23. Editing product photos for online sales

With the advancement of technology, image editing has become an accessible task for everyone, especially with the help of smartphones. In chapter 23 of our e-book, we're going to cover a very relevant topic for e-commerce entrepreneurs: editing product photos for online sales.

Product photography is a crucial part of online marketing. An attractive, well-edited image can make all the difference between a successful sale and a lost opportunity. Therefore, learning how to edit product photos effectively using your smartphone is essential.

Before we start editing, it's important to remember that the quality of the original photo is paramount. Make sure the product photo is taken in good lighting, in sharp focus and with a suitable background. This will make the editing process much easier.

Step 1: Choose the right editing app

There are a variety of photo editing apps available for smartphones. Some of the most popular ones include Adobe Lightroom, Snapseed and VSCO. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that best suits your needs.

Step 2: Adjust exposure and contrast

Exposure and contrast are two of the most basic adjustments, but also the most important. Exposure controls the brightness of the image. If your product photo is too dark, increase the exposure. If it's too light, reduce it.

Contrast, on the other hand, controls the difference between the light and dark areas of the image. Increasing the contrast will make the product's colors and details stand out more.

Step 3: Adjust the colors

Color is a crucial element in product photography. Colors need to be accurate so customers know exactly what they're buying. Most photo editing apps have tools for adjusting saturation (color intensity) and color temperature (warm or cool).

Step 4: Crop and align the image

Crimping can help remove any unnecessary extra space around the product, while aligning ensures the image is straight. Also, many apps offer the option to apply a grid while cropping, which can help you follow the rule of thirds for a more attractive composition.

Step 5: Apply a filter (optional)

Filters can add an artistic touch to your product photos. However, use them sparingly to avoid changing the product's appearance too much.

Step 6: Save and export the image

After you finish editing, don't forget to save the image in high resolution. This will ensure your product photo looks crisp and clear when viewed online.

Editing product photos for online sales can seem like a daunting task, but with practice and the right tools, you can create eye-catching images that make your products stand out and attract more customers. Remember, the key is to make the product look as good as possible while maintaining accurate representation. With a smartphone and a photo editing app, you have everything you need to get started.

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24Using image editing to create photo collages

3 minutes