Tip #2 | Make a photoshoot “shot list”
Welcome! In this 7 part series from the Make Etsy Work For You blog, I’ll be diving into different tips, tricks and proven Etsy strategies that will help make your listings stand out from the crowd, look professional and sell your product using your listing photos. In this post we’ll be running through how to make a shot list for your Etsy photoshoot, and why its important!
Why should I create a Photoshoot Shot List for my Etsy photoshoot? Is it really necessary?
Yes and YES. If you want to make serious headway in your business and have customers look at you as someone they need to buy from, you need to take the details of your business seriously too! To make a shot list, plan ahead and make it easy on the day you are taking photos is one step you can take to ensure you are putting out the best version of your brand possible.
The shot list is especially important if you invest in a photographer - a shot list and mood board will guarantee they are on the same page about your vision for the photos, keep both them and you on track and ensure you have every photo you need afterwards. As a former stylist on photoshoots for a women’s apparel brand, I know all too well how easy it can be to get sidetracked, spend valuable chunks of time on chit chat and “what if we?” and to stray from the brand look and feel with too many outside opinions. Stay laser focused on your vision and needs and make it happen!
Follow the steps below to create your shot list and be SO prepared to capture amazing photos.
Step 1: List each of your products out in a Google Doc, Google Sheet or Excel.
Set up a spreadsheet wherever you’re most comfortable (or download my free template HERE!) and add a row for each separate listing, and a column for the shots you’ll need, prop ideas, and any notes you might need. Organize them by product type or collections to stay consistent and organized.
Step 2: Plan which shots will be needed for each one.
This is where your mood board and inspiration research comes in (read our first post HERE)! What shots do you think will be most effective as the main image (primary listing photo)? What lifestyle shots do you think would help a potential customer see how they might use the product themselves? What styled studio shots do you need to show details and a professional look? What group shots do you need of your collections or products that might sell well together? Can you take an image of your beautiful product packaging? Up close detail shots?
Think through which images will be needed for each item, and make notes next to each item on the spreadsheet. You should also make sure to note any dimensions of the images you need - you should be getting a variety of shots in both portrait and landscape (think banner options!), and you’ll be so thankful to have options when you are picking shots to use on Etsy, for social media, your website, marketing materials, etc.
For reference, the best size for Etsy listing images is 2000px for the shortest side of the image, and a resolution of 72PPI. The first listing image should be horizontal or square, so that the center focal point of the image appears in the cropped thumbnail views. Your first listing photo also sets the shape of the photos that follow, so using the same shape photos for all listing photos will create a more cohesive browsing experience.
Step 3: List out what backgrounds, props, models, etc. you’ll need for each shot.
Maybe you’ll be shooting your products styled next to fresh greenery and florals. Maybe your best friend is coming over with a fresh manicure to hold your new candle design in a lifestyle shot. Plan ahead what you’ll need for each product and get sourcing! I love thrifting, antique shops, craft stores or getting florals and greenery from Trader Joes - but obviously this depends on your product and style.
Step 4: Schedule out your photoshoot by day and time.
Maybe one day you’ll set up and shoot your “studio shots”, with good natural lighting and a white backdrop. And maybe this is when you get your “detail” shots to show texture, scale, patterns, etc. Or maybe you tackle all that in the morning, and in the afternoon you have some friends come over to model for your lifestyle shots. Or maybe you’re hiring a photographer, meaning you REALLY want to schedule out which photos will be taken when so you can get your money and time’s worth out of the day. Especially in this situation, if it seems like you’re overdoing it with the planning, you’re not! Photos are important and worth your time and attention. Plan out a loose schedule so you can focus on getting the best photos, not on what you need to do next.
Step 5: Print one out for yourself, and either print or share with anyone else who is involved.
I like to print my shot lists out and have it on a clipboard I can easily carry around with me. I highlight certain things, make notes, basically make a mess of it and find it really helps me to stay on track and accomplish much more than I would otherwise. Cross things off as you go and you’ll feel awesome at the end of the day, and have something to reference back to as you edit!
Check out our next blog post Etsy Photos That Sell Series: Tip # 3 Organizing and Editing Your Etsy Photos for more tips on how to edit, rename and organize your images to create a system for success now and make life so much easier in the future.
And like I said last time, the more time you invest in planning your photos and making them the best you can, the better results you’ll see. It may seem like it is a lot of time and effort (especially when you have so many other to-do’s on your list!), but think of this as a top priority. You are putting so much effort into creating your product, listing it online, etc. - now make sure its presented to your target customers in the best light possible!
