In the second half of a two part episode, Commercial Photographer Adam Rasheed joins us to tell us how you can improve your photography (or hire a professional to tackle it.)
When small businesses want to make a better impression both online and in person, they should showcase their products and services in the best way possible. Unfortunately buying a nice camera or hiring a young relative for a few bucks doesn’t cut. There isn’t only technical ability, but a knowledge of your subject matter involved. At the end of the day, you want a better business, and we'll help you get there.
Get a Free 5-Page Guide on photography for your Shopify store at: http://adamrasheed.com/kurt
Adam is offering the first three people that contact him at info@adamrasheed.com free photography services for up to 5 products.
Conditions:

You must have a Shopify Website
You must have had at least one sale already.
You must be able to ship your products to California and pay to ship it back if you want them returned.

Show Notes (for part 1 and 2)
Why Do You Need better photos?


Increases confidence: Your Customers feel better about buying from you.


Decreases Risk: Increases Sales


Better Information: Decreases Conversions


Better UX: More Repeat Customers


Better Branding & Positioning: Crucial for higher end or boutique products


Hero images


Advertising shots for colognes & Perfumes, Beer, etc.


The product is the “hero” of the photograph


Shows some branding in the background and foreground.


You can be more dramatic


Catalog images
General


All Important Angles


Show Scale


If you have to ask, TAKE A PICTURE!


Starting place: Aperture of at least f/5.6 or f/8. Shutter at least 1/60 of second. ISO no more than 1600.


Small Products


Jewelry, Etc.


Having Everything in focus


Focus Stacking: http://www.promote-control.com/


Big products


Show scale


Show Details


Show it in packaging


Lifestyle Images


Show and ideal version of people using your product as they would in real life.


Display the lifestyle around your product and brand


Use the Ideal version of your target market in an ideal world


Stock Images


You should you never ever use them. Only exception being mockups for apps, websites, etc.


Only when it’s not a part of the product.


DIY Techniques
Equipment Guide


Don’t need a $2,000 DSLR


You DO need something that you can control Aperture/Shutter/ISO on.


Replaceable lenses are preferable.


Canon Rebels are a great place to start.


Speedlight (a Flash)


White Foam board


Large Construction Paper


Small Table


Exposure Triangle


Automatic/Manual


Aperture - Controls how much light goes through your lens and affects depth of field. Also greatly controls exposure.


Shutter - Controls how long your sensor is exposed for.


ISO - Controls that light sensitivity of your camera.


Equipment Links


Canon Rebel: http://amzn.com/B00IB1BTWI


Speedlight: http://amzn.com/B00BXA7N6A


Foam Board: http://www.dickblick.com/products/elmers-mightycore-heavy-duty-foam-board/


Tripod: http://amzn.com/B004ZGLM5W


Rentals:


http://LensproToGo.com


http://BorrowLenses.com


Hiring a professional


Industry Relevant Portfolio


Testimonials/ Case Studies


Pricing: catalog (price per product, how many angles, etc.)


Licensing: Ask for full rights.