As the cannabis industry continues to grow, so does the need for quality photography. Cannabis product photography is vital for brands looking to create a strong online presence and reach new customers. While there are many DIY options available, hiring a professional photographer is the best way to ensure high-quality, on-brand images.
I know that hiring a professional photographer might be daunting. Not only is there the expense involved, but how do you know you've hired the right person. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to ensure you will get the desired results for your product photography. First of all, identify the type of photography you need and find someone that specializes in that area. Since we're talking about product photography in this post, you'll want to hire someone with a strong track record shooting the type of photographs you need.
Second, you'll want to find a photographer whose style you like. This is important because you want your photos to reflect your style and taste. In addition, you'll want to make sure you interview a few photographers before making your final decision. This will help you get a feel for their personality and make sure they're a good fit for you.
Finally, you are shooting cannabis products, so make sure you work with a photographer or agency that is familiar with cannabis. Choose a photographer who is local to the state or region where your operation exists as they will be more likely to know what is and isn’t allowed.
At The Hood Collective, we work hard to show each client that they can't go wrong by partnering with us. If you want great photos without the hassle of taking them yourself, then contact us today to see what services we can provide you.
So what goes into a great product photograph? Each of the following elements is essential, which is why you need to hire a professional.
A Great Cannabis Photograph Starts With A Great Product
Cannabis photography is just like any other product photography in that the quality of the final image is only as good as the product itself. This is why it's so important to start with a great product when you're trying to take a great cannabis photograph.
If you're photographing bud, make sure it is properly trimmed and free of any mold or debris. If you're photographing a cannabis product like oil or edibles, make sure it is clean and free of fingerprints or smudges. Of course, if you don't have well thought out product branding, and your packaging looks subpar, there's nothing your photographer can do. You should think about hiring a new graphic designer!
A professional photographer will work with you to make sure your product is looking its best. While it's your job to provide a prototype that looks as good as new, there are some types of packaging that can be harder to film than others. For instance, photographing a metallic silver or glass package, which tend to be pretty popular in the cannabis industry, can be a huge headache, especially if you don't know what you're doing. A professional will be experienced with a variety of tips for these kinds of specific scenarios, whether it's finding just the right angle for the lights, or applying some kind of surface spray that can dull the sheen. That alone can be worth what you are paying them.
Once you have a great product, you can start thinking about composition, lighting, and other aspects of photography that will help you take a great picture.
The Background For Your Product Needs Careful Consideration
For cannabis product photography, the background is one of the most important elements to consider. The background can be used to enhance the product, or it can distract from it. It is important to choose a background that will complement the product and make it stand out.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a background for your cannabis product photography. First, you need to consider the overall look you are going for. Do you want a clean and simple look, or something more elaborate? Secondly, you need to think about the colors of the product and the background. You want to make sure the colors compliment each other and don't clash.
One of the primary decisions that will need to be made is whether you are shooting your product photos in a studio with a staged backdrop, or perhaps you'd prefer shots of your products out in the real world. This will depend largely on the type of product you're selling and who your target audience is. A pre-roll company in Oregon may want shots of their product with Mt. Hood or the Oregon Coast in the background, while a New York City cannabis company may want to feature their products with 20-something models and the NYC skyline as a backdrop.
Figure out which approach is best for your brand and find a cannabis photographer who's experienced with that type of style.
Shine The Best Light On Your Cannabis Product Photography
If you want high-quality photos of cannabis products, proper lighting is essential. Natural light is always best, but if you're using artificial light, make sure it's bright and evenly diffused. avoid using harsh light, as it can cause shadows and glare. For best results, use a lightbox or shoot in a well-lit room.
When taking photos of cannabis flowers, make sure to capture the buds from multiple angles. Get close-ups of the trichomes and pistils, as well as shots of the entire plant. For cannabis concentrate photos, focus on the product's color, texture, and clarity. And finally, when photographing cannabis edibles, show off the product's appearance and packaging. One thing many amateurs don't realize is the role lighting plays in the color of a photograph. That's why so many cannabis Instagram accounts have poorly lit plants and flowers, often with a green or purple tint.
Of course, that's a lot to consider when it comes to lighting, which is why a professional is so important. In fact, I advise cannabis companies never to share a photograph of their plants or products on social media, their website, and certainly not in their marketing content that hasn't been taken by a professional. All it takes is one poorly lit photo taken with a cell phone to turn away a potential customer.
The Role Of Composition In Cannabis Product Photography
Composition is one of the most important aspects of product photography. It can be the difference between a photo that looks amateurish and one that looks professional and polished. So what is composition? It is the process of arranging the elements in a photograph to create a pleasing, balanced image. The goal of good composition is to make the scene look natural and pleasing to the eye.
There are a number of guidelines that can help you achieve good composition in your photos. The rule of thirds is a good place to start. This rule suggests that you divide your frame into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and place your subject at the intersections of those lines. This can help you create a more balanced and pleasing photo.
Other composition guidelines include paying attention to lines, shapes, and patterns; using leading lines to draw the eye into the photo; and creating a sense of depth by including foreground, middle ground, and background elements. Questions that you need to ask include what angle should the picture be shot at, and what focal length is appropriate.
By following these guidelines, you can create visually appealing photos and that tell a story. Of course, this is what makes working with a professional so essential.
What Is The Message You Want For Your Cannabis Photograph?
A product photograph can tell a story in a number of ways. The first is by the product itself. The product can be shown in use, or it can be shown in a way that highlights its features. For example, if a product is designed to be durable, a photograph of the product being used in a tough environment can tell that story. If a product is designed to be lightweight and portable, a photograph of the product being used in a wide variety of settings can tell that story.
In addition to the product itself, the background of the photograph can also tell a story. The background can show the product in use, or it can be used to highlight the features of the product. For example, a product that is used outdoors may be photographed in front of a scenic background. This will show the potential customer that the product can be used in many different settings. The background can also be used to highlight the features of the product. For example, if a product has a lot of buttons or knobs, the background can be used to highlight these features.
In addition to telling a story with words, photographs can also help customers remember the products and their benefits. Customers who see photographs of products often have an easier time remembering them when they need them later on. This means that the customer will likely purchase the product again when they need it.
Photographs are sometimes taken from strange angles in order to get a different perspective on how the product works. These unusual shots give potential customers a new way of looking at something that they might not have previously considered. Photographs from strange angles often make people want to look at something for a longer period of time than if they just saw it from one angle. This means that more people are likely to notice the advertisement and eventually make a purchase decision. Think of the hundreds of photos people see on social media in a day. Anything that can make them stop for a second and look at your photograph is priceless.
Another option is to use props to tell a story: Props can be used to help customers visualize the product in use. For example, if you're selling a flavorful, all-natural strain of cannabis, you might shoot it next to fresh fruit, flowers, or something else that is extremely fragrant. Natural light can also be used to help create a warm and inviting feeling in your photos. Remember, a great photo should capture the emotions that you want customers to feel when they see your product.
Partner With The Hood Collective For Your Cannabis Product Photography
There are many reasons why you should hire a professional cannabis photographer when marketing your product. Cannabis photography is a specialized skill that requires knowledge of lighting, composition, and cannabis strains. A professional photographer will be able to capture the quality of your product and make it stand out from the competition.
The Hood Collective features a team of professional cannabis photographers who can provide you with the high-quality photos you need to market your product successfully. And because we work exclusively in the cannabis industry, you can be sure we understand your needs.
Get in touch today to schedule a free consultation.
Commentaires