If you own an ecommerce brand, you’ll want to hire a pro with product photography expertise. To avoid sticker shock (or get stuck with bad images), we’ll break down the costs of product photography and why it’s worth it to invest in a knowledgeable photographer.

30,000 sales and marketing pros get our insights, tips, and best practices delivered weekly.

How much does product photography cost in 2024?

Product photography costs vary depending on several factors including the type of product, the number of products you need photographed (most photographers discount bulk orders), the style you’re looking for (e.g., white background or lifestyle), and your turnaround time.

To give you a better idea of product photography rates, here are a handful of pricing structures (from real companies):

Products on White Photography charges anywhere between $29.99 and $39.99 per photo.

ProductPhoto.com is a bit more affordable, with product photography pricing available as low as $7 per image.

And Soona charges a starter pack of $39 for two images.

Finally, Squareshot has pay-as-you-go as well as membership plans which grant subscribers access to a certain number of monthly photos at a set price depending on their plan. The $39/month subscription gets you $40 per image pricing and two rounds of revisions, while the higher tiered plan costs $159/month plus $35/image.

You’re going to find a wide range of prices, partly due to differences in what’s included in the base cost.

You’ll find that many individual photographers don’t post their rates on their websites. Many times, you’ll need to reach out with information about the project. You might find some pricing, though. Denver-based photographer Leigh Germy, for example, charges $100/hour for product design—while her portraiture photography goes for $300/hour.

How much brands pay for product photography in 2023

To find out what real-world ecommerce brands pay on average per photo, we surveyed some business owners to get their insights.

Celestial Silk

Estimated cost per photo: $25–$80

CEO and founder of pillowcase brand Celestial Silk Danielle Jackson says she uses a combination of outsourced and in-house product photography. Whenever they need live models in the shots, they outsource the photos at $80 apiece. But for more straightforward and less complex images, they shoot in-house at about $25 each.

Lēto Foods

Estimated cost per photo: $90–$250

Lēto Foods, which sells smoothies for pregnancy health, knew the importance of investing in high-quality product photography to successfully launch their ecommerce brand. For most of the images, founder and CEO Amanda Gorter and her team shipped their products to an ecommerce photography company and paid $90/shot. They also worked with a local photographer and food stylist to come up with more creative and special shots—investing closer to $250/image for these.

Cooper’s Treats

Estimated cost per photo: $40–$60

Premium dog treat company Cooper’s Treats uses a photographer who charges $40 per shot plus a flat startup fee, which works out to be a total of about $50 per image. The photographer also sends over images they haven’t culled as the top shots, offering them at half the price. Cooper’s Treats receives edited images, though sometimes they have to crop for a specific use case like Facebook ads or marketing emails. Owner Alex Willen sometimes drives the products from San Diego to their photographer in Los Angeles, and other times they mail the products for about $30–$40.

Carigu

Estimated cost per photo: $9–$28

Australia-based chef gear and accessory brand Carigu outsources their product photography. The images are priced differently depending on the style of the shot. Traditional ecommerce photos—white background, for example—cost them about $9 per image. For more creative lifestyle shots, they pay closer to $28 per photo.

Moriarty’s Gem Art

Estimated cost per photo: $10

Jeff Moriarty of Moriarty’s Gem Art prioritizes product photography because it’s so important for capturing the details in their jewelry—essential for online shoppers looking for these types of items. They hire a local photographer to come to their business every week or two to take both photos and videos of their products. The photographer charges $50 per hour and gets about 5 shots per hour, coming in at about $10 per shot. Each shoot takes 4–6 hours, yielding 20–30 shots for a $200–$300 investment.

“The results of [our photographer’s] work are amazing. It leads to improved sales and conversion rates, so we will continue to invest in her.” – Jeff Moriarty, Moriarty’s Gem Art

Quality Logo Products

Estimated cost per photo: 75¢–$15

Quality Logo Products sells customizable promotional goods and takes a hybrid approach to their product photography. They invest more in unique photography, including 360-degree shots, for best selling products. For less popular items, they outsource the shots and skip the 360-degree views. On average, in-house product photos cost about $3 per regular image and $15 per 360-degree shot. Outsourced shots are much more affordable at about 75¢ apiece. “Our in-house production quality is also significantly higher than that of outside vendors, so it’s worth the money and effort,” says co-founder/president Bret Bonnet.

The Hussl Co.

Estimated cost per photo: $1.16

The Hussl Co. CEO Chase Scroggins hired a “skilled but amateur photographer” for $75/hour to shoot product images for his apparel company. He hired a model and also modeled the clothes himself. The photoshoot took two and a half hours (that’s $187.50 for the photographer) and he ended up with 162 usable shots, 20 of which have been useful for marketing materials and product listings.

Factors impacting product photography costs

Here are a few things you’ll want to note:

• White background: Is this included or an extra cost?
• Clipping path: Do they provide this with each image?
• Worldwide Royalty Free Unlimited Use: Are there image restrictions or licensing fees?
• File types: What is included in the base price?
• Turnaround time: Most pros charge extra for rush projects.
• Retouching: Do they include any basic edits?
• Travel fees: If travel will be required, discuss those fees right away.

Choose your photographer (or photography company) depending on your needs: Take your time frame, outsourced tasks, and products into account. And you don’t want to just go with the most affordable option. Budget is, of course, something to keep in mind, but product images can make or break an ecommerce venture.

Product photography costs

A lot goes into those pretty product shots. Photography equipment and space are expensive, an assistant might be necessary, and cameras and lenses require regular cleaning and appropriate storage. On top of that, there are yearly business costs (like marketing material and a website) and costs for professional photo editing software.

While pro photographers probably don’t want to calculate how much they’ve invested in their business, we’re going to break it down below, so you know exactly why and how photography fees are set.

Equipment

For most product photographers, equipment will make up the bulk of their expenses. Professional-quality cameras, lenses, and lighting tools are expensive.

Camera body

Estimated cost: $3,000–$5,500

Contrary to what most consumers imagine, professional-grade cameras are sold without lenses—and they’re expensive. A decent camera body will start at about $3,000, and many cost more.

We surveyed a small group of professional product photographers and found that over 60% of them spent between $3,000 and $5,500 on their main camera body. And most professional photographers own at least two camera bodies (a main one and a backup), although the backup camera might be cheaper or older.

Pro-quality camera bodies are built with more durable materials, they’re weather-sealed, have higher burst rates, larger buffers, better autofocus capabilities, dual memory card slots, and have GPS and WiFi technologies included. They’re also compatible with a wide assortment of high-grade lenses.

Lenses

Estimated costs: $1,000–$20,000

While most photographers will have just a few camera bodies, they’ll likely have a plethora of lens options. High-quality used lenses start at around $1000 each, and new lenses start at around $1500 each (and that’s considered a rather affordable price point). Generally, the jump from mid- to high-range prices is what separates enthusiast-quality lenses from professional-quality.

It’s not unusual for new, pro-grade lenses to go for $5,000 to $12,000 or more per lens. The photographers we surveyed spent anywhere from $10,000 to over $20,000 on their collection of lenses.

More expensive lenses usually have higher-quality glass, better sensors, more features, a faster autofocus motor, more effective subject isolation, and are weather resistant. The glass elements that are used in professional lenses go through more rigorous testing and have a more rigid inspection process. They typically have faster, constant aperture lenses that produce better images in low-light situations and product images with better color quality.

Props

Estimated costs: $1,000

To keep ecommerce product shots interesting, pro photographers keep a multitude of props handy. The cost varies greatly from a few bucks (think garage sales or thrift shops) to hundreds of dollars.

Bigger or more elaborate props like backdrops, floor drops, and rugs, can add up quickly. And due to the nature of product images, having a variety of blocks and boxes to work with is a necessity. Even if those props cost under $100 each, many product photographers probably have around $1,000 dollars worth of props at their disposal.

If you want to learn more about product photography props, take a look at this great resource: How to Prop Up Products With Blocks to Create Eye-Catching Product Photos.

Lighting

Estimated costs: $15,000

Lighting might be one of the most expensive additional items that pro photographers use. Why? Getting a great product image in a photography studio setting requires more than a good flash. Photographers also need to have light meters, reflectors, stands, boom arms, reflectors, balancer cards, and grips. The photographers we surveyed have spent over $15,000 on lighting equipment.

Curious about how that breaks down? A cheap stand costs about $100, but many quality stands cost over $500, and boom arms can cost around $1,000. A nice flash runs around $500 to $1000—the same goes for a nice light meter. Professional-quality light reflectors will be about $100 each. And the list goes on. Plus, professional photo studios will need multiples of most of these items, so it gets expensive quickly.

Miscellaneous equipment

Estimated costs: $1,000–$10,000

Along with lighting equipment, there are a whole bunch of other necessary items. Filters ($10 to a couple of hundred dollars), at least one camera bag (around $200), a shutter remote, spare batteries, and camera and lens cleaning supplies. Compared to other costs incurred, these are small-ticket items for photographers, but they’re absolutely necessary.

“My camera bag has roughly $8,000 worth of gear in it at any given moment,” says photographer Brendan Williams. There isn’t a shortcut to becoming a professional product photographer. It takes skill and usually a hefty financial investment, not only for equipment but also for studio space, employees, business expenses, and more.

Studio fees

Estimated costs: $500–$800/day

The cost of studio space depends on whether it’s rented or owned and the photographer’s location. If you own the space, the cost will depend on your mortgage situation. The photographers that we surveyed noted that a typical studio rental fee costs about $500 to $800 per day. Studio rental fees may or may not include some equipment use.

“Note: if you hire a professional photographer, they’ll likely have all this equipment. Likewise, if you’re outsourcing the whole thing (for example, shipping your products to a studio like Products on White Photography, you won’t need to pay for any of this equipment).”

People

Estimated costs: $25–$500+ per hour

When you’re paying for product photography, you’re not just paying for one photographer. The cost likely covers assistants, administrative staff, stylists, and possibly models.

One larger product photography company that participated in our survey said they regularly employ a few contractors and probably spend around $80,000 per year on their account manager, assistants, bookkeeper, etc.

Here’s an average breakdown of some of the manpower costs (just for the day of the shoot):

• Photography assistants: $15 per hour
• Models and talent: $50 or more per hour
• Hair and makeup stylists: $50 or more per hour, each
• Photo stylist: $25 or more per hour

Beyond shooting days, most businesses also have support, admin, or bookkeeping staff.

Hiring a photographer

A good photographer isn’t cheap, and hopefully, now you realize why. It’s a lot more than taking a few pretty pictures (although yes, you want to hire someone who can do that).

Interested in hiring a product photographer? Make sure you do your due diligence before making a decision: How to Hire a Product Photographer: 11 Questions You Need to Ask.

Professional photographers use different pricing systems:

• Hourly: $100 or more
• Day rate: $500 or more
• Packages: varies
• Subscription: varies
• Per photo: $25 or more (save money by buying a package)

Thoroughly review any prospective photographer’s rates and pricing structures. You’ll want a plan that will work with your ecommerce business as-is and the option to change plans as your business grows.

Are you a photographer that wants to explore a package pricing structure? Here’s how to build, price, and sell product photography packages.

Photographers work either freelance or in-house, which can impact pricing and the amount of work they can handle. Expect the same quality no matter how a photographer has set up their business, but understand that a solo freelance photographer will only be able to handle a certain amount of work. In-house photographers usually have a team to lean on.

Regardless of whether they work for themselves or a larger company, photographers that do high-end commercial work need to have an inventory of equipment and people at their fingertips.

Business expenses

Estimated costs: $2,900–$3,700

Like other companies, photographers have regular business costs:

• Business registration: $300–$600
• Computer: $1,500+ or more
• Website: $300+
• Marketing: $300+
• Insurance: $500–$1,000

One professional product photography company we surveyed spends over $10,000 per year on business costs. Again, this will vary depending on whether the photographer works freelance or in-house at a larger studio.

Post-processing

Estimated costs: $120–$700/year

In the grand scheme, easy photo editing software subscription costs are low-cost for product photographers. Photoshop, Lightroom, Canva, are all less than $700 per year each (and Canva is currently an affordable $120 a year). The real cost of post-processing is time.

Photo editing takes a skilled person and a lot of time. Of the product photographers that we surveyed, photo editing was one of the most commonly outsourced tasks—simply because of time constraints.

Image source

Outsourcing photo edits to a professional team like Path is a great way to keep costs down and maintain your high-quality standards. (Path pricing is transparent and straightforward with costs starting at 25¢ per image.) And outsourcing tasks such as photo editing can be especially helpful if you’re working with a freelance photographer (or you are a freelance photographer).

Storage

Since pro photographers have to maintain and share countless files, they also have to pay for image storage and organization solutions:

• Digital asset management (DAM) system: $350+ per year (a 2018 survey found that $51,999 was the average yearly DAM cost)

• Server space: $100–$300 per month for a smaller business
• Memory cards: around $100
• Memory card reader: around $20–$80
• Portable storage drive: roughly $100–$800
• Tech resources for maintenance: varies
• Cables for image transfers: around $10–$50

Where to save money vs. where to invest

Product photos aren’t something you want to skimp on, but there are a few ways to save a bit of money.

Moving forward with your product photography

That product photography quote that you received is probably looking a lot more affordable now. (Ahem, photographers, the new year would be a great time to raise your prices.)

Producing high-quality product images is expensive, but there are plenty of reasons it’s so costly. Those images are an investment in your ecommerce company and, for photographers, they’re the result of years of experience, a vast network, and a strategically built business.

The post How Much Does Product Photography Cost in 2024? appeared first on Path Edits.

Intrigued? Let’s explore what flat lay photography is, what it’s best suited for, how to take your own striking flat lay photos, and how to edit flat lay product images:

30,000 sales and marketing pros get our insights, tips, and best practices delivered weekly.

What is flat lay product photography?

Flat lay photography is when products are arranged laying flat on a surface while the photo is shot from overhead. Also called knolling photography or tabletop photography, it has artistic roots. It’s an evolution of a specific type of geometric arrangement practice called knolling.

Modern creators and photographers mainly use flat lay images to highlight their products or for brand promotion. Typically flat lays are tidy, nice to look at, and yet carry some emotion. They’re also relatively easy to DIY. 

For many people, white backgrounds and muted colors might be the first thing that comes to mind when imagining a flat lay, but flat lay product photography can be so much more creative. Think pops of color, playful arrangements, and well-planned shadows.

Let’s take a look at how flat lays are commonly used and how to take your own.

Popular ways to use flat lay photography

Flat lay product photos work well for your website, blog posts, social media (especially Instagram), and email newsletters. Flat lay images tend to have a lot of character, making them a good choice for brand awareness and connecting with consumers.

While you could create a flat lay with almost any item, here are a few types of products that work really well in flat lay images:

Clothing

Flat lay images are a great option for showcasing clothing texture, patterns, and color options. You can even do flat lay photos with full outfits—complete with accessories. (These make popular social images.)

Everlane uses flat lays frequently, both on its website and for social posts. Everlane’s “About” page is a great example of how to use flat lay product photography to highlight material quality—in this case, cashmere. 

The company has also used flat lay images to give its audience a little taste of the colors it has. This social post, for example, announces new color options for one of the brand’s shoes. It’s simple and tasteful, just like the brand itself.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by EVERLANE (@everlane)

Sock brand Bombas also uses flat lay photos for many of the images on its site. The company’s main product images (for navigation from the home page) are all flat lays. Customers are able to view the array of colors, patterns, and textures immediately.

And Bombas uses flat lays for its social media, like this fun GIF below. It’s a joyful way to show off clothing created in collaboration with an artist who excels with color.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Monica + Andy (@monicaandandy)

Accessories

Flat lay is a style often used for accessories, including jewelry, glasses, and shoe photography. These are typically items people use to express themselves, and the brands selling them can use flat lay to appeal to that creative expression.

Classic example Warby Parker frequently uses flat lay product photography. The brand’s homepage, for instance, features an attractive flat lay to promote contact sales. 

And this social post uses a series of lovely, monochromatic, and character-filled images to showcase a few of the metal glasses frames the company offers. These images are proof that even simple flat lay photography is full of personality.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Warby Parker (@warbyparker)

Kimai, a luxury, sustainable jewelry brand also uses flat lays in interesting ways. Many of the images the Kimai uses for its educational blog posts are flat lays—a great way to show off different stones and tools of the trade.

Makeup, skincare, and beauty

There are so many beauty brands taking advantage of flat lay images. Skincare brand Drunk Elephant has a fun, bright brand identity and uses creative flat lays throughout its website. 

Blendily also mixes flat lay product photos into its website images. Some images don’t feature the products at all, instead focusing on highlighting the organic, natural ingredients—a main differentiator for the skincare brand. 

For another fun flat lay GIF example, take a look at this Olive & June social post. The image and colors are so on-brand, and it’s generally a fun way to promote a spring product

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Olive & June (@oliveandjune)

Food and drinks

Food and drink products lend themselves to fun flat lay images. You can mimic a tablescape or experiment with other creative approaches.

Hungry Harry’s, for example, uses a large flat lay image as the hero on its website to showcase the variety of baked goods consumers can make with their prepackaged mixes. 

Tools and other gear

Flat lay product photography even works for tools and gear—items which can be difficult to photograph in a visually appealing way. However, flat lay allows brands in this vertical to showcase the range of their products and create engaging visuals. 

Milwaukee Tool took its flat lay to the max. Instead of an indoor or studio backdrop, the brand uses a driveway to show off its selection of tools.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Milwaukee Tool (@milwaukeetool)

Helpful equipment for shooting flat lay photos

Before you get started, make sure you have (at minimum) these items:

• High-quality camera or smartphone
• Tripod and arm attachment
• Lighting and bounce board
• Backdrop

How to take good flat lay product photos

Taking a quality flat lay photo isn’t tricky, but it does take planning and requires creativity. Here are a few key things to know about shooting flat lay product images:

Select the right surface

The only real requirement for a flat lay surface is that it’s flat.

One of the simplest options is a plain-colored (usually white) piece of heavy poster board. (You can get them online or at your local craft store for $5 or cheaper.) A white background is less likely to distract from the products and works well with almost any theme—making the process more flexible for product photography and easier for newer photographers to manage.

But you’re certainly not limited to a white background for flat lay images. Want to try an alternative to a white background? You can also use:

• Dark poster board or a dark sheet
• A wood floor or table
• Countertops
• A well-manicured lawn 

Or, if you know you’ll be shooting a lot of flat lays, you could buy a pre-cut background specifically made for flat lay photography, such as a vinyl butcher block sheet, a pink marble flat lay background.

While some products, such as jewelry, are traditionally photographed on more neutral backgrounds, that doesn’t mean it’s a must. If it fits your brand, don’t be afraid to try colorful backdrops, parking lots, or even a quilt. The options are endless.

Find the best lighting

Many flat lay images use bright, soft light—meaning there won’t be harsh shadows or dark areas. You can use natural or artificial light to achieve this.

• Window light is one of the best ways to get soft lighting naturally. You can also shoot outside in the shade or wait for an overcast day.
• Avoid direct rays of sunshine. It creates hard shadows and too much contrast.
• LED or ring lights give you consistent lighting if you don’t have the natural light you need. You can find ring lights starting at around $20. Kits could cost $100 to $200. LED lighting tends to be a bit more expensive (low-average price is around $90).
• Surround your flat lay set up with white boards to bounce reflected light back. This will help you achieve a bright look without shadows. If you like and want shadows in your flat lay, try shooting in the afternoon when the sunlight is typically harsher.

Adding drop shadows to flat lay photos gives the image a bit of depth and helps the product stand out. Shooting shadows can be tricky, so you may want to add shadows in post-processing. Path’s shadow editing services start at 25¢ per image.

Choose your focus item

A good flat lay image tells a story, so you’ll have to have a strong main character—aka your focus or hero item.

If you’re shooting a product-specific flat lay, obviously that’s the item that should pull the most attention. The product you’re focusing on should be the largest or take up the most real estate in the shot.

Everything else should be styled to enhance and support your focus item. For more guidance (and great visuals), here’s a step-by-step video for styling flat lay images:

Select supporting props

Props such as loose material, packaging, and open or smudged product (think makeup) are all great props for flat lay images. 

As you’re selecting supporting props, consider:

• Size: Don’t use props that are going to overpower your focus item.
• Color: Most flat lays stick to a theme. For example, if your hero product is a neutral color, you wouldn’t want to use loud, colorful props.
• Relevance: Do the props make sense for the image theme? Will it tell a story? And do all these supporting items make sense for the brand?

Arrange with thought (but not too many rules)

Flat lay images are fun because there’s so much room for creativity. When you’re styling your flat lay, you want to keep the theme, brand ethos, and basic rules of photo composition in mind.

• Prep your space. Set up everything you can in advance and have a variety of possible props handy.
• Keep the end goal in mind. A flat lay for a website image, a flat lay GIF, and a square flat lay for a social post will all require different arrangements.
• Start by placing your focus item.
• Add your props and other accessories. Try layering props, let half hang out of the photo’s frame, play with texture, and explore different layouts.
• Let white space do some work. Overcrowding won’t do the products any favors.

Some products or brands might be a better fit for a linear arrangement, while others are better reflected with more organic styling. You can always take test shots and rearrange them. It may take a couple of tries before you get the shot you love.

Tips for editing flat lay product images

Once you’ve finished your flat lay shoot, there will probably be a few edits you’ll want to make. These are the most common post-processing changes for flat lay photos:

Crop where needed

Sure a flat lay is usually a basic square or rectangle, but that doesn’t mean some strategic cropping won’t help. You might want to crop if:

• You have a good image that includes a bit beyond your background.
• You’ve included something you don’t think is necessary anymore.
• You want a certain item to cut off.
• The image is intended for a channel (e.g., Amazon) that has specific image size requirements.

In Photoshop, use the crop tool to drag crop boundaries manually or enter a size for the crop box.

Tip: You can set your own preset values for later use.

Play with exposure

Want your flat lay image a bit brighter? Think a darker, moodier mood would work better? Try adjusting the exposure. To adjust the exposure, add a new adjustment layer in Photoshop. Then you can play around with the brightness and contrast.

Adjust white balance

Most light sources produce a color cast. Our eyes can correct this for us, but a camera captures the subject as it is: sometimes, for example, the light cast is blue or too yellow. White balance adjustments remove those unwanted color casts in photos to create a neutral image.

If your white balance is off, your products will look slightly off—especially if you’re shooting your flat lay with a white background. What if your focus item is foundation, for example? A skewed white balance will distort the actual color of the product, making the brand look bad and making it difficult for consumers to select the best color for their skin tone.

The correct white balance makes product photography pop, and it also more accurately represents the products.

Sharpen the image

A blurry image doesn’t make a great impression, especially if that photo is a flat lay. Typically, flat lay images are vibrant, crisp photos. For that, you need to remove excess noise from the image. Sharpening your image will give softer edges a bit more clarity.

Avoid over-sharpening images. You’ll end up with halos around the edges of objects—a bad look.

Retouch and remove imperfections

Now’s the time to make any final edits to the image. Is it straight? Do you need to remove unwanted elements in the photo to clean it up?

If you’re more passionate about photography than editing, why not off-load that work to the pros at Path? We can fix spots, blemishes, remove reflections, and more. Explore all of our photo retouching options—all affordably priced and with timely turnaround.

Add text, graphics, or logo

Text or a logo isn’t always appropriate, but for some website images, social posts, or advertisement images, these additions can be useful.

Add shadows

Many flat lay product photos use shadows and lighting to create a visual effect. While it’s best to capture these at the shoot, this doesn’t always happen. Maybe the lighting was a bit off or you decided later that shadows would look good.

Either way, shadows can also be created post-processing. Drop shadows, for example, are popular additions for product images. They help add some realism to your photo, bringing your image to life.

If adding shadows isn’t in your photo editing skill set or if you just don’t have time, Path experts can add realistic drop shadows to your flat lay product photography.

Mastering flat lay product photography

A bird’s eye view might be just the angle you’ve been looking for to highlight your products. And the best part is, you can create a lovely photo even if you’ve never taken a flat lay image.

Your main task is to keep the product and the brand’s story top of mind. That narrative will help when you’re brainstorming and playing around with arrangements.

And, above all, have fun with it! Flat lay product photography is a great creative endeavor and a fun way to present products.

The post How to Shoot and Edit Flat Lay Product Photography Like a Pro appeared first on Path Edits.

If so, you’re not alone. Sometimes it’s difficult to understand what can be used and what can’t, what can be in the frame and what can’t, or who and where you can or can’t shoot.

A good place to start is to know photographers’ rights as it relates to taking a photo versus using a photo for ecommerce purposes. Generally, you can photograph anything in a public setting—though this may change depending on which country you’re shooting in; it’s always best to do research specific to your shoot. 

30,000 sales and marketing pros get our insights, tips, and best practices delivered weekly.

The rules shift for commercial use and depending on what’s in the frame of your photo. You may need a release form for each person in your image, permission from a certain location, or even a photography permit. Unintentionally capturing one tiny thing in the frame of your photo could render your investment worthless. Worst-case scenario, you could get a cease-and-desist letter.

But you can avoid potential hiccups by being mindful of what’s in the frame of your ecommerce and product photos. Here are a few things to look out for:

People’s faces

When you take photos in a public place, you run the risk of capturing a passerby in the shot. When possible, consider shooting in a location with less foot traffic. If you can’t avoid people altogether, you can still use the image if the person’s face is undistinguishable or hidden—if their back is facing the camera or their face is covered by a mask and sunglasses, for instance.

What to do if you get people’s faces in your photos

Edit the faces in Photoshop

You can always edit the faces out of the image. You can blur faces in Photoshop and many other photo-editing tools, or you can even switch it out with another face. If you’re savvy enough, you can do a Photoshop face swap with a face you’re allowed to use.

Get permission

Bring a few printed copies of your photo release form when you’re on shoots. It’s also not a bad idea to have a digital form; HelloSign is a good e-signature option for smaller businesses. You can draft your own release form or, if you have an attorney, they should be able to easily create one for you. Online release templates are a good place to start if you’re doing it yourself—like this photo release form or this collection of release forms. You can personalize the template to fit your branding and context.

QUICK TIP: When you approach people about signing a release form, have all of your material ready and a basic, professional script. You should be able to quickly explain to them your job, what the photos are for, and what the release means (in plainspeak).

Undergarments

When shooting product photography with live models, it’s important to make sure you’re not unintentionally capturing their undergarments, accessories, or even inappropriate or private parts of their bodies.

But this isn’t always possible. And many times, the camera picks up more than you can see with the naked eye.

What to do if you capture undergarments in your product photos

Check your shots as you go

To avoid unintentional undergarments in your product photos, do a few test shots to see if anything shows up. Remember to periodically check your photos as you go through the shoot to make sure lighting or angle changes don’t reveal the undergarments.

Add a CTA button or design element

If it’s small enough, you can add a CTA button or other design element to your photo. Keep in mind this has to make sense for the context.

Retouch in Photoshop to remove the undergarments

You can edit your product photos in Photoshop to retouch and remove undergarments and other unwanted distractions. Or, send them to Path for retouching if you don’t have the time, skills, or software. We can expertly remove any undergarments from your product photos, like this one we did for Motif Concept Store:

Children

It’s important to be thoughtful about any photos that include children. Laws regarding photographing children vary by location, but there are certain areas, such as schools, that prohibit taking photos of children.

Similar to photographing adults, the rules depend on what you’re doing with the image. Photos of people, including children, used for editorial purposes generally fall under First Amendment rights. If you need an image of a child for commercial purposes, you’ll have to get a signed release from the child’s parent or guardian.

For example, Ice Cream Castles, a children’s clothing brand, uses kids in much of their imagery. And as a visual, kid-focused brand, how could they not? In order to get the images they need, Ice Cream Castles uses a professional lifestyle photographer to capture playful images and they use Path for their edits. Even if it takes their photographer a bit longer to wrangle their young models and capture great photos, Path can still turn around edits quickly and affordably.

What to do if you have kids in your photos

Request permission

Get parental or guardian permission. Ask guardians if they’ll sign a release form. As we mentioned earlier, it’s a good idea to have physical and digital releases handy.

Turn to Photoshop

Blur or swap the child’s face. If you want to keep the child in your photo but you can’t get permission for whatever reason, you can remove their identity with a blur or face swap. Or, depending on the photo and product, you might be able to edit the child out entirely.

You could also add sunglasses to create a look like this one from children’s apparel brand Ice Cream Castles. You can’t tell the children’s identities because the glasses cover their faces.

Logos and brand names

Logos and brand names can’t be included in the image if it isn’t directly promoting that brand—especially in product photography used in marketing and advertising.

Those logos and brand names could distract from your image, and freelance photographers probably can’t even sell those shots to a client or even to a stock website. Essentially, you’re risking a trademark infringement or copyright violation, so it’s definitely something you want to avoid.

How to avoid logos in product photography

Change your frame

Crop the image to remove the logo altogether. This may not work depending on how your photo is framed and where the logo is in relation to the product and the rest of the image’s elements.

You can also completely reframe your shot and change angles. Maybe position the subject of your photo in front of the logo or take it from a different angle to cut the logo out of the frame.

Retouch your image

You can edit your product photos in Photoshop or with another editing tool to remove any branding or logos that you don’t have permission to use. You can use this tutorial to learn how. If you don’t have time, Photoshop, or the photo-editing skills to learn how to retouch product photos yourself, you can outsource them.

We can remove logos and brand names from your product photos. Take this flat lay photo, for example—if Prada were to use this product photo in their marketing, it might need to remove the Chanel and NARS logos and branding.

Though you wouldn’t add your logo in the example above, there are some contexts where you might add your own logo or branding. Maybe you have supplier-provided product photos which you can edit to customize for your brand.

Distinguishable product characteristics

Even if you’ve edited out the other brand from your photo, there may be some distinguishable product characteristics.

Think about the iPhone. While you can always remove the apple from the back of the phone and likely be fine, if your image shows the front of the phone, the circle button at the bottom of the phone is the distinguishable characteristic that sets the iPhone apart from other devices. Since the phone is a solid color, this could be a simple fix based on your level of editing expertise.

Another example is the clothing brand Adidas. The three stripes are the distinguishable characteristic that sets it apart from other brands, and this one may not be as easy to edit as others.

While you’re shooting, always ask yourself if you can guess what brand a certain background prop is—and if you can quickly come up with the answer, you likely shouldn’t include it in the frame of your photo.

How to avoid distinguishable product characteristics

Use angles and props

If possible, take the photo from an angle that hides the brand’s notable characteristics. Try using other props to artfully block the area.

Photoshop it out

The healing brush tool (shown in use below) can be helpful when removing recognizable product characteristics. If it’s Adidas’s three stripes, for example, maybe you remove or add a stripe.

GIF source

Distracting and busy backgrounds

To maintain the focus on your product, it’s best to avoid a busy background. If there’s too much happening in the background of your photo, it distracts shoppers from the product you’re trying to sell.

Plus, 38% of shoppers are more likely to convert if the product’s featured against a plain background. If a distracting background is a concern, less actually may be more in this situation.

What to do if you have a busy background

Use a transparent background

Create a transparent background so you can use the photos across a variety of channels. Then you can use plain white backgrounds for main ecommerce images and add colorful or contextual backgrounds for website photos and marketing images.

Outsource your edits

If you’re strapped for time or photo-editing skills, hand your background removal edits off to a pro retoucher who can do it for you. The Path design team is available 24/7, with background removal services starting at just 39¢ an image.

Scout a new location for your photoshoot

Look for a spot without background elements that could compete with your product or appear to protrude out of a model’s head, for example. Consider creating a home studio for plain background shots.

Price tags and hangers

Similar to certain backgrounds, price tags can be equally as distracting. They may even make the photo (and subsequently the product) seem unappealing.

What to do if you have price tags in your product photos

Remove the tag

If you can’t pull the tag off, hide it. Try tucking the tag in an element of the clothing like a pocket or behind a bow so it’s not visible.

Check your angles

Try taking the photo from a different angle. You can usually capture the clothing without the tag being in the shot.

Get rid of tags in Photoshop

Retouching is always an option. If you can’t avoid it, you may be able to do a general retouch in Photoshop for a quick and simple fix.

Public buildings

Have you ever heard that you can’t take a photo of the Eiffel Tower at night? If you’re a professional, that might be true depending on the intended use. That’s because the lights are copyrighted as a work of art. While it may be unlikely your photoshoot would happen at night with the Eiffel Tower in the background, there are other public buildings and monuments to watch out for—art museums, sacred places like mosques and temples, and government buildings, for instance.

Shopping malls aren’t actually public property, but it’s also a good idea to avoid them. Malls are privately owned, which makes the simple task of taking a photo solely up to the discretion of the owner.

Sometimes, you can find signs that will explicitly state whether you can take photos on the premises. It’s always best to contact the location directly to find out their rules and recommendations.

What to do if public buildings are in your shot

Validate usage rights

Check if you can use it. You can use tools like Getty Images’ Intellectual Property Wiki to help determine if the building, monument, or landmark is suitable for the intended use of your photographs.

Find a new location

If easy and possible, choose a new angle or new location if you think buildings will cause an issue.

Remove the background

You can do this yourself in a tool like Photoshop or take advantage of professional background removal services.

Save a ton of time with pro background removal from 39¢ per image

Sports teams, logos and players

Most major sports teams’ names and logos are trademarked, which means you’re required to ask for permission before using it in your photos—especially if you’re selling something. Even in the written form, the NFL has names of games trademarked, down to the variation of ways you can refer to it.

So if a Yankees t-shirt pops up in the frame of your image, you’re likely required to seek permission from the MLB before publishing or selling your photography. When it comes to sports teams and logos, a good rule of thumb is if you think you have to ask for permission, don’t shoot it.

What to do if a sports logo is in your photo

Organize a reshoot

Do a reshoot. Unfortunately, your safest bet is to retake the photo completely. You definitely don’t want a legal battle with a professional sports team!

Edit it out

Crop the logo or name out if you can. If the team name or logo is totally unavoidable, you’ll have to spend some time editing to make it indistinguishable or remove it all together. For example, Photoshop’s clone stamp or spot healing tool work well for removing logos.

Unintended shadows

Shadows can be a great addition to a photo. Without a shadow, the product can look like it’s just floating aimlessly.

But if they’re unnatural or unintended, they can completely alter how you’re presenting a product. An unplanned or poorly executed shadow can result in harsh, dark, or messy-looking images that don’t show off the product.

Take this photo below, for example. The photoshoot was a lifestyle-centered shoot, so white background photos weren’t the primary goal. Therefore, the white background shots had unintended shadows due to the set location being at the beach. The shadows were uncontrollable and are difficult to fix in post-processing.

A shoot done in a studio with a different approach to lighting would clean up the image and help the product pop.

For product photography especially, you’ll want to understand the difference between hard shadows and soft shadows:

What is a hard shadow?

Hard shadows occur when your source of light is smaller than the product you’re highlighting. It gives a hard, distinct shadow.

What is a soft shadow?

Soft shadows occur when the source of light is bigger than the product. It will result in a more friendly, more diffused shadow. Usually, you’ll want to go for a soft shadow—and can do so by shooting outside or near a large window.

How to avoid unintended shadows in your photos

Get a flash diffuser

Flash diffusers are usually rather affordable, ranging from $15 to $200). But if you’re in a pinch, consider using something like a white piece of paper or a plastic grocery bag to cover your flash.

Use natural lighting

Go natural with your lighting if possible. To avoid unintended shadows indoors, try to use natural lighting. If you’re outside, schedule your shoot in the early afternoon. Just be sure to avoid shadows from trees!

Add a shadow effect

If you want a shadow in your product photo but don’t have the right lighting to create a natural one, you can always add a shadow effect later.

Step into the light and let us create your shadows for you from 25¢ per image

Product packaging

Sometimes packaging can distract from the product you’re photographing. Many times the product looks better outside of the package.

Some products, such as makeup or food, are better photographed outside of their packaging so consumers know what to expect: colors and textures can be highlighted outside of the package.

Plus, packaging doesn’t always photograph well. For example, cellophane wrapping can create nasty glares—either due to your camera’s flash or even the natural lighting bouncing off the material. And typically, the packaging doesn’t showcase the product. Shoppers expect a nice visual of what that product will look like in real life, so you’ll have to take it out of the package.

How to avoid product packaging in your photos

Remove the packaging

The simplest way to avoid this issue is to get rid of the product packaging altogether. If you do opt for removing the packaging, ensure that the product is clean (if needed) before shooting.

Prop your packaging

Use it as a prop. Removing the product packaging isn’t always needed. If the product comes with premium packaging, then it’s best to include it in the photo as it’s best to highlight the additional flair that comes with the product. In certain scenarios, packaging makes a great photo prop.

Create a background

If it’s viable, use your product packaging as your background. You can also stage a shot of your product with the packaging in the background, as often seen by makeup and cosmetics brands. That’s exactly what they do in this example of product photography for CBD wellness drops:

License plates

If you’re taking a photo with a car or if cars are in the background (unrelated to your shoot), the license plate shouldn’t be in the frame of your photos.

Many people—even in images used for personal purposes—tend to remove or blur license plates since they provide information that can identify the owner of the vehicle.

What to do when you’ve captured a license plate

Create a fake license plate number

Edit the photo to include a fake license plate number. To make sure you’re not using a potentially valid number, aim to create a series of numbers and/or letters that doesn’t match the format used by the state that issued the license plate.

Remove or hide it in Photoshop

Photoshop out or blur the license plate. This should only take a few minutes, based on your level of editing expertise or you can outsource these photo-editing tasks to Path.

You could also put black, silver, or white over the plate numbers, matching the vehicle and hiding the license plate numbers.

Block the license plate physically

Cover or block the license plate. Grab some tape, a piece of cardboard, or something else to cover the license plate. Even if it’s not big enough to cover the whole thing, as long as you make it impossible to make out the full string of characters. You could also even remove the license plate altogether. If you do any of these things, make sure it’s legal where the car is located and also you have permission from the owner.

Dates, times, and locations

In some instances you’ll want it clear where and when you took the photos. For example, Christmas lights will likely be photographed in winter and at night.

You’ll want to pay attention to small details like clocks in your images. You wouldn’t want a clock that shows the time as 12-noon if the image is supposed to look like it was taken at night.

How to avoid capturing dates, times, and locations in your photos

Edit the sky

Change the sky color in Photoshop. You can follow the steps in our tutorial. 

Change the time

Edit the clock to change the time. Better yet, remove the clock altogether if possible. 

Retouch in Photoshop

Consider changing visible street names or signs with Photoshop. Replace them with fake names or inconspicuously blur the names so they’re not legible. 

Capture ecommerce-ready photos

Getting high-quality product photos that fit all the legal requirements can be challenging, but if you keep these 12 things in mind, you have a much better chance at success. Your clients will be happier, and the images should help produce more sales.

Find out how to get started with your virtual photo editing studio

The post Get a Pixel Perfect Product Photography Frame: 12 Things to Avoid appeared first on Path Edits.

What is outsourcing in business?

Outsourcing is when you hire an external business or individual to provide services. These services can be the same, complementary, or supportive to your business’s core offerings.

30,000 sales and marketing pros get our insights, tips, and best practices delivered weekly.

More businesses—photography included—are catching on to the benefits of outsourcing. In fact, the outsourcing market amounted to $92.5 billion in 2019. And as many as 80% of small businesses planned to outsource some aspect of their business in 2021. 

Professional product photographers regularly outsource work to virtual assistants, accountants, and second shooters, so why should outsourcing photo editing be any different? Hiring photo editing help is one of the smartest things a photographer can do to help their business. Outsourcing means more bandwidth, optimized business processes, reduced costs, and potentially even new specialities or lines of revenue.

So how do you know you’re ready to start outsourcing photo editing? Here are a few indications.

14 signs it’s time to outsource photo edits

1. You can’t keep up with demand 
2. You’ve maxed out your photographer’s bandwidth
3. Your photographer is too expensive but you don’t want to sacrifice the quality
4. You have to meet a tight deadline
5. You’re too stressed
6. You’re stuck creatively
7. You’re working a lot of overtime
8. You spend hours doing repetitive edits
9. You’re expanding to more commerce channels
10. You have seasonal fluctuations
11. You want to shorten turnaround time
12. You’re outside of your expertise
13. You want to focus on growth
14. Your competitive landscape is getting tougher 

You can’t keep up with demand

Whether you’re working for yourself, in-house, or both, there might come a point in time when you can’t keep up with the workload. Clients and colleagues are pulling you in different directions, all with urgent requests. More than a quarter of small businesses that outsource do so in order to become more efficient and save time. 

That’s what happened when Jim Palmer, product photographer at Toysmith, was responsible for keeping up with 100 product launches each week. So, he relied on outsourced photo edits to help him get it all done. In these situations, outsourcing work can be a blessing. You can streamline your workflow by offloading post-processing work to an editing professional.

Simon Woodcock, business owner and photographer of Man With A Camera Photography, also uses outsourcing to increase his freelance bandwidth. “I started outsourcing my retouching and editing work when my event photography work was really busy,” he says. “It freed me up to deal with the event clients who often needed images quickly.”

You’ve maxed out your photographer’s bandwidth

If you outsource product photography and editing already, you might find that your photographer has a limit in terms of workload. Alee Mills, director of operations at Ice Cream Castles, can relate. Their talented product photographer had a max of 50 edited photos per batch, so Mills started outsourcing extra edits to Path. Doing so helped them shorten their workflow from one week to just one day. 

Outsourcing can be a smart move to protect your photographer from burnout. It also helps keep your production schedule on track. A win-win.

Your photographer expensive but you don’t want to sacrifice the quality

More than half of those who outsource do so to reduce costs. In fact, 59% of respondents to one survey say their company uses outsourcing services because it’s a cost-cutting tool.

In many cases, outsourcing your photo editing gives you the best of both worlds: savings and quality. All you have to do is find an outsource partner who can maintain your level of quality at the right price. For example, Path’s image editing services start at just 39¢ per image.

You have to meet a tight deadline

Last-minute product launch? On the way to a trade show? A sudden influx of client work? Concerned about how to outsource photo edits quickly? Whatever your deadline is, it’s usually possible for outsourcing teams to meet it.

At Path, for example, the rush fee is just 1.25 times extra if you want your images back in 6 hours (compared to the normal 24-hour turnaround time).

You’re too stressed

It’s probably no surprise that work is a major source of stress. In fact, worker stress reached a record high in 2020, according to Gallup’s Global Workplace 2021 Report. Workload, financial stress, and economic uncertainty all played a part in increased anxiety. 

It’s easy to fall into the routine and feel like stress at work is normal. It’s not. Stress can be bad for your physical and mental health, and if work is too stressful for you, it’s time to make a change.

Outsourcing photo edits is a great way to ease some of the burden and delegate part of your workload to someone else.

You’re stuck creatively

Employee burnout not only threatens personal health but also productivity and professional success. And unfortunately, almost half of workers reported feeling burned out, and experts believe that the most burned out people have already quit. Workers are putting more value on flexibility and a better work/life balance (both of which outsourcing can help). 

If you’re feeling burned out or unmotivated, consider outsourcing the photo edits you dread doing or the ones that take the longest to complete. Then you can use that time to work on projects and tasks that are more inspiring—or, use that extra time to rest.

You’re working a lot of overtime

Many people get into photography because they’re chasing work-life balance: a fulfilling career that lets you pursue your creative passions, with plenty of free time to spend with friends and family and on hobbies.

But many Americans regularly work overtime. According to a study by ADP Research Institute, one in 10 people say they work at least 20 hours a week for free. Although many people felt they had more flexibility working from home, remote work blurred the lines between work and home life.

These are not numbers we like to see. But thankfully, outsourcing can address these workplace challenges and improve satisfaction. You can spend less time editing and more time enjoying your life outside of work.

You spend hours doing repetitive edits

Detailed photo edits like background removal and drop shadow require a lot of concentration and time, and the work can be tedious.

We ran a survey to find out how long it takes to edit each product photo, on average. We found that nearly 24% of professionals spend less than 5 minutes on each shot, but 20% spend more than a half hour. That’s 16 images in a single day if you’re not working on anything else.

Now imagine what else you could fit into your schedule if you outsourced those edits. Another product shoot? A new client? 

Find out the cheapest way to put products on a white background 

You’re expanding to more commerce channels

Today’s retailers can’t survive with limited commerce channels. The social commerce industry alone, for example, is expected to grow three times as fast as traditional ecommerce (from $492 billion in 2021 to $1.2 trillion by 2025) according to a recent Accenture report. And third-party marketplaces are starting to outperform traditional ecommerce benchmarks. Website sales, wholesale possibilities, and voice commerce add even more options for customers.

More touchpoints hopefully means more customers and more sales, but it also means more work. Each channel has its own image requirements. That means you not only need to familiarize yourself with each channel’s guidelines, but also spend extra time sizing and editing each product photo accordingly. But pro photo editors are familiar with all of these requirements and can execute quickly.

You have seasonal fluctuations

The holiday season is a busy period for any brand. The winter holiday months are responsible for driving a huge number of sales. 2021 holiday sales increased by 14.1% from the year before. With those numbers, retailers need to prep their collateral well in advance. That means lots of photo editing. 

Holidays aren’t the only busy seasons. Fashion brands have sales fluctuations based on the winter, spring, summer, and fall. Bathing suits, for example, are popular in the spring, as consumers prepare for summer vacation—while warm clothes are in high demand during autumn.

Trade show season and regular product launches can also create a surge in demand for photo editing, making it an ideal time to outsource.

Pro tip: Don’t wait until you’re in the midst of your busy season to start outsourcing. Find a reliable outsourcing partner beforehand, so you can become acquainted with one another and hit the ground running when it’s time.

You want to shorten turnaround time

Looking to improve your turnaround time to impress clients and stakeholders? Or are you hoping to streamline your current workflow? Whatever the reason, outsourcing can help with turnaround time.

For example, a batch of 50 photos that would otherwise take you a full day to complete now takes significantly less when the job is outsourced to a team of editors who can work together to finish the edits.

With outsourcing comes more time to focus on other things, all while ensuring your edits are handled quickly and efficiently.

You’re outside of your expertise

Not everyone excels in Photoshop. While powerful, it takes time and practice to learn.

It’s okay if Photoshop isn’t in your skillset. Learning Photoshop takes hours upon hours—time you could be spending on more valuable and impactful business tasks.

Nisa Zulkifli, co-founder of conscious skincare brand Speak, tried learning Photoshop herself at first. She and her co-founder were running a lean operation, so it made sense to keep everything in-house. They even took a photography course in addition to learning Photoshop. Eventually, they realized that outsourcing to a skilled editor made more sense for business growth.

You want to focus on growth

Whatever “growth” means to you—more clients, more sales, more customers, a promotion, more money, management or new skills—outsourcing will free you up to focus on it. Deloitte conducted a survey on outsourcing and found that many companies use the practice to give themselves a competitive edge. And as many as 19% of small businesses in another survey say their primary motivation for outsourcing is to grow the business. The key to success is to outsource strategically. 

Delegating tasks allows you to focus on impactful business functions or projects while keeping overhead costs low. Outsourcing gives you flexibility with staffing, professional access and workload so you have more time to chip away at your larger goals.

Your competitive landscape is getting tougher

Depending on the size and stage of your business, outsourcing can be a fantastic strategy to stay competitive in a crowded industry. More than a quarter of small businesses that outsource do so because they want to work with specialized experts. 

Outsourcing tasks such as photo editing increases the efficiency of your business and can level the playing field, especially for smaller or younger brands. Contracting expert help is much more affordable than hiring another full-time staff member.

Outsource smartly: choose a proven partner

There are so many fantastic reasons to outsource your photo edits: more time, more growth, and less stress. If you’re unsure where to start, it’s worth getting to know the Path team.

Path is well-versed in professional-quality photo editing. Brands all over the world trust the team to provide beautiful images on time.

Find out more about how photo editing works with Path > 

The post 14 Reasons to Start Outsourcing Photo Edits appeared first on Path Edits.

Clipping paths are a straightforward but tedious task, making them perfect to hand off to someone else. Outsourcing edits to a clipping path service takes time-consuming tasks off your plate and saves you money and time in the long run. And choosing the right service provider makes the transition a lot smoother—so you can get back to business.

30,000 sales and marketing pros get our insights, tips, and best practices delivered weekly.

Why ecommerce companies work with a clipping path service

Along with lifestyle pictures, advertising shots, and social images, most ecommerce companies will need white background product photography. Unusually, photo-editing professionals use a clipping path to remove the background from a product image.

How does it work? A clipping path is created around the product, and then the product image can be saved as a transparent image (or placed onto a white background, for example).

In other words, a clipping path is like a cutout of an image. That cutout will likely be used for print ads, websites, and more—so it has to be good. Hence, it’s super important for ecommerce companies to work with a clipping path service that delivers high-quality work.

Why choosing the best clipping path service is important

Take the time to find the right outsourcing partner. You’ll be better off in the long run.

So what happens if you choose the wrong clipping path services? Some potential scenarios:

• Missed print deadlines
• Unhappy or even lost clients
• Wasted money
• Competitors list their products on Amazon first

Poorly edited or late images can make or break a deadline, campaign, or other important milestone. Worse, some companies are so untrustworthy they’ll reuse your photos in other ways—without permission or compensation.

How to choose the best clipping path service provider: where to look

There are tons of clipping path options available on the web. A quick Google search is a great place to start, but it can also be overwhelming. If you want to know how to choose the best clipping path company, carefully research each option that pops up.

Other places to look:

• Ask your network for recommendations. Chat with your colleagues, email your peers, or post on social media. (This might also score you free or discounted clipping paths — at Path, you can earn and redeem points in exchange for free photo edits.)
• Look locally. If you prefer to work with someone in-person, check your local networks.
• Check with local graphic designers, agencies, photographers, and universities. Check outsource service marketplaces. Sites like Fiverr and Upwork act like a clipping path marketplace of sorts, allowing freelance photo editors to publicize their services and bid on jobs. You might find good options here, but keep in mind that quality often varies and individuals don’t have the same bandwidth for volume as an agency or company.

Greg Bullock uses Fiverr to outsource photo edits for TheraSpecs. “I still do some finalizing after it comes back, but the majority of the work is done by independent contractors,” he says. “We use a few different individual contractors depending on the specific editing work required.” 

• Read trusted industry publications. There are numerous round-up articles on the web that provide lists of the best resources for product photographers and ecommerce sellers. This article from Amazon SEO Consultant, for example, gives Path services their stamp of approval. (Thanks Tom!)
• Browse social media. LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook have thriving creative communities. To source clipping path services, you can use the search features, join groups, follow hashtags, or expand your network.

What to consider when vetting clipping path companies

Cost and payment

First things first: You have to make sure the services fit your budget. Path is an affordable clipping path service, for example, with prices starting at just 39¢ per image. 

Remember to examine the pricing structure and what’s included with posted rates. Clipping path providers vary in how they approach pricing. They might charge more for photos that require more complex edits, have packaged service selections, or offer a discount for bulk orders.

With Path, you can buy a package of edit credits. This is great when you have recurring photo-editing needs: The more credits you purchase, the more you save. 

Quality

Although you probably have a budget to stick to, you don’t want to skimp on quality. When you’re researching clipping path service providers, look for samples on their website that show proof of their work.

And if you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask. It’s important to understand what you’re getting for your money.

Here are a few things to ask about:

• How are the clipping paths drawn? If they mention anything about automation, look for another option. You want people (not computers) paying attention to every last detail in your photo. Artificial intelligence (AI) in photo editing has its place, but product photography is not it.
• What is the quality assurance (QA) process? Is someone overseeing every order to make sure it’s up to standards? This is especially important when dealing with companies who have multiple editors.
• What happens if you’re not happy with your images? Tread lightly if there’s no satisfaction guarantee.

If possible, do a free trial first. This way you can test the quality for yourself as a true clipping path client, risk-free. At Path, we offer two free image edits for free so you can see if you like working with us before you invest. 

Turnaround time

If you have flexible timelines, this isn’t a concern. But most of the time, you’re working on a deadline, and you need a clipping path service that can work with you.

Keep in mind that rushed turnaround typically comes with an additional fee. If you need a quick turnaround, it’s a good idea to find out what the rush fees are.

At Path, you can choose from a number of different turnaround times depending on your deadline and budget. You can get images back in as little as 6 hours if you need them. 

Services list It makes sense to get started with simple photo edits like clipping paths and image masking, for example. But as time goes on, you might need additional types of photo edits. Your editing needs could change as your business grows.

If you’re projecting growth in the near future, consider finding a clipping path service provider that can also do things like photo retouching, ghost mannequin, and even vector conversion. If you don’t, you might find yourself using multiple providers or searching for a new editor sooner than planned.

Maximum order size

Depending on the size of your company (or the time of the year), you might have large batches of photos—think seasonal businesses or big product launches.

Your clipping path provider should be able to handle bulk orders. That’s precisely why you pay them—to complete work that you can’t.

And yes, we mean bulk orders. The biggest order we’ve ever fulfilled at Path was almost 9,000 photos. Can you challenge us to do more? 

Customer support

According to Statista, 88% of mid-market business leaders believe communication is a top contributor to successful outsourcing. That’s why it’s important to find out how each clipping path service company communicates with customers. If you have no way to communicate with the folks doing your clipping paths, you’re going to face an uphill battle. 

Here’s a scenario: If you’re working with a clipping path service in the UK but you’re based in California, the time difference could make efficient communication difficult.

At Path, email support is available 24/7. So if you’re across the globe or working at midnight on a weekend, we’re still here to answer questions that pop up—you’ll get a response in 45 minutes or less.

Ethics

Unfortunately, this industry is rampant with substandard working conditions for the people actually doing the clipping paths—especially when you’re dealing with overseas companies.

That doesn’t make them all bad though. For example, we’re a clipping path service in Bangladesh. Our founder, Atiqur Sumon, grew up in a small village here and wanted to give back. Now, a UN Global Compact Partner, we employ more than 300 professional photo editors. Not to mention all the fun we have as a team  

Our community commitment is actually one of the reasons photographer Jim Palmer chose to outsource his photo edits to Path. “Path does some really great things with helping people create careers and jobs,” says the Toysmith photographer. “I like what they’re doing as a company and as an organization.”

Reviews

It’s always a good idea to check out clipping path service reviews before working with anyone. Go beyond the testimonials and quotes featured on their site. You want to check third-party review sites like Trustpilot, Sitejabber, and Google reviews. 

Do a Google search for “[clipping path service provider name] reviews” and see what else pops up. This could uncover niche sites with more detailed reviews to validate (or contradict) the others you’ve already found.

Moving forward with a clipping path service company

It’s important to choose the right clipping path service provider so you don’t waste the time and money that you were hoping to save by outsourcing in the first place. Find reputable options by asking within your network, on social media, and in industry publications. And consider these things when vetting your options:

• Cost and payment: Make sure it’s within your budget and they offer a payment method that works with your business.
• Quality: Do they have proof of their work?
• Turnaround time: Don’t forget to ask about rush fees.
• Services list: Find a provider that can grow with you.
• Maximum order size: If you have large batches of photos, a single individual might not be able to keep up.
• Customer support: Inaccessible support is a red flag.
• Ethics: You want to feel good about where your money’s going.
• Reviews: This is the social proof you need to make sure you’re making the right choice. 

The post How to Choose the Best Clipping Path Service Provider appeared first on Path Edits.

We’ll go over picking the best space, what you’ll need, how to set up your studio, and more.

Choose a location for your product photo studio

The first thing to decide is where to set up your photo studio. A spare or guest room, office space, or even a closet works perfectly for a DIY studio location. If it’s a shared or dual-purpose space, pay special attention to how the room is set up — a little rearranging might be necessary before you can get to work, and you want that to be as quick and easy as possible. And while the area doesn’t have to be huge, you want to have enough space to easily move around and work.

Here are the main things you want to pay attention to:

• Cleanliness: When it comes to tidiness, everyone has their own comfort level, but messes cause stress for most people. Clutter can also be distracting, inefficient, and a trip hazard.
• Simplicity: You’re setting up a small, quality studio just for you so there’s no need to overcomplicate it. Buy only the essentials right now. If you have your eye on expensive and high-tech equipment, save those ideas for the future when your business grows.
• Studio lighting: Product photography requires a well-lit area. Natural lighting is ideal, but with some knowledge, artificial lighting can work just as well.
• Size: Depending on your situation, you might not have a choice when it comes to the size of your studio. A spare room, generous corner or closet, basement, or shed are all doable options. As long as you’re able to move around and have room for your equipment, you’re good to go.
• Accessibility and availability: The space you use for your studio should be easy to access. If stairs are difficult for you, for example, look for a ground-floor space. If you know you’re easily distracted, make sure you can block off some alone time in your DIY studio space. If you share the space, consider creating a schedule with your roommates. (If you’re relying on natural lighting, try to reserve times that provide the best opportunity for light.)

If you’re concerned about being able to produce a workable studio in a small space or concerned about getting the right tools on a tight budget, take a look at this video for some inspiration.

Professional photographer Jeff Rojas discusses how he was able to build a professional photo studio in 60 square feet of space.

Key takeaways from the video:

• Studio space is small: 6 feet wide x 10 feet deep x 9 feet tall.
• The setup summary: background, background stands, c-stand with a boom pole, and a light meter.
• Backdrop sits adjacent to a window and runs from floor to ceiling.
• Lighting is a combination of northwest-facing window and studio lighting.

Even if square footage is limited, all it takes is some thoughtfulness and a realistic end goal.

Know what equipment you need to set up your photo studio

Now that you’ve selected a location for your photography studio, let’s get it set up.

For our purposes, we’ll focus on product photography, but you want to make sure that you’re considering your needs before making any purchases. Take into account the different styles of product photos you’re hoping to capture (lifestyle shots, flat lays, etc.)

For most of your product photography needs, you’ll only need a few tools. Let’s take a look at what you can DIY, where you can save money, and what it would make sense to splurge on (if you have any wiggle room financially).

Camera: splurge

Estimated cost: free (if you have a smartphone) to thousands

Your camera is one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll buy. So if you have room to splurge, a high-quality camera (or lens) is worth the investment. If you’re looking to purchase a new (or new to you) camera, try to find one that has several lens options. As you take on new work, you might want to upgrade or add additional lenses to your kit.

If an expensive camera isn’t in the cards right now, don’t fret. There’s a good chance that you can shoot high-quality product photos using your smartphone. There are plenty of photographers that do this — and many even that specialize in smartphone photography.

Tripod: save or splurge

Estimated cost: $50 or more

Whether you’re working with a camera or a smartphone, you’ll want to order a tripod. A tripod helps you get consistent, steady images. They minimize camera shake, so you end up with more professional-looking shots. And you can easily find them for around $50 at photography stores or online. (If you have room to splurge here, you could consider a higher-end tripod—think $800–$1,500.)

White backdrop: save

Estimated cost: $10 or more

Backdrops will be super important for your product photography studio, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on one. You can DIY a white backdrop with plain paper or a sheet. But if product photography is something you’re planning on doing full-time (or keeping in-house), you might want to purchase a white sweep. You can find affordable sweeps on Amazon and other photography stores.

Note: Although a backdrop and a sweep serve basically the same purpose, a backdrop generally will go floor to ceiling and a sweep is a smaller, usually curved background. The size of your space will probably dictate which works best for you.

White bounce boards: save

Estimated cost: $10 or more

Bounce boards fill in any shadows that your main light source doesn’t hit. White bounce boards reflect light back into the shadows to brighten it up. You can buy bounce boards online or get (more budget-friendly) foam boards from a local office supply or craft store.

Table and props: save

Estimated cost: free or more

Most of your product shoots will probably require a table (to place the products on). If you have an old coffee table or nightstand, great. You can also check out thrift shops, Craigslist, etc. to find a used table.

To produce interesting and unique images, you’ll also need at least a few photography props. Consider foam, wood, or cement blocks — even household items can function as a photography prop.

Small toolbox: save

Estimated cost: around $30

You never know what little tools or trinkets you’ll need while working. If you have the room, keep a toolbox or small basket handy with items such as tape, clips, fishing line, scissors, glue dots and clothespins. That way, when an idea strikes, you’ll have everything you need to execute.

Lighting or natural light: save or splurge

Estimated cost: $50 or more

If your room has plenty of natural light, you should be able to work with a backdrop, bounce boards, and reflectors. Note: Silver reflectors cool natural light and gold reflectors warm natural light.

For darker rooms, you’ll have to purchase lighting. A studio speedlight will be smaller and more budget-friendly. If you have a little more space or money, a studio strobe light might be a better option.

Remember: There’s no need to spend a lot of money on high-tech equipment, especially when there’s a much more affordable option.

How to set up your product photography studio

One of the pros of having a smaller studio space is a simple set up. Your table will probably stay in the same place and you’ll quickly figure out the best way to light your studio.

Arrange tabletop and props

Before you start setting up, clean your space (if it’s not already). Wipe down your table and props so you don’t see dust in the images.

Next, get your background set up, and make sure it’s secure. The last thing you need is for your background to fall down mid shoot.

Now the fun part: props. Photographer Brooke Lark suggests picking a loose theme. Select props that are roughly the same size, shape, and hue. As you get more comfortable with using props for product photography, your eye will develop enough to know when you can get away with odd shapes, clashing colors, or different sizes.

After you arrange your product and props, you want to set up and check the lighting.

Set up your lightsource: natural vs. artificial

If your studio has natural light, you have it a little easier. But you still want to make sure it’s a soft light.

Whether you’re working with natural or artificial light, you may need a diffuser. They soften the light source, thus reducing harsh shadows.

The video below shows a super simple and affordable lighting setup for product photography. All you really need is a lamp with a fluorescent bulb.

At minimum, you should have a main light source, a bounce board (to lift shadows), and a light diffuser. Eventually, you may decide to invest in reflectors, a light meter, and a white balance card.

Stabilize camera and test camera settings

Are your product and props arranged? Is your lighting set up? If you answered yes to both, it’s time for a test shoot.

Once your camera or smartphone is secured on a tripod, start taking photos.

• How do the props look?
• What about the lighting arrangement?
• Are your camera settings correct?

Test shots are a crucial step, but this phase shouldn’t take a ton of time — especially once you get more accustomed to working in your space.

Ideally you’ll test, make a few adjustments, and then move on to the bulk of the photography work for the day.

Something to note: For brand new photographers a test shoot might be used to produce portfolio images or improve skills. And photographers of all skill levels often set up test shoots to try new equipment. Test shoots are not free client work.

Consider post-processing

For professionals that focus on product photography, the work isn’t done after the photoshoot. There’s the ever important edits. But photo-editing software can be pricey. If you’re on a budget, outsourcing post-production edits to a photo-editing studio like Path makes professional imagery possible — and affordable. 

FAQs about setting up your product photo studio

How do you make a cheap backdrop?

You can make a cheap backdrop with common and affordable items such as poster board, sheets, canvas cloth, paper rolls, wood boards, and even walls. Hang, prop up, or drape your material to create a cheap backdrop.

How do I create a photography studio for my budget?

You can create a photography studio for your budget by following the steps in this post:

1. Choose a location
2. Get your equipment
3. Arrange your space
4. Set up your lighting
5. Stabilize and test your camera

How do you photograph products on a budget?

You can photograph products on a budget by doing it yourself in your own studio or space and then outsourcing time-consuming edits to a photo-editing studio like Path. This post shows you how to set up your own product photography studio on a budget.

How do I set up my own studio?

You can set up your own studio by finding a space, setting up your lighting, getting your equipment, organizing a backdrop and props, and conducting test shots to make sure everything is set up right. You can follow the advice in this post.

The post How to Set Up a Product Photo Studio on a Budget appeared first on Path Edits.

For some photographers, photo editing is part of the job. For others, it’s an unnecessary, tedious task they don’t really want to do.

30,000 sales and marketing pros get our insights, tips, and best practices delivered weekly.

If you enjoy editing photos, guess what? You can turn that into an upsell. When you set up your photo editing services properly, you might not even need to shoot anymore — you just might trade in your camera to make a living as a photo editor.

That’s right: You could theoretically earn a decent income from home while dressed in your pajamas!

If this sounds good to you, you’re probably wondering how to charge for photo editing. And what photo editing rates to set.

Below, we’ll talk about hourly vs. per image vs. flat fee rates, how to determine which number to throw out, and what to make sure you’re including in those rates — and how you can make more money by outsourcing some of the work.

Editing as a standalone service vs. included with photography

You can offer editing-only services or add it to your existing photography packages.

Editing as a standalone service

Photo editing could be the only thing you offer as a service, and while helpful, you don’t have to have photography experience to be a photo editor. You do, however, need to have a creative eye and in-depth knowledge of professional photo editing software.

Keep in mind, if you’re offering photo editing as a standalone service, your website and social media channels should be created with photographers in mind — they’re your source of business, not the people or company receiving the photos. Do you offer culling or custom preset creation? Highlight how you can make a photographer’s job easier.

Editing included with photography

Some photographers prefer to wrap editing into their photo packages. Photographers that built their business on their unique style might prefer this route, and depending on their following, they may also have a few popular editing presents available for purchase.

Typically packages are based, in part, on the number of images the customer will receive. Customers choose a selection of their favorite shots and those will be the images that get edited as part of the package. If you wrap editing into your photography package, make sure you note that on your website. Let customers know that touch-ups, color corrections, etc. are included in the price.

Your editing approach comes down to your personal preferences. Managing a photography business entails much more than taking great photos. “Aside from shooting, which is extremely time-intensive, and editing (which is more time-intensive), photographers have to deal with client management, consultations, negotiating contracts, bookkeeping, constant marketing on Instagram/Facebook/Pinterest, website maintenance, and frequent blog updates,” says Katie Rivera, a full-time photo editor.

Depending on workload, sometimes outsourcing editing is more efficient. If you offer editing as a service, your freelance photo editing rates will depend on whether you wrap the edits in with your photography or you offer editing as a standalone service.

Knowing what you should charge

Determining how much to charge your clients for photography is challenging in and of itself. The internal debate probably goes a little something like this:

• How long will it take me to do this work?
• How big do I think their budget is?
• Am I overpricing? Underpricing?
• Am I going to lose this client if I charge too much?

And the debacle becomes further complicated as you grow your business and begin to outsource photo-editing work.

Even though outsourcing tasks can save you time and help you earn more money, you still need to ensure you’re charging your clients enough to cover those additional fees — and make it worth your while.

Factors that influence your photo editing rates

Turnaround time

As a general rule, the quicker your client needs the work done, the more you should charge. Before agreeing to work, ask your client what their time frame is for the specific project. It will affect how much you’re spending for outsourcing photo-editing work and the rate you’re giving your client.

Usually, clients will understand a higher rate if they’re giving you less time to complete a project.

Complexity of edits

First, let’s define “editing.” There are many ways to edit a photo, and each of them require a different amount of time, skill, and knowledge.

• Simple photo editing: There’s simple editing, which includes basic changes like color correction or straightening of horizons. A simple edit may include adding a drop shadow to a basic object, like this chair.

• Photo retouching: Then there’s retouching, which includes more detail like removing glare from glass or extending the background of the image.
• Special photo editing: And finally, there’s special editing. This can include things like changing the color of an item, smoothing out wrinkles, or swapping out the background entirely. This level of retouching can take anywhere from ten minutes to hours — per image!

Types of photos

Photo editing prices will also vary depending on the type of photo. For example, are they product photos, portraits, real estate or editorial photos? Different types of images require varying amounts of editing — anything from simple edits to more intensive retouching.

To edit sports, music, and other types of event photography, you need a solid understanding of the culture and coverage trends in these specific niches. Certain editing choices could seem out of date or out of touch.

Image source

Similarly, certain types of photos will also require some amount of industry knowledge (real estate or product photography, for example). Build that time and expertise into your pricing rates.

Image source

Editing real estate photography requires knowledge about the market. Luxury single-family properties, for example, will be presented differently than an office space.

Image source

Product photography edits also have a variety of photography and editing trends photo editors need to consider. Tech, fashion, and food shots should each have a different feel.

Image source

Revisions

Next, decide how many rounds of editing you’ll permit per image. If they’re not happy with the first set of photos, how many times will you allow them to request changes? It’s best to over-communicate this stipulation — with some customers, it’s all too easy to get sucked into an endless pit of revisions.

Associated outsourced fees

In some cases, it could make sense to outsource editing to a reputable company. While this costs money, some basic edits are affordable enough that you can make up for it with the saved time. This frees you up to do the finishing touches on your own and then send the image set back to your client. At Clipping Path India, for example, clipping paths start at just 49¢ per image. With this option, you can price your editing services much more competitively.

Costs for photo editing software

There is no shortage of easy photo editing software available. Here are just a few you can explore:

• Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom: Adobe might be the most recognizable name in photo editing out there. Their editors are cloud-based apps that work on desktop, mobile and tablets. Lightroom makes it simple to do basic edits, and Photoshop offers advanced options. You can buy Photoshop on its own or select a plan that lumps Photoshop and Lightroom together. (From $9.99 to $19.99 a month.)
• Affinity Photo: Affinity is another robust photo editor. It has more capabilities than Lightroom, but it probably wouldn’t make sense to have both Affinity and Photoshop. You can use all the features on both desktops and iPads. It’s considered a more affordable option. ($24.99 on sale, normally $49.99)
• Luminar AI: Luminar AI uses artificial intelligence to suggest edits. It’s simple to use and requires less learning to use than Photoshop, for example. (From $69.00 to $197.00 per year.)

If none of these options fit the bill, there are plenty of other photo editing technologies to choose from. Take the time to research your options, and pick the one(s) that fits your needs.

Your client’s budget

Opinions differ about whether or not to ask your client for their budget. If you are curious about the client’s budget, there are a couple of important takeaways:

• Ask for a ballpark range before releasing your rate.
• Wait to discuss their budget until the end of your first meeting.

If you ask the client about their budget after you disclose your rate, you might insinuate to them that you can work on their terms — and that you don’t know much you’re worth. But knowing their budget before telling them your rate gives you time to determine if you can go higher or lower and helps you retain your client. And if their budget is far lower than your usual rate, you can politely let them know and, if possible, refer them to someone whose rate is closer to their budget.

You’ll likely need to position the question as “Is there a set budget for this project?” or “What type of budget are we working with?” Then, you can determine if the rate, including any outsourced photo-editing work, is worth your time.

When you’re thinking about rate quotes, consider the size and age of the business, their industry, and location. A solo entrepreneur will have a much different budget than an NYC-based tech company, for instance.

Your experience or skill level

Of course, your skill level will come into play here. While it’s likely that you’ll have amassed more skills the longer you’ve been in the industry, don’t make the mistake of substituting years for skill.

Incremental charges

Are there additional charges for the outsourcing that you need to consider? Some photo editors might charge more if specific edits need to be made, like color correction, sharpening or resizing.

If you ask about these additional charges upfront, it could save you money and provide a quick turnaround. Consider the following to determine if you could do any of these tasks before sending the images out for editing:

• How are you sending the files? Are they easily organized for the photo editor?
• How many are you sending? Do you need all edited, or should you select your favorites before sending?
• Can you do the cropping and resizing upfront? Does each image need more than one size?

Ultimately, you want to consider doing some of the heavy lifting, like organizing and ensuring effectiveness, before sending your photos off for editing so you won’t be charged extra. Because if your editor assumes more time spent to sort through your images, they might consider increasing their rate.

If your schedule doesn’t allow the time you need to do the resizing upfront — or if different sizes are needed per image — this will easily increase your outsourced photo-editing rate. In this case, determine the rate with your photo editor before setting your rate with your client to ensure that you won’t lose money.

Set up your pricing structure

When it comes to pricing your editing, there are a few different ways to set your rates. Some photographers or editors use complicated calculations, but for the most part, setting editing rates usually boils down to three different methods: by the hour, by the project, and by the image. Each method has its pros and cons.

Hourly

Charging by the hour means you’ll get what you consider to be fair compensation for an hour of your time, and it’s relatively easy to calculate how much you’ll make on jobs you take on.

Downsides, however, include customers who are upset about how long the job took and clients who think they’ll be overcharged.

If you bill hourly, always provide the client with a quote. In the quote, make sure there’s language written about time for revisions, etc.

Average rates hover around $45 to $100 USD per hour. For complex and detailed work, that rate could go up to as much as $500 USD per hour.

Flat rate per image

A per-image fee is easy for clients to understand and makes rate calculations simple for you. The main downside is that on rare occasions, a photo could take longer than normal to edit, which means you’re working for less.

Average rates run from 30¢ to $7 per image. (The wide range takes into account the type of editing needed and the image. Jewelry, for example, is often harder to edit.)

Project fee

Project fees are simple: Potential clients know exactly how much it will cost them. One disadvantage is that if the project takes longer than you estimated, you may end up breaking even or losing money.

Project fees vary greatly depending on the size and scope of the project. For smaller projects, always make sure to discuss your minimum project rate.

Retainer

A retainer means that a client pays in advance to make sure your services are available to them for a certain amount of time. This type of payment is typically used for long-term projects or for access to services on a regular basis. Most retainers are for a month or more.

Budgeting your time is important when you have clients on retainer. It’s usually not wise to count on one client for 100% of your income, so their work needs to be interspersed with work from other clients.

Average retainers vary depending on the client and the agreement. Usually, retainer fees start at around $1,000 per month.

Packages

Some photographers and photo editors choose to set up packages for clients to choose from. Services are lumped together into categories (usually in a good, better, best set-up) so that potential clients know exactly what they’ll be getting. A-la-carte options and upgrades should be available as well.

How to present your photo editing rates to prospective clients

After you’ve discussed the potential job, it’s time to present your rates. For more straightforward jobs, you might feel comfortable giving the client your rate immediately. For many jobs, it’s wise to email the potential client a quote — that way it’s all in writing (and easier to refer to if they have questions).

In your quote, be very clear about the details. This benefits both you and the client. Include:

• Scope of work discussed
• Proposed timeline
• Allotted revisions
• Delivery method
• Payment terms

A written quote can be a good opportunity for upsells too. For example, if the client is asking about basic editing, you could include your rates for additional services or more advanced editing options. Note: This should probably be on a separate document so the client doesn’t get confused.

Know your worth

As you set your freelance photo editing rates, make sure you aren’t short-changing yourself. But be flexible enough to adjust your rate as necessary. If you’re newer to freelance editing or tackling a new industry, it may take some trial and error to nail down your rates.

FAQs about charging for photo editing

How much should I charge for retouching photos?

You should charge anywhere between $25/hour to $150/hour for retouching photos. Your rates should reflect your experience and skill level as well as the complexity of edits.

How much should I charge for photo editing?

You should charge $25–$150 per hour for photo editing, depending on your experience, skill level, complexity of edits, turnaround time, and number of photos.

How much do freelance photo editors make?

Freelance photo editors make $55,434–$70,875 per year, according to data from Salary.com.

The post Freelance Photography Tips: How to Charge for Outsourced Photo Editing appeared first on Path Edits.

Luckily, if you do your research before shooting in a new location, you can avoid those risks by being prepared and getting a photography permit when you need one. Know your rights for commercial use and you’ll be able to focus on the activities you love: Capturing beautiful shots and making your clients happy.

30,000 sales and marketing pros get our insights, tips, and best practices delivered weekly.

Why commercial photography permits are important

There are enough commercial photography rules in different states, countries, parks and areas to fill a library (or ten) — but if you use the following guidelines and examples, you can make sure your next photoshoot won’t come with the added expense of a costly fine.

It’s important to do your research ahead of time based on the region you’re hoping to shoot in, because laws can change without warning. For instance, in early 2021, a D.C. federal judge ruled in favor of commercial photographers everywhere when they decided the United States National Parks Services’ (NPS) fees and permits for commercial filmmakers and photographers were an unconstitutional restriction on free speech. The NPS now asks commercial photographers to consult parks staff directly to seek out ways to minimize the impact of their photoshoot on the park’s natural resources.

You should be especially considerate of potential ramifications when shooting around a cultural landmark or space. An Egyptian model was arrested in December 2020 for being photographed in a historical area the officials at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities viewed as disrespectful to Egyptian history and culture, resulting in an uproar. Unless you want some bad press, avoid making a cultural misstep by reading up on local commercial use laws as well as thinking twice about how your shoot itself may be in violation of cultural norms.

With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of the three main types of regulations placed on commercial photography, and how to navigate them like a pro.

Public places

Public places refer to areas like the street, a local park, library, hospitals, museums — essentially, any area accessible to the public. In some areas, this also includes restaurants or retail businesses with large capacities.

The biggest consideration for commercial photographers when shooting in public places is to make sure you don’t capture the likeness of individuals. Protecting individual privacy is just part of being a good photographer. No one should have a candid photo of themselves show up in a commercial campaign!

If you do capture an individual’s likeness, you’ll need to edit those photos to remove the identity of the person in the shot or even remove the person from the shot altogether. You can figure out how to remove elements from images in Photoshop with this tutorial. Or, if you don’t have the time or desire to mess around with Photoshop, you can outsource the work to a trained team of designers like Path.

If you do capture someone’s likeness, and editing them out isn’t going to work, you can get their permission with a signed release form or waiver. The document should cover the commercial usage of the photos and the individual’s likeness. ReleaseForms.org has a standard commercial photography waiver agreement you can use in case you don’t have your own or a legal resource.

Note: It can be difficult to get signatures from passersby, so in general, work to preserve the privacy of anyone who accidentally shows up in frame on a product photography shoot. You’ll thank yourself later.

Additionally, if a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, you can’t shoot their photo for personal or commercial use. This is the case in the U.S. (by law) and in many European countries (per the European Convention on Human Rights), as well as several other countries.

Scenarios that constitute a reasonable expectation of privacy include restrooms or dressing rooms. Areas like a park, shopping mall, or the sidewalk aren’t typically considered places where individuals should expect privacy.

It gets a little trickier when you introduce props and set materials — anything beyond a camera and a tripod. In the case of a product photographer, set styling and props are essential. This is when you would probably require a permit.

To determine whether you need a permit, pro photog Chase Jarvis suggests asking yourself these questions, and if you answer yes to at least one, you likely need a permit:

• “Is this a commercial shoot?
• Will your filming disturb traffic or pedestrians?
• Will you need to use tripods, dollys, wires, a generator or other equipment on sidewalks or streets?
• Are you using the public space in a special/different way than it is intended?”

In some areas, permits are free, whereas others charge a fee. Always check with local government offices, just to be sure.

How to get a permit to shoot in public

You can obtain a permit for shooting in public on your own anytime you like. Contact the local municipalities to find out what the process and requirements are, as well as any associated fees. Take initiative and apply at least 2-8 weeks before the scheduled shoot date, since permitting processes can sometimes take a few weeks.

In some places, you can apply online. New York City, Sydney, and Berlin are just a handful of locations that have information and online applications if you need a permit. In London, for example, each borough has its own Borough Film Service.

You can also ask other professionals for help. There are many location-scouting agencies that are experts in finding locations for commercial photographers to shoot. They’re also well aware of local laws and restrictions, so they’ll be able to offer advice if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

Be careful not to choose just any agency, though. Find reputable recommendations from colleagues or others in your industry. Check out the Masterclass guide to location scouting for tips.

Places open to the public

Private properties that are open to the public — such as brick-and-mortar shops, banks, and movie theaters — typically have similar parameters as public places.

The rules surrounding the idea of likeness and sharing a person’s identity apply to businesses, too. Generally, you can’t include business names, logos, or pictures of a recognizable building without permission of the property owner. (Think about how brand logos are blurred out on television. The same standards apply to your work.)

Some public places don’t allow any commercial photography at all, such as London’s Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square Gardens, which require the London mayor’s permission to shoot there.

Parks and nature

National Parks in the U.S., for example, have several pages on their website about the ins and outs of obtaining permits to shoot commercial photography: like this one for parks in general, or this one and this one for specific parks.

In Australia, you can check out the permits, licenses and leases section on the Department of the Environment and Energy website, which spells out the process for each of its National Parks and National Botanic Gardens, as well as where to get more specific information for shooting on Commonwealth marine reserves.

Some of this property is controlled by smaller, local governments, too. California State Parks, for example, has its own set of rules — as well as a process to obtain a permit to shoot. Some parks might also be controlled by the city, so it’s always best to check with the local municipality too.

Public transportation

Public transportation technically falls under the “places open to the public” category, but there are several modes of transportation, each with its own set of guidelines.

Much like with shooting in public, it’s always best to check the local government website for the latest and most-important information. In London, for example, Transport for London issues permits for photographers wanting to shoot on buses and on the roads. In Dallas, Texas, you need to call at least a week ahead for a permit.

Airports are considered private property, so it varies again. Denver International Airport requires photographers first contact them with detailed plans of the shoot. They also charge $200 USD per hour for shooting on the property with a minimum of two hours permitted.

Private property (not open to the public)

Private property owned by an individual or a business, which is not open to the public, doesn’t require permits. But that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. If you want to shoot on private property, you must acquire permission from the property owner.

If the photos feature the property in an identifiable manner, then you might also need a release. If you’re shooting for your own product-based business or for a single client, you probably don’t need it. But if you’re planning to sell the photos to others to use, such as on a stock photography site, you will likely need a signed release form.

Shoot confidently with the right permit (when you need it)

You deserve to have your next shoot go perfectly, especially when you’re up against a deadline, so don’t let a missing permit throw off your schedule or incur a fine. Do your research up front, check in with local laws, err on the side of cultural and environmental respect, and you’ll be able to deliver results for your commercial photography clients without a problem.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide legal advice. The information contained herein is no substitute for legal advice from an attorney licensed in your area and may or may not be applicable to your specific situation. We strongly encourage you to consult with local counsel.

The post When Do You Need a Photography Permit?: Commercial Photography Tips appeared first on Path Edits.

When you’re taking photos of products day-in and day-out, finding inspiration can be hard, but these ideas should help.

30,000 sales and marketing pros get our insights, tips, and best practices delivered weekly.

Try different photography equipment

New toys won’t cure burnout, but they can certainly help. An additional lens, upgraded photography studio lighting, or even a film camera might be enough of a nudge to spark your creativity.

Research gear

Take some time to research equipment and props you’re interested in — even if it’s not something that you think you could use on a regular basis. Researching and shopping for new gear can tap into numerous emotions, something to keep in mind during your product shoots. Your goal here is to welcome variety, and in turn, inspire some great ideas.

For example, consider giving refraction photography a try. To do so, you’ll need access to a macro lens and a glass ball. This is something you might even be able to incorporate into your product images.

Image source

Buy, rent, or borrow

Think of your gear exploration as a treat (and depending on what you choose, possibly a business investment as well). Try to step outside your comfort zone for this. “Find a vintage film camera at a secondhand store, and learn to use it. Rent a new lens, and master it,” suggests photographer Jen Hooks. Similarly, you could do a gear swap within your network of photographers. This gives you a low-cost way to experiment.

Learn something new

Education can be enlightening and inspiring. And depending on what you learn, your new knowledge could lead to business opportunities. Even better, learning skills is good for your mental health and keeps your brain healthy, helping to slow cognitive decline.

For benefits on all fronts, consider learning a new skill that complements your current abilities:

• Video and/or sizzle reels: Sizzle reels are short videos that offer an overview of a service, product or brand. They should be captivating and tell a story.
• Real estate photography: Adding real estate photography to your offered services can be lucrative. And it’s an interesting way to expand your skillset.
• Graphic design: Graphic design can be a great creative outlet. There are plenty of tools to learn and many free resources available.
• Blogging: Along with providing a change of pace, creating a variety of content for your website can help potential clients find you.

Spend time on a passion project

What’s something you love or have always wanted to photograph? Or is there a style you’ve been wanting to perfect? Turn that into a passion project — something stress-free and interesting. For you, this might mean photographing rescue animals, architecture, or even fashion.

For example, photographer Sarah Throop donates her time and skills to local animal rescue groups, capturing personality-filled images of adoptable pets.

Equestrian and lifestyle photographer Kate Kosnoff incorporates social justice into her photography, creatively weaving movements such as #MeToo and Black Lives Matter into her work.

Or take a page from this collective of photographers: The group came together to amplify equestrians of color. Don’t be afraid to collaborate on a project. If you want, you can use your passion project as a way to build friendships and meet other creatives.

Take a fresh approach

Product photography can get monotonous, especially if the bulk of your work is white-background shots. But that doesn’t mean you can’t try something new, especially for non-hero images (think social, web, advertisements, lifestyle):

Experiment with arrangement, lighting and styling. Don’t be afraid to play around with how you present products. If you need some inspiration, here are a few ideas:

Flat lay

Flat lays are useful for numerous types of products — clothing, books, gear, etc. You can use flat lays to add context to a product (think lifestyle) or to showcase it on its own.

Image source

Hang products

Bring life to products by hanging them — and you can get creative here. This works especially well for clothing and accessories. Look at what photographer Justina Reinhart did on her Instagram with apparel photography.

Image source

Movement

Show the product in action to make it easier for customers to picture the item in their own lives. Sunday Lawn Care uses product photography on their site to show the product in use and attached to a hose. These shots also give shoppers a better concept of the size of the product.

Luggage brand Lojel uses lifestyle shots to show context and help shoppers envision themselves using their suitcases.

Texture

These are essential shots for products such as makeup and jewelry. Plan these keeping in mind what makes that specific product unique.

Image source

Image source

Think about how you’re arranging and photographing your products. Is there any variety? If possible, mix up the composition: font angle, diagonal, group shots, etc.

Go macro and focus on details

Try emphasizing the minute details of the products you’re shooting. It’s a small change you can instantly put into practice.

• Focus on highlighting intricacies such as the texture of a watch band or highlighting detailed stitching in shoe photography.
• Aim for high-quality macro images: crisp, clear and balanced.
• If you’re using your flash for macro shots, consider getting a small diffuser to soften any shadows.
• Play around with the narrow focal plane.

If you don’t have a macro lens, this could be a great opportunity to rent, buy, or borrow some new gear.

Pro tip: Combine this with idea #2: Learn something new about macro photography with a Masterclass.

Not happy with the shadows in your shot? You can learn how to add a natural shadow in Photoshop to fix them in post-processing. 

Look to other’s work for inspiration

If you’re struggling to come up with new ideas, browsing at other photographers’ work could be just the inspiration you need.

• Browse photo books, other studios’ portfolios or blogs, or social media.
• Plan a virtual coffee session with other photographers (product or otherwise). Discuss your work, get feedback, and brainstorm ideas with your connections. Don’t be afraid to say you’re feeling stuck.
• Check out photo galleries, university art shows, and the work of contest winners.

Don’t feel like you need to stick to your niche here. You can pull ideas from all types and styles of photography. For example, I find a lot of inspiration for my own work from photographers like Barbara D. Livingston and Beba Vowels.

Remember self-care

Lastly, make sure you set aside time for yourself. Whether you want to go for a walk, take a bath, get a massage or go on vacation, it’s important to step away from your photography to refresh.

Find a support group

Create or find a group that you can lean on for support, ideas and advice. For example, Women Photograph has a wonderful online community and they also offer mentorships, workshops and grants.

Your support group doesn’t have to be made up of photographers. Other creatives can offer fresh perspectives as well as sympathize with similar struggles. Groups such as Freelancing Females bring together people from around the country (and beyond) and provide a wealth of knowledge and resources.

Set an out-of-office email

If you feel like you need a mental health day, take one. To relieve some stress, create an “out-of-office” email. Any inquires will get an automatic response so you won’t feel pressured to check your email constantly.

Not sure what to write? At a minimum, your message should include how long you’ll be unavailable and when you’ll return.

Here’s a template to use (and customize):

“Thanks for reaching out. I am currently out of the office and not checking email. I’ll be returning on [date], and I’ll respond to your email as soon as possible after my return.”

Talk to a friend or professional

If you’re going through a rough patch, consider talking to a trusted friend or professional. If you’re unsure how to find a professional:

• Go to Psychology Today
• Search for therapists in your area
• Vet few people until you find the one you connect with

Set up a sustainable self-care system

Taking care of yourself should be part of your daily routine. Take regular breaks, get good sleep and make sure you’re incorporating some movement (such as walking the dog or yoga) into your day.

Keep it up

Just like relationships, keeping the passion alive in a long-term career can sometimes take work. If you want more inspiration, check out these tips from entrepreneurs on fueling passion, get product styling ideas from Martha Stewart’s photo stylist, or explore more ways to support your mental health.

Getting out of a rut is definitely possible. And likely, your photography will come out stronger and more creative.

The post When Passion Becomes Burnout: How to Have Fun With Product Photography Again appeared first on Path Edits.

30,000 sales and marketing pros get our insights, tips, and best practices delivered weekly.

Not sure where to start? Let’s dig into the why and how of shooting Amazon product images with your smartphone:

The importance of Amazon images

What’s the first thing you notice when you’re shopping online? For many people, it’s the images. In fact, a Weebly survey found that more than 75% of online shoppers consider these images “very influential” to their purchase decision. The photos in your Amazon store are what draw consumers in so you want them to be as engaging as possible.

What role do the images play? They should stand out because your products will be listed among thousands of others. The photos should also complement your listing; buyers are more likely to be turned off if the pictures and description don’t match. You also want to make sure you provide an accurate visual of the product — you want what shows up at buyers’ homes to match what they ordered.

To catch people’s eye, you want to make sure your hero image is polished and all of the supporting images are appealing (and appropriately showcase the product and how it’s used). For example, Amazon merchant Yan Hou Tang tea features a crisp hero image and several lifestyle images and infographics — combined, the images give buyers a good idea of what they’re purchasing, background on the product and benefits of the product.

Shooting for Amazon vs. your website

You want high-quality photos for both your site and for Amazon, but Amazon has some specific product image requirements, both technical and aesthetic.

All of the photos you upload to Amazon must meet these requirements:

Technical

• Only these file types are allowed: TIFF, JPEG, GIF, and PNG.
• Your images have to be at least 1000 pixels or larger, either in height or width.
• The color mode should be sRGB or CMYK.

Naming convention

• All file names should consist of the product identifier, followed by a period and the file type.
• Spaces, dashes or additional characters aren’t allowed.

Main product image

• Your hero image must have a white background (RGB 255,255,255).
• Avoid illustrations, text or other objects in the frame (for example, product dimensions).
• The color of the product should be realistic, so stay away from extreme filters or editing.

Additional images

• You can use other objects or people to scale.
• Lifestyle and other backgrounds are allowed.
• You can add text and other graphics.

Pro tip: Amazon has special requirements for product descriptions, too, including parameters for length, format, and content. Learn more here about writing and optimizing Amazon product descriptions.

How to use a smartphone camera for Amazon product photos

Before you start snapping photos, get to know your phone and its camera settings. Ideally, your smartphone will have at least a 12-megapixel camera — in general, the higher the megapixel count, the better. Typically, the higher the megapixel number, the sharper the image. However, sensor technology, for example, can also affect resolution. Most newer phones are going to come with a 12- to 16-megapixel camera and have adequate software to match.

Once you know your phone’s camera is up to the task, it’s time to start creating product photos for Amazon:

• To make it easier to take quality product photos with your phone, consider investing in tools such as a tripod, a white backdrop, bounce boards, reflectors, etc.
• Take some time to learn basic lighting techniques. Proper lighting adds depth and contrast to the image. If you don’t have access to high-quality artificial lighting, daylight is the best alternative.
• Find the best angle for the product (e.g., eye-level vs. slanted). Keep in mind, the angle won’t be the same for every product. Professional photographer and educator, Jeanette Lendon, says you can stand on something to get a or crouch down to get a different perspective. She writes, “Maybe look at the shooting level to show texture. Try turning your camera upside down, lengthways, to get a different perspective too.”
• Plan to include at least one lifestyle photo. It encourages emotional connection by helping shoppers better imagine how the product will fit into their own lives.
• If possible, include a photo that shows the product packaging. This helps with authenticity — consumers will know what to expect when they place an order.

Image source

Start taking photos

Always use your back camera (it’s almost always higher quality than the “selfie camera”), and make sure you have ample storage room before you begin shooting.

Set your smartphone camera settings

Smartphone cameras aren’t quite the same as a DSLR camera, for example, but that doesn’t mean you’re limited to the automatic mode. You can manually adjust certain settings on your smartphone camera.

White balance

This setting balances the color temperature. It helps remove color casts so the white you see in person is the same in the photo.

Aperture

The aperture is the lens opening that light passes through. The larger the aperture (or opening) lets more light in. Aperture also affects the depth of field.

ISO

This controls the sensitivity of your camera’s sensor to light. Increasing ISO (International Organization for Standardization) will brighten the image, but if it’s increased too much, the photo will have noise (or be grainy).

Shutter speed

Much as it sounds, shutter speed controls the length of time the shutter is open (duration of exposure). For example, for action photos, you typically want to use a faster shutter speed to avoid blurriness.

Pro tip:The aperture, ISO, and shutter speed make up what’s commonly called the “exposure triangle.” Mastering these settings and how they work in relation to one another is essential for photographers.

To get to know your phone’s camera settings a little better, you can also check out these resources:

• Samsung Galaxy: Using Pro Mode on my Samsung Phone
  
• iPhone: 6 Advanced iPhone Camera Controls For Jaw-Dropping Photography
  

Editing your smartphone product photos

When it comes to smartphone photography, you’re likely going to need to do some work in post-processing to get it up to standards. That’s why it’s a good idea to always plan for photo editing after each shoot.

Some edits are better handled in-house, while others are suited for outsourcing. If you’re not sure how to make sure the background is the correct color white, for example, you may want to outsource your photo editing.

Smartphone photography tips

Morgan German, a photographer who shoots primarily with an iPhone, shares these tips for perfecting your smartphone photography:

• “Natural light is very important,” she says, noting that you shouldn’t plan on using the flash on your phone. While natural light is best, it’s not always attainable. In that case, you can refer to this guide to lighting for photography to make sure your shot is well-lit.
• “Don’t be afraid to move around at different angles,” German says. “It’s much easier to take that really cool photo with a phone in hand because digital cameras can be cumbersome!”
• Keep your smartphone product photos organized. “I like to have an album in my photos app specifically for @itookitonmyiphone photos. I recently started doing this, and it’s been a tremendous help.” You can also refer to this guide to digital asset management for in-depth tips at staying organized.
• Although it may seem obvious, “keep your phone charged.” Bring along a portable charger if you have one — or buy one if you don’t. You can get them at all price points.
• Get the product in focus. On most phones, you can touch to focus.
• Make sure your phone’s camera is clean. Dust and smudges will affect the image quality.
  Use the grid setting to help you center the product. (Note: Per Amazon requirements, the product should fill up 85% of the frame.)
• Want more crisp macro shots or a wide-angle image? Consider an external lens. There are plenty to choose from. If you decide to go this route, make sure the lens easily attaches and detaches and that the lens is suitable for your needs.

Things to avoid when shooting smartphone product photos:

• Zoom: Don’t use your zoom feature. Although most smartphones come with great cameras, the image quality gets worse the more you zoom. That’s because it’s not a true zoom — smartphones basically just crop the image. For a better picture, just move your phone closer to the product.
• Flash: Again, keep the flash off. The big burst of light will overexpose the image (and look horrible). Remember: You can lighten a darker photo with editing, but there’s little you can do for a washed-out image.
• Filters: Almost all cameras come with filters and other editing tools. Since authenticity is an Amazon product image requirement, keep the filters off for now.

Learn more with smartphone photography courses

If you want to improve your skills a little, there are tons of ways to do that online. You can find virtual classes, courses, and guides to learn more, specifically about smartphone photography.

Here are a few smartphone photography courses and resources to check out:

• Smartphone Photography for Instagram Success: Capturing Stunning Lifestyle Photos With Your Phone, Skillshare (free for new members): Photographer and teacher Sean Dalton focuses on virtual storytelling, fashion photography on your phone, and more.
• Mobile Photography iPhone and Android Complete Masterclass, Udemy ($19.99): You’ll learn about lens distortion, photographing people, and night photography — all on your phone.
• Smartphone Photography 101, Photography Concentrate (free): If you want a quick online guide that covers all the basics of smartphone photography, this resource is for you.
• Smartphone Photography Masterclass for Business, Jet Black Squares: Professional commercial photographer turned educator Jeanette Lendon creates custom smartphone photography workshops for businesses and corporations.

And if you prefer books:

• Smart Phone, Smart Photography: This book covers photography fundamentals and explores smartphone-specific techniques for taking great photos.
• The Smartphone Photography Guide: Learn the definitions of technical terms and get pro tips from photographer and author Peter Cope.
  

Or, go with a pro

If all of this seems overwhelming, you may be better off hiring a professional commercial photographer. Although this requires a bit of investment, online shoppers judge a product’s quality by the quality of the photos so it’s worth the cost.

Do your research when hiring a professional. You’ll feel more secure in your decision and will likely get better results. Here are a few questions you might want to consider the following questions:

• Do they have experience in your industry?
• Do they have a portfolio of Amazon-ready product photography?
• Do they have time for your project?
• What’s their average turn-around time?

Put your best foot and photos forward

Whether you’re using your smartphone until you can secure a pro or to supplement other product images, it’s so important to get it right — product photos are your first impression for buyers, and better photos mean more sales.

Amazon smartphone photography FAQs

Which smartphone takes the best pictures?

The following smartphones take the best pictures:

• Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
• Huawei Mate 40 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
• Huawei P40 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro
• Google Pixel 5

How do I take good pictures with my smartphone camera?

You take good pictures with your smartphone camera by adjusting the camera’s settings, making sure the lighting is right, and following the other advice in this post.

How do I take a photoshoot at home with my phone?

You take a photoshoot at home with your phone by dedicating a space to stage your products and shots. Set up your frame, get your camera, and start shooting. You can also use this guide to creating an at-home studio.

The post Amazon Product Photography: the Secret is in Your Smartphone appeared first on Path Edits.