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3 Ways to Display a Product in Images for Social Media

3 Ways to Display a Product in Images for Social Media

The Blog

3 Ways to Display a Product in Images for Social Media

Social media is one of the best marketing resources you can use as a business owner.

I

f you’re not already utilizing social media in your business, it’s time to get on it, friend. Social media is one of the best marketing resources you can use as a business owner. It’s a FREE and easy way to showcase your products while sharing your brand message with your customers.

 

Before you take your photos, know exactly what it is you want to sell and how you want to sell it. When you understand your customer’s journey, it’s easier to provide them with what they need. This also allows you to tell a visual story in a way that appeals to your ideal customer. There are many ways to capture your product in its best light so I thought I’d share my top 3 ways to strategically display your product in images for social media.

 

Artistic Label & Product Display

While you want your product to be the main thing you present in your photos, don’t be afraid to show off your artistic labels and displays. Use this opportunity to flaunt your cute packaging and decorative labels along with your valuable product. Give your customers an idea of what they can expect when they purchase from you. Advertising the little pieces that make your brand unique is a great way to share your brand’s message, style, and personality. Your current and potential customers will appreciate your transparency.

 

Consider this – display 3 to 5, of the same type of product in one photo. Sticking with odd numbers adds visual appeal and make it easy to direct the eye to where you want it to go. I teach this method in the Flat lay Method e-course. This is especially popular for website banners. Mixing a display of various products allows you to market different things at once. You can also utilize this strategy if you’re selling a full package of products and you want to show what’s included when someone makes a purchase. The clearer you are about your offer, the less confused your buyers will be about you and your product.

 

Lifestyle

The second way to display your products in images on social media would be by using models and implementing the “lifestyle” look. A good example of this would be to utilize a model’s hands to hold your product. It’s one of my favorite techniques to show the texture and application of the item you’re selling. The hands, more specifically, because you can get in closer to the product itself while also tying in the human element.

 

Models are a great way to add the human element to your photos. Remember – people build connections with other people before they decide to buy a product. Your customers could love what you’re selling, but if they can’t relate to you or your product, they won’t buy. Models add that extra touch needed to make your product more relatable. Don’t forget to mix it up. You don’t want all of your photos to be closeups of your product and some hands. Instead, have the model show emotion with their face, body language, etc. all while using your product. Your photos are all about telling a story, so incorporate relatable elements that will give your photos the upper hand (literally).

 

Flat-Lay

The third and most obvious way to display a product in your images for social media is with a Lifestyle Flat Lay. This is my favorite thing because it gives you an aerial shot of your product in its entirety.

 

A solid and well-planned flat lay is great to show texture, the application process, and a variety of tools and supporting items that your ideal customer might find. A flat lay helps them see the product in a way that they would use it on-the-go or at home, bringing it into their real-life spade. If you really want to stretch your creativity and stand out you can use lots of fun paper cut-outs, blocks, flowers and other props for an artistic flat lay that pulls that editorial, high end, commercial look.

 

Flat lay photography can be a lot of fun, but to get the best results, there are a few things to consider. Check out my list of 7 do’s and don’ts for flat lay photography to help you slay the flat lay.

 

Conclusion 

There are many ways to display your product in an image for social media. Plan and implement a strategy before you move forward with the entire shoot. Time is valuable as a business owner so you want to be sure that you’re utilizing it as best as you can.

 

Like anything in life, it takes time to nail the perfect flat lay or product photo so remember to be patient with yourself and to have fun with it. Experiment with different props and colors (related to your brand, of course) and see what works best, what looks good, and what fits your brand. If you think you need some extra help putting together the perfect flat lay, check out my Flat Lay Method Course. I cover the basics of what it takes to make the perfect, Insta-worth images. You can also schedule a call with me if you have any questions or we can connect on Instagram!

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About Crystal

 

Crystal is the Creative Director, Photo Stylist, and Commercial Photographer behind Crystal Clear Creative Studios. From increased sales, visibility, and trends to conversions and full production, Crystal and her team, experts on the subject matter, provide clients with confidence to take your photography and videography needs off your plate. We support you in your growth with the creation and implementation of transformative ideas.

The 7 Do’s and Don’ts of Flat-Lay Photography

The 7 Do’s and Don’ts of Flat-Lay Photography

The Blog

The 7 Do’s and Don’ts of Flat-Lay Photography

Flat lay photography is the fastest growing type of photograph for the product based business. 

W

e have all seen those Instagram posts of the seemingly perfect, birds-eye view of a product surrounded by carefully curated props.

Flat-lay photography is a unique and appealing way to showcase your products without having to travel far for the perfect picture. But like anything in business, there’s a strategy to consider before you take your flat-lay photos.

 

Creating the perfect flat-lay takes more time than you think. Essentially you’re creating a photo that looks like you came across your product naturally. So here are 7 do’s and don’ts for creating the perfect flat-lay.

 

1 – Have Fun with the Colors

Do have fun with the colors in your photo. It’s one of the first things you notice about a picture, so don’t be afraid to experiment a little. Think about the visual story and the feelings you’re trying to evoke.

 

Don’t forget to balance the colors. You want everything in your flat-lay to flow together. Avoid using too much of one color, spread it out evenly, and stay on brand. When in doubt, stick to a similar palette when choosing your colors.

 

2 – Focus on Your Main Product

Do focus on your main product. Remember the reason you are taking the photo. What makes your product different from the competition? Showcase any unique details and focus on any interesting characteristics you want your customers to notice.

 

Don’t forget to make sure it’s not overshadowed. Arrange any additional props accordingly, but make sure the customer can tell the product apart from the rest. The last thing you want is your audience to be confused about what you’re selling.

 

3 – Add Variety

Do add variety in your props. The purpose of your flat-lay is to create a visual story in the most natural way. Consider where your ideal customer will use your product. What kind of items will you find nearby? Utilize your props to add depth to the image and have fun with it! Move things around until you find the perfectly imperfect shot.

 

Don’t forget to add texture. Using different colors, lights, and shadows all help tell your product’s visual story. The lighting alone can add more depth and create a three-dimensional feel. You can also use props with varying textures that can make the overall photo feel tangible and real.

 

4 – Use Balanced Lighting

Do strive for balanced lighting and soft shadows. While it is alright to have light and dark spots in the picture, try to keep it as balanced and as soft as possible. A flat-lay isn’t a good image for a spotlight with a lot of dark space.

 

Don’t forget shadows. Too much shadow in your picture can cause the image to get lost, but a little shadow adds natural depth and appeal. You can play around with your props and create shadows in the image that highlight your product in new ways.

 

5 – Shoot at the Same Time, Every Time

Do shoot any image at the same time of the day, every time. Consistency is key for any photoshoot. However, maintaining the same lighting across the board is extremely important for every image. Once you decide where to shoot the photo, utilize the natural light as best as you can to keep your photos consistent.

 

Don’t forget that you can shoot outside. Maybe your home or studio doesn’t have a lot of natural light. Instead, set up your flat-lay on an outdoor table. Be sure to have the right settings on your camera to avoid dark or blown out photos. To learn more tips on how to keep your photos consistent, check out my blog post here.

 

6 – Use White Space 

Do give yourself ample empty or white space. Keep in mind, the style that you’re going for. Empty or white space can create powerful images if used correctly. Less is more and utilizing the space allows the eye to flow easily from each part of your photo before resting on your product.

 

Don’t photograph your photos in a square. While a square shape can seem great for a symmetrical flat-lay, you want to be able to repurpose your image for many different formats. It’s also better to have options for future content purposes.

 

7 – Get Closer  

Do get closer to the product. Most images feel off or not put together because you have made the shot tighter by bringing in the props and closing up some of the white space. Spread things out, back your camera up, and let the white space do the work.

 

Don’t forget to play around. Your first shot might not work out, so take a lot of them! Move props around, take some props out, and add new ones in. Take a picture you feel showcases your product the best.

 

Flat-lay photography is a skill in itself. Arranging props to look like you happened across your product on a normal day can take some practice and lots of repetition. But keep these tips in mind as you go along. It doesn’t need to be complicated. However, if you feel that you struggle with curating photos for your business, check out my Flat-Lay Method Course. This course is designed for the DIY business owner looking to develop a process around flat-lay photography. You’ll learn things like camera basics and flat-lay setups. For more information, you can contact me here or we can chat on Instagram!

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About Crystal

 

Crystal is the Creative Director, Photo Stylist, and Commercial Photographer behind Crystal Clear Creative Studios. From increased sales, visibility, and trends to conversions and full production, Crystal and her team, experts on the subject matter, provide clients with confidence to take your photography and videography needs off your plate. We support you in your growth with the creation and implementation of transformative ideas.

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