Learn How To Take Pictures Of Clothing To Sell
Selling clothing online has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people are turning to the internet for all their fashion needs. According to Statista, e-commerce apparel and accessories sales totaled nearly $205 billion in 2022 alone. That hardly comes as a surprise, as 23% of online sales in the US come from fashion e-commerce.
If you're looking to get into selling clothes online, it's important that you know how to take great pictures of each piece. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words - and can make or break your sale. Taking professional-looking photos of clothing isn't always easy; you need the right equipment and techniques if you want your pieces to stand out from the crowd.
Here, we discuss all about taking photos of clothing to help you make sure your pieces look their best.
The Equipment You’ll Need to take photos of clothing
Getting into product photography can seem a bit intimidating, but all you really need are the right tools and a good eye. To get started, here is a list of the basic equipment you’ll need to take stunning photos of your clothing items:
- Camera: A DSLR camera with manual mode capabilities will help you get the most out of your photos. If you don’t have a DSLR – don’t worry. You can also use your smartphone to take amazing product photos of clothes.
- Tripod: A steady tripod will prevent camera shake and ensure you get sharp, well-composed images.
- Lighting: Natural light is great for clothing photography, but if you’re shooting indoors, you may need to invest in additional lighting equipment, such as a softbox.
- Background: A backdrop will help create a clean, professional look for your photos.
- Props: If you’re looking to add more of a story and context to your photos, consider adding props that can help convey the mood and message of your image.
How To Take Pictures Of Clothing To Sell
Taking pictures of clothing to sell can be intimidating, but with the right preparation and approach, you'll have beautiful photos of your clothes in no time. Here are several tips you should follow to take amazing clothing pictures.
Prepare Your Equipment
Once you have a basic idea of the type of photos you’d like to take, it’s time to gather all the necessary equipment. Most importantly, your camera and lenses are in good working order. If you plan on post-processing your pictures or shooting at night, you may also need to invest in a tripod and a set of lights.
Consider getting a ring light or diffuser if you plan on taking pictures of clothing with intricate detailing. Depending on the type of shot you’re going for, other accessories like clip stands, mannequins, or hangers can also help achieve the perfect photo.
Finally, ensure you have plenty of memory cards and charged batteries so the shoot can go smoothly without interruption.
Get The Clothes Looking Good
Now that you have your clothes ready to go, it's time to get them looking great. Before taking any pictures, look at the clothing from all angles and identify any wrinkles, stains, or tears.
If there are any visible problems, iron out the wrinkles and spot-clean the stains. If there’s a tear, you may need to repair it or get another piece. This will help ensure the clothes look their best in your photos.
Plan Your Shot
Planning your shot is the key to taking successful pictures of clothing to sell. Think about what you want your photo to convey and how you want your clothing to be seen. Do you want it to look glamorous or casual? Consider the environment, location, and lighting for the best results.
If possible, take the picture outside in natural lighting. If that’s not possible, use a tripod and set up some lights to create your lighting. You can also use a white sheet or foam board to create a backdrop and help make the clothing stand out.
Pick A Backdrop
When setting up a backdrop for your clothing photography, you want something that will make the clothes stand out and bring out their best features. A plain wall or sheet in a neutral color will do the trick. You can hang fabric from a curtain rod or install a painted or wallpapered backdrop for a more interesting backdrop.
You can also use wallpaper samples and poster boards to create a custom look. Furniture, props, and other items in the background can add visual interest to your shots. Just be sure that those objects don't distract from the clothing itself.
Arrange Your Styling
Once you’ve planned your shot and set up a backdrop, it’s time to arrange your styling. For the best results, use a mannequin or model to show off your clothing the way you want.
You can use a clothing hanger instead if you don’t have a mannequin or model. Make sure to position the clothes attractively and dynamically. For example, you can drape a shirt over the back of a chair or hang it from a clothesline.
Finally, consider using props like a hat, jewelry, and other accessories to add extra context and your photos.
Another way to style your clothing photos is to skip the manual labor and let AI do the job for you. Pixelcut's AI product photos maker takes your product photo and styles it according to your preference with various style options and themes available.
Set Your Lighting
Good lighting is essential to great clothing photography. Natural light is perfect for giving a soft, even look. If you’re shooting indoors, you will need additional lighting, such as an umbrella, flash gun, etc.
Lighting is a key element if you are selling clothes on Etsy. If you are working on Etsy, educate yourself on how to take Etsy photos so that your listings look more appealing to customers.
Test Your Camera
Before you start shooting, make sure to test your camera settings. You want to adjust the lens and white balance for the best results. If you're shooting with a DSLR camera, use manual settings and experiment with different shutter speeds, ISO levels, and aperture to get the best shot. The ideal setting for indoor product shoots is ISO 100-200/f 4-11/SS 125.
Take The Shots
Now that everything is in place, it’s time to take the shots. Shoot from different angles and distances to get a variety of images. Move around the clothing to capture different perspectives and details. Even if you’re not a pro photographer, practice and experiment to get great shots.
Edit
Editing your photos will make them look more professional and polished. Use Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or online tools like Pixelcut to adjust your photos' brightness, color, and contrast. But you don't have to invest in a desktop if you don't have one. Many photo editing apps available for smartphones and tablets are just as good as desktop apps.
Don’t Forget The Label
Don't forget to add a label when you’re done shooting and editing. This will help your customers identify which item of clothing is featured in the photo. Use a simple text overlay with the item’s name or description to make it easy to find.
Key Takeaways
Taking product photos for clothing doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right equipment and techniques, you can take beautiful shots showing your clothing in its best light. With some practice, you can easily create stunning images for your online store or website.
Remember to apply these tactics when photographing clothes:
- Camera, lighting, tripod, backdrop, and props are key items to take amazing clothing photos.
- Planning your shot and arranging your styling are essential for getting the desired look.
- Use a mannequin or model to style your clothing and add props for extra context.
- Adjust your camera settings, take multiple shots from different angles, and edit them to make them look professional.
- Add a label with the item's name or description.
Basic editing is often required such as removing the background, upscaling for better quality, and setting the color temperature. Pixelcut’s AI editing tools allow quick and efficient editing with minimal effort. Check out Pixelcut tools today to make your post-processing faster and better.
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