Tips to Make the Most of Catalogue Photography

Many businesses use printed and digital catalogues to promote their products. For some companies, it’s their go-to marketing strategy, whereas others use catalogues alongside other marketing platforms like social media or websites. However, when it comes to commercial or advertising photography, catalogues still have serious potential, even in today’s digitally-focused world.

As a commercial photographer experienced in numerous industries, including architecture, property, construction, tech and engineering (to name a few), I have shot innumerable products for a wide variety of clients and applications.

I’m very experienced as a versatile and flexible product photographer. I have created this short guide to explain why there is immense value in catalogue photography if you haven’t considered it before now.

What is Catalogue Photography?

Catalogue photography is the process of producing product imagery for use in digital or printed catalogues. 

It’s also quite common to find catalogues that focus on brand and product storytelling, which may rely on a different type of photography, such as advertising photography. The correct catalogue imagery will depend on the business, sector and audience.

Is Catalogue Photography Different to Product Photography?

These are two drastically different approaches, but both involve taking photographs of products, just to make it confusing.

Online product photography involves producing images for eCommerce websites and digital webshops. 

There may be an overlap between online eCommerce photography and print catalogue photography, with the imagery used in both mediums. Businesses can often save money by combining catalogue and online photography.

What Can Catalogue Photography Include?

Businesses can hire a catalogue photographer to shoot almost any type of product. Some of the most common ones I’m familiar with photographing include:

There are thousands of products that can benefit from professional photography. That said, the catalogue photographer must be capable of capturing the essence of each product’s unique features and benefits to make the images appeal to the business’ intended audience.

Companies can hire a photographer to take their product images most conveniently and effectively, whether for a location photoshoot or sending the products directly to a photography studio.

Things to Remember When Shooting Photos for Catalogues

Whatever needs shooting, there are some product photography tips for helping your business make the most of catalogue images.

Light Setup

Poor lighting significantly holds your product photos and makes them look amateur. You should aim to have the lighting suit the setting, bringing out the best features of your products that impress and captivate your audience. Lighting should help the product jump off the screen or out of the page. Softboxes and light modifiers can also complement each product in shots.

Background(s)

Your products should be the centrepieces of all your imagery. The background should enhance the product and not detract from its placement as the central focus. A busy and distracting photography background can make this difficult for your audience to engage with your products effectively. Using a white background or using a wide-angle lens to capture a greater depth of field will make your product imagery stand out and look professional. 

Equipment

Camera tripods prevent any blurring when photos are taken, ensuring stability and continuity of perspective. For close up shots, macro and perspective control lenses give you an enhanced depth of field compared to standard camera lenses.

Composition

Arrange and position your products where they’re most likely to grab your viewers’ attention. Use the rule of thirds principle, which is based around dividing each image into nine equal squares, ensuring your product falls within a point where the lines intersect. You’ll achieve more balanced and impactful product photographs this way, which will be more effective as viewers’ eyes move naturally through the images.

Post-Processing

A professional photographer will know the right post-production tools and techniques to improve various elements of your catalogue images. The best photographers will be proficient in using photo editing software to enrich colours, crop images closer around the products, remove any imperfections, adjust exposure, etc. Photo editing on your own without experience is a recipe for disaster.

Professional eCommerce Catalogue Photographer in Berkshire

To achieve professional, eye-catching catalogue photos that transform your products into highly marketable, sellable pieces that entice your customers, you need a commercial photographer with proven experience in this field.

I am proud to be proficient in many types of commercial photography services and disciplines, with high-quality images used in catalogues, brochures, websites, etc. I’m particularly well-versed in the tech, engineering and industrial sectors, but I will always be willing to offer a helping hand if you’re in a different industry.

While I am situated in Reading, Berkshire, I am happy to travel to any area within the UK, so please don’t let this be a barrier to your business. Please contact me if you have any questions.