or style.
- Find a suitable model or subject who can carry the bag for the photo.
- Choose a location that complements the bag's style and the desired narrative of the shot.
- Position the model to carry the bag comfortably, ensuring it is visible and not obstructed by clothing or body parts.
- Consider the model's posture and expression to convey the desired mood or emotion.
- Adjust the lighting to highlight the bag and the model while maintaining a natural look.
- Take multiple shots from various angles to get the best image possible.
2. Taking Things Out Of The Bag
This shot focuses on someone opening the bag and taking items out. It adds a dynamic element to the photograph, suggesting the bag's practicality and storage capacity.
- Choose the bag's content carefully to demonstrate its usability. For example, if it's a camera bag, have the model take out a camera and accessories.
- Arrange the bag's contents neatly so they are visible when taken out.
- Position the model or subject to interact with the bag naturally as if they are accessing the items.
- Consider the lighting and background to ensure the focus remains on the bag and its contents.
- Capture the action in multiple shots to have various options to choose from.
3. On A Shelf Or Table
Placing the bag on a shelf or table creates a clean and minimalist composition. This shot can highlight the bag's design and craftsmanship, making it the center of attention.
- Select a suitable background and surface (shelf or table) that complements the bag's style and colors.
- Add props that enhance the bag's theme or purpose, such as a notebook, sunglasses, or wallet.
- Arrange the bag and props creatively, ensuring each element is visible and well-balanced within the frame.
- Pay attention to lighting and shadows to create a well-lit and visually pleasing image.
- Experiment with various angles and compositions to find the most compelling shot.
4. Open With Some Content Poking Out
The bag is partially open in this shot, and some contents, like a wallet or sunglasses, are slightly visible. This creates a sense of intrigue and gives viewers a glimpse of what the bag can hold.
- Arrange the bag's contents in a visually appealing way so they can be partially seen when the bag is open.
- Position the bag and its contents creatively to create an intriguing visual narrative.
- Ensure that the bag's design and any visible elements inside contribute to the overall appeal of the shot.
- Consider using diffused lighting to soften any harsh shadows.
- Capture the shot from an angle that showcases both the bag's exterior and the contents peeking out.
5. Bag Groupie
A fun and creative shot involving multiple bags, either of the same or different designs. This shot can be used to showcase a collection or demonstrate various options for different purposes.
- Arrange the bags in an aesthetically pleasing formation, ensuring each bag is visible and distinct.
- Pay attention to spacing and positioning to create a balanced composition.
- Use a plain and clutter-free background to keep the focus on the bags.
- Make sure the lighting is even across all the bags to maintain consistency.
- Experiment with different angles and perspectives to effectively capture the entire group.
Use Wondershare VirtuLook for Bag Photography
Bag photography offers many wonderful ideas to showcase the charm and versatility of different bags. However, some of these ideas can be complex and time-consuming to execute. But fret not! Thanks to the power of Wondershare VirtuLook, you can now effortlessly bring your bag photography visions to life. Wondershare VirtuLook is your ultimate AI-driven solution that simplifies the process and helps you easily create stunning bag photos.
Wondershare VirtuLook is an innovative AI-powered platform designed to assist photographers in capturing captivating images effortlessly. With its advanced features and user-friendly interface, Wondershare VirtuLook is the perfect tool to elevate your bag photography and unlock a world of possibilities.
Wondershare VirtuLook's AI algorithms analyze your bag images and suggest optimal compositions to ensure your shots are visually appealing and well-balanced. Enhance the quality of your bag photos with AI-powered editing tools that improve lighting, colors, and overall sharpness, giving your images a professional touch. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1. Access the Wondershare VirtuLook website via a web browser or mobile device. Click “Get Started.”
Step 2. Select a bag photo to edit from your device by clicking the “Upload” button, then drag and drop it into the designated area.
Step 3. You can either choose "Using a template" or write a text prompt describing your vision in "Custom Editing".
Step 4. Click “Cast the Spell” and start receiving images in seconds.
Conclusion
Advanced bag photography techniques open up a world of creative possibilities. In addition, harnessing the power of AI to effortlessly create stunning bag photos will showcase the beauty and essence of each bag. With these advanced techniques and Wondershare VirtuLook, your bag photos will stand out, showcasing your creativity.