The photography or images on your web site can make it or break it. Ever wonder why some web sites just seem to look so much better that others? It’s the photography and the client understood the importance of quality photographs or images for their web site.

You cannot expect your web designer or developer to take the images you have provided that have been taken in poor light or at a poor angle and make them look like million dollar shots. It isn’t going to happen. Sorry, but that’s the harsh truth.

If you are thinking why do I have to do this? Well who would you purchase from? The site that had a great photograph of the product or the site that didn’t care enough to make the product half-way decent. Think about it.

Product Shots
Use a tripod and a digital camera set at the highest resolution.
Lots and lots of light, and be careful of shadows (Note: There are some products such as leather that may need to be shot outdoors in natural light.)
Use a smooth white background. Don’t use a sheet that is rumpled as you don’t want shadows. Make sure it is nice and smooth.
Don’t shoot at a downward angle. Try to get a close to dead on center as possible.

Now your responsibility after having the products shot are to provide the images on a CD or CD’s with the photos clearly labeled/identified. Example: If your product ID for the item is 12345B then the image should be named 12345B.jpg and not “large blue pillow.jpg”.

Room Shots
Use a tripod and a digital camera set at the highest resolution.
Lots and lots of light, and check for shadows.
Remove the phone, floor fans, and magazines. If you want to keep the magazines or books make sure they are neatly stacked or arranged.
Remove all cords. Tie them up and out of the way if necessary.
Furniture should be smooth and not rumpled and the same for pillows or throws.
Add greenery, candles and other small items.
If you are taking photographs of the views from the residence don’t take them looking thru a screen. Open the window.

Exterior Shots
Use a tripod and a digital camera set at the highest resolution
Cut the grass and make sure that the landscaping is clean and neat.
Sweep the drive. Put away the hose and gardening tools.
Move the car, bicycles, and any other vehicle so they are not in the photographs.
And wait for a sunny day.

It may also be necessary to hire a professional photographer. There are also very talented amateurs. And look at the portfolio’s of both. When looking of the photos think “would I buy this or stay there?”