You can’t overstate the impact of a great hero image. It’s that big banner or background image on the landing page of a brand’s website, the sale graphic that flashes, or the playful photo with text announcing the spring launch. In this post, you’ll learn how to make the most of your hero image.
Get smarter and scale your business with the soona email newsletter >
What is a hero product image?
A hero image, also known as a hero shot, is a large, visually striking image used to grab viewer attention and convey the main message of a webpage or other digital platform. Hero shots are commonly used in product photography to showcase a product or idea in an attractive and eye-catching way.
The hero shot definition can vary depending on the context. In product photography, for example, a hero shot is typically a high-quality image of a product that’s displayed prominently on a webpage or other marketing material. The hero shot should be visually stunning and show off the product in the best possible light.
When creating a hero shot, it’s important to consider the overall design of the webpage or marketing material. The hero shot should be visually consistent with the rest of the site and design and should not clash with other elements on the page.
Post-processing is a key aspect of hero shot photography. Skilled photographers will use editing software to enhance the image, adjusting the lighting and color, and fine tune other elements to create a visually stunning final image.
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Role of hero shots in product photography
Hero shots are the main visual elements of a product that are used to grab the attention of potential customers. They’re usually the first thing a customer sees when browsing an online store or a product page. Hero shots are designed to showcase a product in the best possible light, highlighting its features and benefits. Here are some benefits:
Drive sales
In product photography, hero shots play a vital role in attracting customers and driving sales. They create an emotional connection with the customer, helping them to imagine how the product will look and feel in their own lives. Hero shots are often used in conjunction with lifestyle product photography to create a complete visual story around the product.
Ecommerce photography trends have shown that more and more customers are turning to online shopping, making the need for high-quality product photography greater than ever. Hero shots are an essential part of any business’s ecommerce photography strategy, helping showcase products in the best possible light.
Product shots are an essential part of any product photography strategy and marketing strategy, but hero shots take this to the next level. They’re carefully crafted to showcase a product’s unique features and benefits, differentiating it from similar products on the market. Hero shots are often used in advertising campaigns and on social media to create a strong visual identity for a brand.
Improve conversion rates
Hero images can have a significant impact on how customers perceive a product or service. This is because hero images help to establish a strong value proposition and communicate the benefits of a product or service in a clear and compelling way.
One of the main ways that hero images improve conversion rates is by highlighting the value of a product or service. By showcasing a product in a visually appealing way, customers are more likely to see the value in what is being offered and are more likely to make a purchase. This is particularly important when it comes to pricing, as customers are often willing to pay more for a product that they perceive as having a higher value.
In addition to highlighting the value of a product or service, hero images can also help to establish a strong brand identity. By using consistent branding and imagery throughout a website or product page, customers are more likely to remember a brand and develop a sense of trust and loyalty.
Support social media marketing efforts
Hero shots can be used effectively in social media to attract potential customers. A hero shot is a high-quality photograph of a product that showcases its best features and creates a sense of desire in the viewer. It’s often the first impression a customer has of a product, and it can make or break their decision to purchase it.
Social media profiles are the perfect place to showcase hero shots. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are visual mediums that allow businesses to showcase products and services in a visually appealing way. Hero shots can create a strong visual presence on social media, which can help you stand out from the competition.
When using hero shots in social media, consider the target demographic. Different age groups, genders, and interests may respond differently to certain types of hero shots. For example, a hero shot of a luxury watch may appeal more to an older, affluent demographic, while a hero shot of a trendy pair of sneakers may appeal more to a younger, fashion-conscious demographic.
To effectively incorporate hero shots in social media, consider the following:
- Consistency: Use consistent branding and style across all social media platforms to create a cohesive visual presence.
- Quality: Ensure hero shots are high-quality and showcase the product in the best possible way.
- Variety: Use a variety of hero shots to showcase different features of the product and appeal to different demographics.
- Timing: Post hero shots at the optimal time for the target demographic to maximize engagement and reach.
Set the stage
A well-designed hero shot can help to establish a website’s brand identity, create an emotional connection with the visitor, and communicate the website’s value proposition. It can also add context and help to guide the visitor’s eye towards important information or calls to action.
Landing pages, in particular, rely heavily on hero shots to convert visitors into customers. A landing page hero shot should be highly relevant to the product or service being offered and the page should clearly communicate the benefits of using that product or service.
Hero shots can be used in a variety of ways, from showcasing products to highlighting a company’s unique selling proposition. In the context of product photography, hero shots are often used to showcase a product’s features and benefits. They can be used to create a sense of urgency or scarcity, or to highlight a product’s quality or craftsmanship.
In web design, hero shots can be used to create a sense of excitement and anticipation, or to establish a website’s brand identity. They can also be used to showcase a website’s features or to highlight important information.
How to create effective hero images
To create a hero image, first choose the right camera and setting to capture the product in the best possible light. This often involves using a high-quality camera with a wide aperture and a fast shutter speed to capture the product in sharp detail.
Lighting is also crucial in creating a hero image. The photographer must carefully control the lighting to create the desired effect. This can involve using natural light or artificial light sources to highlight certain features of the product and create a sense of depth and dimensionality.
In some cases, composite product photography may be used to create a hero image. This involves taking multiple images of the product and combining them into a single image using specialized software. This technique can be particularly effective for capturing complex products or products that are difficult to photograph in a single shot.
Finally, cinematic techniques can be used to create hero images that are both visually stunning and emotionally impactful. This can involve using techniques such as slow-motion, time-lapse imagery, or camera movement to create visuals with a sense of drama and excitement.
Types of hero shots
Lifestyle
A lifestyle image is one of the most effective ways to show your customer how your product fits into their lives. In other words, why do they need it? It’s a really popular option for your hero image because lifestyle photographs tend to be sweeping, visually interesting, and mood-inducing.
These are the images that don’t just show you the product: they make you feel it. Many Shopify layouts, for example, have a “lookbook” option to utilize a few of your best lifestyle photos in a cohesive layout. We’ve got you covered with all the Shopify tips you need.
Contextual
Similar to lifestyle, this type of photo is going to demonstrate your product in-use or in its element. Let’s say you have a lip gloss brand. A lifestyle photo might be a group of friends hanging out by a pool with glossy lips—your contextual photo might be someone applying that lipgloss in a mirror. This style has more emphasis on the use of the product and less on the aesthetic.
Have fun creating a balance between both for really effective hero images! Bala Bangles is a brand with a fresh and clever take on contextual photos. These weighted bracelets are, in essence, workout gear. But you won’t see the typical sweaty people in spandex on its feed. Instead, it’s curated an entire fashion movement to inspire customers to wear these weighted bangles at any time. Wearing green fuzzy heels and a sun dress? Coordinate with the pink matte Bala bangles to pull a look.
Unrelated
The unrelated hero image should be really well thought out. This style may not be as effective for your marketing as it wouldn’t be a photo of your product(s). Your hero image is a really powerful tool in converting, so don’t be tempted to use an ineffective image just because it’s visually interesting.
However, some companies sell services that are really hard to visualize. If this is the case (think: a mental health service or a consulting service) you may need to take the “unrelated” route. You’ll want to still choose a photo that conveys your brand’s mission.
Picture this: A photo of two people happily exploring a historic city may be the hero image for your travel agency. For example, BetterHelp is an online virtual therapy company. It doesn’t offer a physical product. But you’ll notice its hero images are things like a pair of holding hands, a person leaning against a window with a hopeful look on their face, or a smiling woman with her phone in her hand.
It’s easy to see how each of these things might suggest the effectiveness of virtual therapy—without actually displaying a product. Even if this is your approach, having high-quality photos is still so important. There are options out there for stock photos. But an impactful hero image is still going to tell a story unique to your brand. “Unrelated” doesn’t have to mean uninteresting. Your brand will still have an identity, a color scheme, font, vibe, and mission. Get creative to make sure your hero image tells your brand story!
Video
Product videos can be too busy and distracting. But they can also be a tool to build trust and rapport with customers. A company that offers a service that may need some further explanation might benefit from having a “founder introduction” video as its hero image. Or maybe a video is needed to show off the construction of a first-of-its-kind product.
For example, Oru Kayaks sells a revolutionary foldable ultralight kayak. It’s kind of hard to visualize what that means, so its hero image could be a lifestyle video of someone using the kayak accompanied by a stop-motion GIF of the kayak being set up.
If you go this route, it may be important to your customer to be able to choose whether they play the video or not. Going to a website and immediately having sound play from your speakers unexpectedly could negatively impact your conversion. Another option is to go with a GIF or series of GIFs that serve to introduce your product without being overwhelming.
Graphic
You’ve got your images ready to go, but maybe you want to add a little graphic ✨spice✨. Whether you just want more color, movement, or text, there are a few keys to success to ensure your graphics get the job done.
First of all, consider your budget and level of expertise when choosing a photo-editing app. Many apps allow you to upload high-quality images and play around with adding pre-made elements while others are more for designing your own elements.
Next, the potential of graphic design is nearly endless. Make sure you’re only adding to your brand message and not distracting from it.
Recess is a sparkling water brand with marketing images that are heavily dependent on modern psychedelic graphics in dreamy colors. It has a lot of fun with photos (like a Recess can riding a saddle on a corgi’s back). But it still sticks with a color theme, font cohesion, and generally surrealist content.
When it comes to adding graphics to your hero image, consider how those graphics can work harder to convert customers for you.
- A call-to-action—“shop now” or “add to cart” links in eye-catching fonts directly under an awesome hero image can contribute to higher cart values.
- An invitation—it can feel exclusive and build rapport with customers if they go to your website, see an enticing hero image, and then have the option to click “learn more” or “who we are.”
- A great tagline—as a small business, you already know the importance of brilliant website copy. If you’re going to include graphic text in your hero image, make it count.
- No words, just vibes—there are many cases where the graphics you add won’t say anything. But they’ll still achieve a vibe or mood. Maybe your signature graphic is squiggly lines in bold colors or a glam shimmery effect to highlight your product.
Cinematic hero shots
Hero shots are an essential aspect of product photography. They are designed to create a powerful visual impact that captures the viewer’s attention and draws them into the product. Cinematic hero shots take this concept to the next level by utilizing techniques commonly found in film production.
Cinematic hero shots are designed to create a sense of drama and excitement that is reminiscent of a Hollywood blockbuster. They often incorporate freeze-frame techniques, slow-motion shots, and other cinematic effects that add to the production value of the image.
Cinematic hero shots are not limited to product photography. They can also be used in cinematic videos to create a powerful visual impact. The same techniques used in product photography can be applied to commercial video production to create a cinematic hero shot that captures the viewer’s attention and draws them into the story.
In conclusion, cinematic hero shots are an essential aspect of product photography and video production. They are designed to create a powerful visual impact that captures the viewer’s attention and draws them into the product or story. By utilizing techniques commonly found in film production, photographers and videographers can create hero shots that are unique, memorable, and visually stunning.
Tips and best practices for hero product photography
Highlight your star sellers
In addition to just conveying a brand vibe, your hero image can work harder for you. You can showcase your bestsellers and have the image link directly to them. A call-to-action included in your hero image (for example: a gorgeous photo of your best selling nail polish color with a “shop now” button) can be a really powerful tool to optimize sales.
Pack a punch in one photo
Your hero image could be one focused product, or it could show off an entire collection of products. This depends on your brand’s product offerings and target customers. The most important thing to remember is that you don’t want to overwhelm your customer. When they first arrive at your website, you want them to be intrigued and drawn in by your hero image, not off-put.
Reflect new drops
How often you release new products is up to you, but nearly every company has some kind of content refresh. Even if you have an evergreen product (meaning you essentially offer the same simple product all the time), you still may be interested in a special edition, exclusive colorway, or maybe just a seasonal sale.
Whatever it may be, don’t miss the opportunity to promote that refreshed content via your hero image. Many customers may come to your website to repurchase something they loved. But your hero image could introduce them to a fresh new offering. If you play your cards right, this will lead to a higher cart value and renewed excitement from new and repeat customers.
Connect with customers in your hero image
A good hero shot can evoke emotion and create a sense of relevance between the customer and the product. A great hero shot can make a customer feel like they need the product in their life.
To create an emotional response and connection with the customer, the hero image should be relevant to the product. It should showcase the product in a way that is relatable to the customer. For example, a portrait shot of a person using the product can create a sense of connection between the customer and the product. The product focused hero shot should also evoke an emotion that is relevant to the product. For example, if the product is a fitness product, the hero shot should evoke a sense of energy and motivation.
Use a high resolution in hero shots
Hero shots are a crucial aspect of product photography. A hero shot is a high-quality image that showcases a product or service in the best possible light. It is usually the first image a customer sees when they visit a website or view an advertisement. Therefore, it is important that the hero shot is of the highest possible resolution.
Resolution refers to the number of pixels in an image. The higher the resolution, the more detail an image can display. This is particularly important for hero shots, as customers need to see the product or service in detail to make an informed decision. A low-resolution hero shot can make a product look unappealing and unprofessional.
When taking a hero shot, it is important to consider the resolution of the final image. The photographer should use a high-quality camera and lens to ensure that the image is sharp and clear. They should also ensure that the lighting is appropriate to prevent any blurriness or distortion.
In addition to the camera and lighting, the resolution of the image can also be affected by post-processing techniques. For example, if the image is resized or compressed, the resolution can be reduced. Therefore, it is important to use appropriate post-processing techniques to maintain the resolution of the image.
soona is the hero you need
If you’re ready to create library of hero product photography to promote your brand, you’ve come to the right place. soona creates the best content for commerce—optimized for whatever you sell, wherever you sell.
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Hero photography FAQs
What is the purpose of a hero shot in product photography?
A product focused hero shot is a powerful image that showcases the product in the best possible light. The purpose and focus of a hero shot is to grab the attention of the customer and to highlight the key features and benefits of the product. It is often the first thing that a potential customer sees when browsing a website or a catalog.
What are some tips for creating a powerful hero shot in product photography?
To create a successful hero shot, it is important to use high-quality images that are well-lit and well-composed. The product should be the focus of the image, and it should be presented in a way that emphasizes its unique features and benefits. It is also important to use a consistent style and color palette to create a cohesive look across all of the hero shots.
What are some common elements of a hero shot?
A hero shot typically features a high-quality image of the product, often with a simple and clean background. The product is usually shown in a way that highlights its key features and benefits, and it may be accompanied by text or other visual elements that further emphasize selling products and its value.
How are hero shots different from banner shots?
A hero shot is typically a larger and more prominent image than a banner shot, for example, and it’s often the main image that is used to showcase the product. A banner shot, on the other hand, is usually a smaller image that is used to support other content on a website or in a catalog.
How can a hero shot enhance the marketing of a product?
A well-executed hero shot can help to increase the perceived value of a product or services and can make it more appealing to potential customers. It can also help to establish a strong brand identity and can make a product stand out from competitors.
How can a hero shot be used in video production?
A hero shot can be incorporated into video production by using it as a key visual element in a product demonstration or promotional video. It can also be used as a still image that is displayed alongside other visual content, such as text or graphics.
You can’t overstate the impact of a great hero image. It’s that big banner or background image on the landing page of a brand’s website, the sale graphic that flashes, or the playful photo with text announcing the spring launch. In this post, you’ll learn how to make the most of your hero image.
Get smarter and scale your business with the soona email newsletter >
What is a hero product image?
A hero image, also known as a hero shot, is a large, visually striking image used to grab viewer attention and convey the main message of a webpage or other digital platform. Hero shots are commonly used in product photography to showcase a product or idea in an attractive and eye-catching way.
The hero shot definition can vary depending on the context. In product photography, for example, a hero shot is typically a high-quality image of a product that’s displayed prominently on a webpage or other marketing material. The hero shot should be visually stunning and show off the product in the best possible light.
When creating a hero shot, it’s important to consider the overall design of the webpage or marketing material. The hero shot should be visually consistent with the rest of the site and design and should not clash with other elements on the page.
Post-processing is a key aspect of hero shot photography. Skilled photographers will use editing software to enhance the image, adjusting the lighting and color, and fine tune other elements to create a visually stunning final image.
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Role of hero shots in product photography
Hero shots are the main visual elements of a product that are used to grab the attention of potential customers. They’re usually the first thing a customer sees when browsing an online store or a product page. Hero shots are designed to showcase a product in the best possible light, highlighting its features and benefits. Here are some benefits:
Drive sales
In product photography, hero shots play a vital role in attracting customers and driving sales. They create an emotional connection with the customer, helping them to imagine how the product will look and feel in their own lives. Hero shots are often used in conjunction with lifestyle product photography to create a complete visual story around the product.
Ecommerce photography trends have shown that more and more customers are turning to online shopping, making the need for high-quality product photography greater than ever. Hero shots are an essential part of any business’s ecommerce photography strategy, helping showcase products in the best possible light.
Product shots are an essential part of any product photography strategy and marketing strategy, but hero shots take this to the next level. They’re carefully crafted to showcase a product’s unique features and benefits, differentiating it from similar products on the market. Hero shots are often used in advertising campaigns and on social media to create a strong visual identity for a brand.
Improve conversion rates
Hero images can have a significant impact on how customers perceive a product or service. This is because hero images help to establish a strong value proposition and communicate the benefits of a product or service in a clear and compelling way.
One of the main ways that hero images improve conversion rates is by highlighting the value of a product or service. By showcasing a product in a visually appealing way, customers are more likely to see the value in what is being offered and are more likely to make a purchase. This is particularly important when it comes to pricing, as customers are often willing to pay more for a product that they perceive as having a higher value.
In addition to highlighting the value of a product or service, hero images can also help to establish a strong brand identity. By using consistent branding and imagery throughout a website or product page, customers are more likely to remember a brand and develop a sense of trust and loyalty.
Support social media marketing efforts
Hero shots can be used effectively in social media to attract potential customers. A hero shot is a high-quality photograph of a product that showcases its best features and creates a sense of desire in the viewer. It’s often the first impression a customer has of a product, and it can make or break their decision to purchase it.
Social media profiles are the perfect place to showcase hero shots. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are visual mediums that allow businesses to showcase products and services in a visually appealing way. Hero shots can create a strong visual presence on social media, which can help you stand out from the competition.
When using hero shots in social media, consider the target demographic. Different age groups, genders, and interests may respond differently to certain types of hero shots. For example, a hero shot of a luxury watch may appeal more to an older, affluent demographic, while a hero shot of a trendy pair of sneakers may appeal more to a younger, fashion-conscious demographic.
To effectively incorporate hero shots in social media, consider the following:
- Consistency: Use consistent branding and style across all social media platforms to create a cohesive visual presence.
- Quality: Ensure hero shots are high-quality and showcase the product in the best possible way.
- Variety: Use a variety of hero shots to showcase different features of the product and appeal to different demographics.
- Timing: Post hero shots at the optimal time for the target demographic to maximize engagement and reach.
Set the stage
A well-designed hero shot can help to establish a website’s brand identity, create an emotional connection with the visitor, and communicate the website’s value proposition. It can also add context and help to guide the visitor’s eye towards important information or calls to action.
Landing pages, in particular, rely heavily on hero shots to convert visitors into customers. A landing page hero shot should be highly relevant to the product or service being offered and the page should clearly communicate the benefits of using that product or service.
Hero shots can be used in a variety of ways, from showcasing products to highlighting a company’s unique selling proposition. In the context of product photography, hero shots are often used to showcase a product’s features and benefits. They can be used to create a sense of urgency or scarcity, or to highlight a product’s quality or craftsmanship.
In web design, hero shots can be used to create a sense of excitement and anticipation, or to establish a website’s brand identity. They can also be used to showcase a website’s features or to highlight important information.
How to create effective hero images
To create a hero image, first choose the right camera and setting to capture the product in the best possible light. This often involves using a high-quality camera with a wide aperture and a fast shutter speed to capture the product in sharp detail.
Lighting is also crucial in creating a hero image. The photographer must carefully control the lighting to create the desired effect. This can involve using natural light or artificial light sources to highlight certain features of the product and create a sense of depth and dimensionality.
In some cases, composite product photography may be used to create a hero image. This involves taking multiple images of the product and combining them into a single image using specialized software. This technique can be particularly effective for capturing complex products or products that are difficult to photograph in a single shot.
Finally, cinematic techniques can be used to create hero images that are both visually stunning and emotionally impactful. This can involve using techniques such as slow-motion, time-lapse imagery, or camera movement to create visuals with a sense of drama and excitement.
Types of hero shots
Lifestyle
A lifestyle image is one of the most effective ways to show your customer how your product fits into their lives. In other words, why do they need it? It’s a really popular option for your hero image because lifestyle photographs tend to be sweeping, visually interesting, and mood-inducing.
These are the images that don’t just show you the product: they make you feel it. Many Shopify layouts, for example, have a “lookbook” option to utilize a few of your best lifestyle photos in a cohesive layout. We’ve got you covered with all the Shopify tips you need.
Contextual
Similar to lifestyle, this type of photo is going to demonstrate your product in-use or in its element. Let’s say you have a lip gloss brand. A lifestyle photo might be a group of friends hanging out by a pool with glossy lips—your contextual photo might be someone applying that lipgloss in a mirror. This style has more emphasis on the use of the product and less on the aesthetic.
Have fun creating a balance between both for really effective hero images! Bala Bangles is a brand with a fresh and clever take on contextual photos. These weighted bracelets are, in essence, workout gear. But you won’t see the typical sweaty people in spandex on its feed. Instead, it’s curated an entire fashion movement to inspire customers to wear these weighted bangles at any time. Wearing green fuzzy heels and a sun dress? Coordinate with the pink matte Bala bangles to pull a look.
Unrelated
The unrelated hero image should be really well thought out. This style may not be as effective for your marketing as it wouldn’t be a photo of your product(s). Your hero image is a really powerful tool in converting, so don’t be tempted to use an ineffective image just because it’s visually interesting.
However, some companies sell services that are really hard to visualize. If this is the case (think: a mental health service or a consulting service) you may need to take the “unrelated” route. You’ll want to still choose a photo that conveys your brand’s mission.
Picture this: A photo of two people happily exploring a historic city may be the hero image for your travel agency. For example, BetterHelp is an online virtual therapy company. It doesn’t offer a physical product. But you’ll notice its hero images are things like a pair of holding hands, a person leaning against a window with a hopeful look on their face, or a smiling woman with her phone in her hand.
It’s easy to see how each of these things might suggest the effectiveness of virtual therapy—without actually displaying a product. Even if this is your approach, having high-quality photos is still so important. There are options out there for stock photos. But an impactful hero image is still going to tell a story unique to your brand. “Unrelated” doesn’t have to mean uninteresting. Your brand will still have an identity, a color scheme, font, vibe, and mission. Get creative to make sure your hero image tells your brand story!
Video
Product videos can be too busy and distracting. But they can also be a tool to build trust and rapport with customers. A company that offers a service that may need some further explanation might benefit from having a “founder introduction” video as its hero image. Or maybe a video is needed to show off the construction of a first-of-its-kind product.
For example, Oru Kayaks sells a revolutionary foldable ultralight kayak. It’s kind of hard to visualize what that means, so its hero image could be a lifestyle video of someone using the kayak accompanied by a stop-motion GIF of the kayak being set up.
If you go this route, it may be important to your customer to be able to choose whether they play the video or not. Going to a website and immediately having sound play from your speakers unexpectedly could negatively impact your conversion. Another option is to go with a GIF or series of GIFs that serve to introduce your product without being overwhelming.
Graphic
You’ve got your images ready to go, but maybe you want to add a little graphic ✨spice✨. Whether you just want more color, movement, or text, there are a few keys to success to ensure your graphics get the job done.
First of all, consider your budget and level of expertise when choosing a photo-editing app. Many apps allow you to upload high-quality images and play around with adding pre-made elements while others are more for designing your own elements.
Next, the potential of graphic design is nearly endless. Make sure you’re only adding to your brand message and not distracting from it.
Recess is a sparkling water brand with marketing images that are heavily dependent on modern psychedelic graphics in dreamy colors. It has a lot of fun with photos (like a Recess can riding a saddle on a corgi’s back). But it still sticks with a color theme, font cohesion, and generally surrealist content.
When it comes to adding graphics to your hero image, consider how those graphics can work harder to convert customers for you.
- A call-to-action—“shop now” or “add to cart” links in eye-catching fonts directly under an awesome hero image can contribute to higher cart values.
- An invitation—it can feel exclusive and build rapport with customers if they go to your website, see an enticing hero image, and then have the option to click “learn more” or “who we are.”
- A great tagline—as a small business, you already know the importance of brilliant website copy. If you’re going to include graphic text in your hero image, make it count.
- No words, just vibes—there are many cases where the graphics you add won’t say anything. But they’ll still achieve a vibe or mood. Maybe your signature graphic is squiggly lines in bold colors or a glam shimmery effect to highlight your product.
Cinematic hero shots
Hero shots are an essential aspect of product photography. They are designed to create a powerful visual impact that captures the viewer’s attention and draws them into the product. Cinematic hero shots take this concept to the next level by utilizing techniques commonly found in film production.
Cinematic hero shots are designed to create a sense of drama and excitement that is reminiscent of a Hollywood blockbuster. They often incorporate freeze-frame techniques, slow-motion shots, and other cinematic effects that add to the production value of the image.
Cinematic hero shots are not limited to product photography. They can also be used in cinematic videos to create a powerful visual impact. The same techniques used in product photography can be applied to commercial video production to create a cinematic hero shot that captures the viewer’s attention and draws them into the story.
In conclusion, cinematic hero shots are an essential aspect of product photography and video production. They are designed to create a powerful visual impact that captures the viewer’s attention and draws them into the product or story. By utilizing techniques commonly found in film production, photographers and videographers can create hero shots that are unique, memorable, and visually stunning.
Tips and best practices for hero product photography
Highlight your star sellers
In addition to just conveying a brand vibe, your hero image can work harder for you. You can showcase your bestsellers and have the image link directly to them. A call-to-action included in your hero image (for example: a gorgeous photo of your best selling nail polish color with a “shop now” button) can be a really powerful tool to optimize sales.
Pack a punch in one photo
Your hero image could be one focused product, or it could show off an entire collection of products. This depends on your brand’s product offerings and target customers. The most important thing to remember is that you don’t want to overwhelm your customer. When they first arrive at your website, you want them to be intrigued and drawn in by your hero image, not off-put.
Reflect new drops
How often you release new products is up to you, but nearly every company has some kind of content refresh. Even if you have an evergreen product (meaning you essentially offer the same simple product all the time), you still may be interested in a special edition, exclusive colorway, or maybe just a seasonal sale.
Whatever it may be, don’t miss the opportunity to promote that refreshed content via your hero image. Many customers may come to your website to repurchase something they loved. But your hero image could introduce them to a fresh new offering. If you play your cards right, this will lead to a higher cart value and renewed excitement from new and repeat customers.
Connect with customers in your hero image
A good hero shot can evoke emotion and create a sense of relevance between the customer and the product. A great hero shot can make a customer feel like they need the product in their life.
To create an emotional response and connection with the customer, the hero image should be relevant to the product. It should showcase the product in a way that is relatable to the customer. For example, a portrait shot of a person using the product can create a sense of connection between the customer and the product. The product focused hero shot should also evoke an emotion that is relevant to the product. For example, if the product is a fitness product, the hero shot should evoke a sense of energy and motivation.
Use a high resolution in hero shots
Hero shots are a crucial aspect of product photography. A hero shot is a high-quality image that showcases a product or service in the best possible light. It is usually the first image a customer sees when they visit a website or view an advertisement. Therefore, it is important that the hero shot is of the highest possible resolution.
Resolution refers to the number of pixels in an image. The higher the resolution, the more detail an image can display. This is particularly important for hero shots, as customers need to see the product or service in detail to make an informed decision. A low-resolution hero shot can make a product look unappealing and unprofessional.
When taking a hero shot, it is important to consider the resolution of the final image. The photographer should use a high-quality camera and lens to ensure that the image is sharp and clear. They should also ensure that the lighting is appropriate to prevent any blurriness or distortion.
In addition to the camera and lighting, the resolution of the image can also be affected by post-processing techniques. For example, if the image is resized or compressed, the resolution can be reduced. Therefore, it is important to use appropriate post-processing techniques to maintain the resolution of the image.
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Hero photography FAQs
What is the purpose of a hero shot in product photography?
A product focused hero shot is a powerful image that showcases the product in the best possible light. The purpose and focus of a hero shot is to grab the attention of the customer and to highlight the key features and benefits of the product. It is often the first thing that a potential customer sees when browsing a website or a catalog.
What are some tips for creating a powerful hero shot in product photography?
To create a successful hero shot, it is important to use high-quality images that are well-lit and well-composed. The product should be the focus of the image, and it should be presented in a way that emphasizes its unique features and benefits. It is also important to use a consistent style and color palette to create a cohesive look across all of the hero shots.
What are some common elements of a hero shot?
A hero shot typically features a high-quality image of the product, often with a simple and clean background. The product is usually shown in a way that highlights its key features and benefits, and it may be accompanied by text or other visual elements that further emphasize selling products and its value.
How are hero shots different from banner shots?
A hero shot is typically a larger and more prominent image than a banner shot, for example, and it’s often the main image that is used to showcase the product. A banner shot, on the other hand, is usually a smaller image that is used to support other content on a website or in a catalog.
How can a hero shot enhance the marketing of a product?
A well-executed hero shot can help to increase the perceived value of a product or services and can make it more appealing to potential customers. It can also help to establish a strong brand identity and can make a product stand out from competitors.
How can a hero shot be used in video production?
A hero shot can be incorporated into video production by using it as a key visual element in a product demonstration or promotional video. It can also be used as a still image that is displayed alongside other visual content, such as text or graphics.
