Why is it so hard to get GOOD product photos?

[ReluctantHomeschooler]

I have an online store and my biggest problem is getting good product shots. I have paid a few photographers now but they seem unable to create consistent photos. Either the shadows are different, or the product is a different size in the shot, or a different angle or the lighting is different. It drives me mad!

I found these photos on a website which are almost perfect. Why can’t I get photos like these? Does anybody else have this problem?

www.napaorganics.com/shop

Have you tried using a light box? I’ve never used one myself but thought it might be helpful if you are trying to photograph similar things to that in your link.

You need a photographer who specialises in product shots, not someone who does any old photography. It’s a v specific skill. And if you are, and they are not delivering what you have asked for, tell them.

Thanks, I bought a light box but the light isn’t bright enough and it also casts lots of weird shadows. Total waste of money.

The photographers I used were all product photographers but the photos they sent me were terrible compared to what was on their website.

Silly question but are the photographer retouching their photos or sending them straight?

It's like anything, some people are better than others!
Look for someone with a professional or academic qualification (degree, membership with AoP/RPS/etc) plus a portfolio you like. Show them what style of shots you want. Any decent professional photographer will be able to produce consistent work for you.
(Many photographers calling themselves professional are nothing of the sort)

A lot of product photos have photoshopped shadows, that's why they are so consistent: www.bigcommerce.co.uk/blog/shadow-product-images/#undefined

Old thread but thought I might be a help. I take photos using my phone but with plenty of natural light. I upload them to Canva.com and adjust the exposure, brightness, background and size.

I know this is an old thread, but I've seen people take product shots using this sort of set up, the same as beauty bloggers use