Have you ever had that feeling where you're looking at your product photos thinking "there's something quite not right here, but I can't quite put my finger on it"? 

It's often something easily fixed and just needs a little tweaking! 

Here are my top 5 reasons your images aren't the best they could be... and the small adjustments that can make a big change. 

So let's dive straight in!

REASON 1. BAD LIGHTING

A dull or dark image wont show how fabulous your products are.

The Fix

- Shoot next to a window with direct sunlight.

- Bounce light back onto your set up with a white foam board

- Brighten and increase exposure in an editing app such as Lightroom or VSCO

 REASON 2.  PROPS

The wrong props can confuse your audience and even detract from your product.

The Fix

- Choose props that directly relate to your product

- Make sure each one has a purpose

- If any prop is stealing focus when you first look at you image, remove it. 

- Don't overthink it, props can be as simple as a cardboard box painted in your brand colour for you to place your product on.

REASON 3. LAYERS

A product photo with only one layer of styling always falls flat.

The Fix

- Always include 3 layers, - the background, middle and foreground. 

- Start with a layered background, such as fabric, include your product in the middle layer. Then build it up with taller props or smaller items on top of existing elements. 

- Shadows can also be used to create extra layers

REASON 4. LIFE

A lifeless image is easy to scroll by as it doesn't invite the viewer in.

The Fix

- Include actual life into your image, for example fruit, food or flowers. 

- Be sure to actually use any elements that you can within your styled scene - such as sharpening a pencil and then leaving the shavings, rip the bread, drop some petals, crumple the paper etc. 

REASON 5. THE CROP

Shooting from a strange angle or cropping the photo wrong can create an uneasy feeling for the viewer, making them want to look away.

The Fix

- Keep your horizon and vertical lines straight.

- Leave some negative space for the viewers eye to rest.

- Correct angles and balance by adjusting the perspective in apps such as A Color Story

So next time you're creating your product images, be sure to run through this checklist and you'll see a big improvement in the end result!