With the rise of online-based life, businesses turned to the virtual world too. In the last 7 years, the number of customers has increased by almost one billion. And the percentage of digital buyers has doubled in the last 10 years. With time, the number is rising higher and faster.
One of the biggest reasons behind the rise of eCommerce businesses is that online sellers have gained the trust of the customers. Product photography plays a vital role here, and using new styles like 360 product photography boosts sales to a greater degree.
360 product photography requires a little bit more effort than still images but this kind of photography is one of the best ways to boost your business. It gives the feel of real shopping while staying at home.
What is 360 Product Photography
360 product photography is a collection of images that shows the angles of the product by rotating it. A 360 photo looks like a gif or a never-ending video where the product is continuously rotating.
While taking 360 product photos, the camera usually takes multiple photos and combines them in one. The frame number of a 360 photo can be 24, 36, or 72. Using a turnable is a must for this kind of photography. Turnable rotates automatically in a specific direction, with specific intervals.
The product is placed on the turnable, and the camera takes the photos from a distance. For example, if the photograph contains 36 frames, the camera will take a photo, then the turnable rotates 10 degrees (360 divided by 36) and takes another photo. And it goes on till it captures 36 photos. The more frames, the better the photograph.
Importance of 360 Product Photography for eCommerce
360 product photography has countless benefits. If you’re really serious about your business, there are a number of benefits you should consider that 360 product photography gives. It won’t just increase your business; it’ll help to create a unique brand too.
Increase sales
Obviously, the most important thing about 360 product photography is that it’ll increase sales. If you include 360 photos, your product will get more views; more views mean more possibility of selling.
Less chance of return
While having a look at a 360 photograph, customers get a more intense view of the product. So, if they buy the product, that means they have a clear knowledge about the product and the chances of returning it go down easily.
360 photographs actually help to gain the trust of customers, which helps the sellers to reach a larger group of buyers in the long run.
Live photograph
You can zoom and pan the photograph as you wish. It gives a feeling of touching the product in real life. This gives the customers a more real-life experience of the product. Also, they can have an idea about the product as a whole. They connect more with the product, and they can relate the product more with their life.
Psychological effect
360 photographs have the potential to connect to the buyers to more extent. These kinds of photographs are eye-catching. People tend to remember the photo more than they do in the case of still images.
Higher competition
360 product photography is unique, trendy, and has new technological advancements. So, if you use this, you’ll automatically be several steps ahead of others. It will increase your conversion rate faster than your competitors.
Flexible
360 product photography can be used in various platforms like mobile, laptop, web, app. So it’s easy for your customers to reach you anytime from anywhere. This is really user-friendly. And while buying products online, buyers also look for convenient ways to do the shopping.
Google rank
Google will show that photograph most, which can connect the highest number of viewers. 360 product photos get more views than still images because of their nature. In that way, this will take you higher in google ranking too.
Budget-friendly
Yes, this is true! 360 product photography is not that much expensive in real. You don’t need any extra camera setup or anything. It just requires a turnable which you can even make by yourself. With that, you need to set the light so that all the parts get enough light. All you need is to put in some extra effort and time. That’s all!
If you consider the benefits you’re getting from 360 product photography, your extra effort and money will definitely speak for you.
Still vs 360 photos - Which one is Important for eCommerce
Both still and 360 photography are important for eCommerce business. It’s difficult to choose one for all your products. So, it is wise to decide which photo you need based on your needs. There are some factors that you can consider while choosing what kind of photography you need.
Type of product
Obviously, the first deciding factor is what kind of product you’re selling. Sometimes this is a must to show all the sides of your product. For example, you sell bikes. Now, your customers will expect to see each and every detail before buying.
There is an option to add still images showing all the parts, but, in this case, getting a 360 photograph will be more appealing. This will give the feel of real experience.
Nature of business
You should consider the nature of your business while choosing the shooting method. Suppose you have a hotel business. Now, still images can never be sufficient here. You need to show the rooms, each and every corner. Still images can’t do that as good as 360 photos.
Also, still images won’t be able to show the proper angle. Your customers will get the chance to go to one room from another. If you have customers from abroad, your photographs will have even more impact in this case.
Monetary Value
Another important factor is money. How pricey is your product? You need to calculate how much your product costs and how much the shoot will cost. If your product is relatively higher in price, you can easily go for 360 photography because it will be worth it.
Like, in case you’re selling a diamond ring, obviously, your customers will expect high-quality photos for this product. So, considering that, you should arrange a standard shoot for your product.
To be honest, the cost of 360 product photography gives back much more in return. On that, you’re actually getting the still images too. If you count what you’re getting for the money you’re investing, you’ll see there is no loss actually. 360 photography doesn’t cost that much. But gives back enough for that price.
Cost of 360 product photography
The cost of 360-degree product photography depends on what service you are taking. You will probably send the products to a studio, and they will shoot for you. There is different pricing for different requirements. It depends on several factors.
First of all, what is your product? What is the size? Will you use a model along with the product design or not? Secondly, the type of shoot; do you want 24 frames, 36 frames or 72 frames?
Remember here, the more frames, the smoother the photograph. Less frames will give less smooth photos. Thirdly, how many photographs are you ordering? If you order a large number of images, then it will cost less. And a lower number of images will cost more.
So, depending on all these, 360 product photography pricing varies from $5 to $200 per image. You will find all kinds of options here. So, don’t hesitate to try this even if your business is small.
360 Product Photography - Where to Get the Service
If you don’t have a setup for 360 photography, it’s totally fine because there are plenty of experienced hands waiting to give your products a professional look. You will have to find the one you want, then order online. The next step is to send your product to them for shooting. You’ll get your photos done with professional product photo editing. And after that, they will send you back your products.
So basically, your job is to find the right one for you and send them your products. That’s it! Here, have a look at the best 360 product photography studios available in the US.
Top Rated 360 Product Photography Studio in USA
Photo Spherix
According to Photo Spherix, they can shoot anything in your mind, from earbuds to elephants, including you, as in human! They want to give you the best of services.
This studio has this good, better, best options, from which you can choose which option you want and which you don’t. There are 24, 36 and 72 frames photography services. And don’t worry if you have no idea what the differences are. They’ll show you samples of each category so it won’t be tough to choose one based on your budget.
Ether Arts
Ether Arts is an Amazon-approved studio who are recommended by renowned companies. Their affordable pricing and quality work maintained their reputation in the product photography world for years. This studio is Atlanta-based, and they have the most skilled photographers that you can ask for.
Ether Arts is committed to its clients, so they have a quick turnaround policy, and their pricing is transparent. So, there is no chance of losing your money.
Product Photo
Product Photo is one of the best studios that work in this field. They work for various kinds of customers. This team is really well built, and their photographers, designers, are some of the best in product photography. You don’t have to think about the price either. They’re reasonable and won’t empty your pocket.
Product Photography
Product Photography is a Las Vegas-based studio that has been working in this industry for 17 years. You can assume the level of experience they have. Their service ranges from online stores to print to ad media. You can reach them for any kind of need.
Their service is really top-notch. This studio has some image editing services too. You can definitely rely on them for higher-quality product photography.
Products on White Photography
This company has 8 years of experience in the product photography field. They do Amazon product photography, clothing, lifestyle, beauty, jewelry and 360 photography. Their pricing is quite affordable and has different ranges based on the amount of photos and quality of work. Also, they have specialty services.
You don’t have much chance to be disappointed here; they’ll give you the chance to take a free trial at first. Moreover, you can give them a match as a sample of what you want from them.
FAQs on 360 Product Photography
When should my products be shot in a 360° view?
If your product has so many dimensions and each side is different from the other, then you should go for a 360-degree view. For example, if you are selling a tennis ball, you don’t need to go for 360 photography. But if you’re selling shoes, then it’s necessary.
What is the difference between 3D and 360 photos?
To go straight, while shooting 3D photos, the object rotates once, and the camera takes pictures, and then the camera rotates around the object and takes pictures. So, your customers get to see the product from every angle possible.
On the other hand, in 360-degree photos, the object rotates, and the camera takes photos. The camera doesn’t move here. So, you’re getting a view from one angle.
What are the types of 360 product photography?
There are 3 types of 360 photography
Single-row spins
Multi-row spins
Twin-axis spins
Single-row spins are those which have only one row of frames. In this spin, the object moves left to right only. Multi-row spins have 3 or 4 rows containing 12 or 18 photos per row. This is also called 3D. In twin-axis spins, there are two spins, left to right and top to bottom.
How much time does it take for a 360 photo?
Technically it should require less time than still images. Because in the case of still images, you have to change the angle of the product manually, as one photo is never enough. In 360 degree photography, you will set the turnable and product once, and then your camera will take photos. It takes around 1 to 3 minutes to shoot all the frames. This time might vary depending on your camera and other setups.
How much does 360-degree product photography cost?
It varies, but you will find options from as low as $5 and as high as $200. And if you want to do it by yourself, it might cost a little bit lower.
Conclusion
In this competitive world, if you want to survive with your business, you will always have to think about new and innovative ways to grow your business. Ecommerce business is one of those fields that need constant follow-up.
Being unique and gaining the trust of the customers is important if you look forward to running your business for a long period of time. Product photography is the key factor that will give you a name in the e-commerce business.
360-degree product photography is technically modern and has the potential to give an elite look to your products. If you can incorporate this in your business, this will change the direction of your future.
Author Bio
Ashique Rahman
Photographer & eCommerce specialist Ashique Rahman is a devoted researcher and writer. He has been publishing write-ups on e-commerce business, e-business updates, tips, and strategies, solutions to adjust to the trendy business strategies to improve their page rank, traffic, conversion rate, and SEO activities. Follow him on: Facebook, Twitter .