E-commerce photography trends in the cosmetics sector: what are they?

Communicating in image is art, but above all it is research behind evolution. Approaching still life product photography means anticipating the actuality of the cosmetic sector, the aim is to stand out. Here are some observations underlying Studio Concept’s approach to the Web.

Light and Colour: Key Components for Perfect Images

Even a mediocre product can be more appealing if there is a proper study of the shoot behind it. Light is the pivotal element at the basis of photography, one experiences it already from the first lessons in the academy. Position but also intensity of the light source are discriminating factors that can enhance the peculiarities of the captured product. Cosmetics live from the relationship between light and colours, the interpretation of photography can change depending on the angle of the light source. Perpendicular or tangent at 45°, the ratio of shadows and colour rendering varies. One thing is true above all, natural light is incomparable.

From the Use of White to Naturalness: the Evolution of Photography for E-commerce

To invoke the concept of the white background would be a bit like demonstrating an axiom of still life photography, but this is the rule as the trend takes unexplored paths. In cosmetics, one needs to distinguish oneself, following the abc of photography certainly cannot help. Here the description with images must touch notes closer to the emotions, the photography then approaches environments and nature in coherence with the product line. Whether it is make-up or skin care lines, the watchword is dare.

Kiko: retouched photos on a white background

Here the interpretation of the photograph tends towards the essential, the shadows are hinted at and the source is particularly bright. The angle of the light is tangent, the aim is to enhance the product. The exposure narrows and paves the way for a pushed processing. You can see a lot of post-processing, the intention is to enhance the nuances and emphasise the smallest detail.

Fentybeauty: natural photos

Here the classic white gives way to a more natural background. The still life breaks the classic rules to play at reinterpreting them, the usual background is abandoned to explore bases that pick up the colour of the lines presented. The image is enriched with environmental details, the classic anti-shadow background gives way to a game of geometric transitions. Stepping outside the canons distinguishes.

Photos on material bases, e.g. concrete

Here it is the shadows that become the protagonists of the shot, the texture is picked up by the play between light and dark and becomes an element capable of creating contrast. The eye falls on the irregular porosity of the cement to then find refuge in the fluid contrast of the packaging. The choice enhances the colour in a gradient that places the product in the centre of focus.

Goovi: photos set against coloured backgrounds

Here the revolution could be sought in the coloured background, the first impact is that which highlights the product. The play is that of light and shadow that amalgamates the product with the small objects – props, in jargon – that become part of the scene. The shot moves away from conventions while respecting the rule of thirds, the result stands out.

The right background

Classic conventions converge on the use of the white background, by definition it is the one that least influences light absorption, hence, highlights the object. The rule is perfect for the beginner who wants to try his hand at still life perhaps to try to launch his small product line on a web marketplace, the professional approach is quite different. The background is the result of product analysis, the result is in the professional’s trade.

Exposure

Photography is a pure play on clarity, the exposure parameter indicating precisely the amount of light passing through the shutter. The detail is a source of fine tuning, based on the ISO in the sensitivity of the sensors but also on the speed of the shutter opening. The parameter can affect the style you want to imprint on the image, balance being the most popular way to ensure that the object stands out. Playing on exposure, however, allows a more intimate character to be imprinted for emotional impact. Here the professional photo makes the difference, even before post-production.

Focusing

The language of photography expresses a powerful communication, the tool of focus being one of its most eloquent expressions. In an inside-out mechanism, depth of field allows what is sharp to be included among everything else that is out of focus. It is a game that leads the viewer’s attention, the closer the camera gets to the object, the greater the attention to detail becomes: showing a texture or enhancing a detail is a matter of focus. The interpretation of each shot can only be professional, especially when the aim is to interpret the latest trend.