Why is 360 spin photography revolutionizing the way products are displayed online?
You’ve definitely seen 360 spin photography even if you didn’t know what it was at the time.
It is prevalent on e-commerce websites and if you haven’t tried it yet, welcome to the future of your product photography.
Here, your items can do more than just sit pretty—they can literally spin their way into your customers’ hearts!
If you’re a small business owner looking to elevate your product presentation, you’ve landed in the right place.
No matter if you are looking to find a photographer for 360 spin photos, information on how to create your own 360 spin or information surrounding the topic – the answer is here.
I’ve assembled this article to be easy to skim. Just find the topic that answers your questions and go from there.
What Is a 360 Spin? Understanding the Basics
So, what exactly is a 360 spin?
Imagine being able to view a product from multiple angles, just like you would in a physical store.
A 360 spin allows you to do just that, but digitally!
It’s an interactive experience where a series of images are stitched together to create a seamless rotation of a product.
Whether you’re selling watches, luxury jewelry, beverages, electronics, accessories or specialty items, 360 spins make your products come alive, offering a nearly tactile online shopping experience.
Why Invest in 360° Product Visualization?
Why bother with 360° spins when traditional photos have worked so far?
Times are changing, and so are customer expectations.
Here’s why investing in 360° product visualization is a smart move:
Higher Engagement:
Customers are up to 40% more likely to interact with a 360° spin than with static images.
Increased Conversion Rates:
According to a study, UK bicycle retailer Wiggle saw double digit conversion increases and golfing superstore Golfsmith found 30% higher conversion rates for products being showcased in 360° views.
More interaction often leads to more sales. It’s a no-brainer!
Reduced Return Rates:
When customers have a better understanding of the product, they’re less likely to return it.
A recent report found that clearer product images, like those provided by 360° photography, can reduce return rates by as much as 40%, as in the case of Home Depot.
Which would you find more engaging? 360° spin photography you can interact with, or a still ecommerce image?
DIY vs Professional: How to Do 360 Spin Photography
You may be tempted to try this out yourself.
You could even find small turntables and photography lighting kits online. But hold your horses!
While DIY solutions may seem cost-effective, they often lack the finesse and quality that a professional can provide.
You wouldn’t cut your own hair before a big meeting, would you?
Then why skimp on your product presentation?
Behind the Lens: 360 Spin Photography Software and Turntables
I’m going to get a bit techy for a moment.
You can’t achieve a stunning 360 spin without the right tools.
There’s specialized software and hardware designed just for this purpose.
For those considering the DIY route, there are affordable turntables that can create a basic 360 spin.
However, a professional setup includes high-end cameras, precision turntables, product lighting, and robust editing software that coordinates the spin, the shot and the final image creation that will play on any web browser.
The difference is like watching a movie on your phone versus in an IMAX theater. You get what you pay for!
A Deep Dive into Types of 360 Product Spins
Not all 360 spins are created equal.
Depending on your product and target audience, you might opt for different types of spins:
Traditional Non-Interactive 360° Animations:
These are your basic spins, great for a general overview but not very engaging.
This is a gif file, an animated image of a 360 spin. It can’t be controlled, it just spins.
Gif files also take longer to load depending on the quality of the image.
Interactive 360° Spin Photography:
Here, viewers can control the rotation and even zoom into specific details. Imagine being able to scrutinize the intricacies of a designer watch or the stitching on a luxury handbag.
This is an html5 file. It loads the images quickly and spins until the user wants to interact with it.
You can control the rotation on the shoe and click the magnifying glass to zoom in and see any part of it.
Consumers tend to interact with these animations more, making it an ideal 360 spin photo!
Time-Lapse Product Animations:
Think of this as a 360 spin on steroids. These are perfect for products with moving parts, like electronics or home appliances.
Capturing the Perfect Spin: 360 Product Photography Workflow
Creating a 360 spin isn’t as simple as snapping a few pictures and calling it a day.
It involves a meticulous process of planning, shooting, editing, and finally, integration into your sales platform.
A professional photographer (ahem, like yours truly) will not only capture high-res images but also ensure that the final product aligns with your brand’s aesthetic and guidelines.
Need to save disk space? Use an Mp4 movie and consumers can control the spin with the playbar!
The Price Tag: Understanding 360 Photography Costs
Let’s talk numbers. The cost of 360 spin photography varies depending on several factors: the type of product, the complexity of the shoot, and the quality of the final images, to name a few.
While it might seem like a hefty investment upfront, remember: quality photography pays for itself through increased sales and customer engagement.
Maximizing Visual Appeal: Products that Shine with 360° Images
If you’re in the business of selling consumer package goods—like watches, jewelry, haircare products, beverages, or snack foods—then 360 spin photography is your new best friend.
These types of products benefit immensely from the detailed, interactive visual experience that only a 360 spin can provide.
360° Spin Photography Examples
Below are a few more examples of 360 spin photography for you to look at. The first is interactive, the second is a gif.
Why Choose Tom Crowl for Your 360 Photography Needs?
With years of experience and a portfolio that speaks volumes, I specialize in bringing your products to life through compelling product photos, stop motion animations and 360 spin photography.
But don’t just take our word for it; check out these glowing testimonials from our satisfied clients.
“… brought our brand to life in a way that highlighted our products in a fun and energetic way. He is a wonderful collaborator and quick to deliver!”
– Stephanie W.
Director of Marketing,
Jackson’s Food Company
“Tom put together a sequence of photographs that show this process in action…quite remarkable. All of his other photos were excellent and showed our products off very favorably.”
– Dave Hepple
President
Oasis, Inc.
Next Steps: Elevate Your Product Display Today
So there you have it, the world of 360 spin photography is vast and filled with endless possibilities.
Whether you’re a startup in Westminster, Maryland, or a small business anywhere in the U.S., isn’t it time you gave your products the spotlight they deserve?
Ready to spin your way to success?
Fill out our contact form below to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation call.
Let’s discuss how we can create a custom quote that perfectly suits your business needs.
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