• Using actively moving models shows off the movement of the clothing
• Careful photography will avoid glares and properly show off bright colors
• Knowing the target audience and what the clothing is commonly used for helps to guide the theme of a photoshoot

Introduction

Capturing your activewear clothing in the best way possible will make a huge impact on your conversion rate. With its different types of fabrics and unique features, capturing everything that makes this clothing type a special challenge! With this article you will learn the techniques and challenges to help you achieve your goals.

The challenges of activewear photography

In some cases activewear is different than regular clothing photography and has its own unique challenges.

1. Usually activewear needs to be on a model or a mannequin. Generally, activewear is tight fitting clothing, so customers want to see how it fits on the body, which is not shown in flat lay. This is also a challenge as many photographers do not have proper mannequins or know the proper techniques to shoot ghost mannequin.
2. Sometimes activewear is breathable material which needs to be displayed in the photos. This is challenging for most photographers an editors who are not experienced in shooting activewear.
3. Activewear is commonly produced in bright/neon colors. This is very challenging to shoot accurately, especially for photographers that are not experienced.
4. Activewear is commonly reflective or changes texture as stretched. This can cause a lot of confusion for inexperienced photographers and editors.

Flat lay vs. Ghost vs. On Model

Activewear has unique shapes and cuts, so showing how the clothing will fit on a model is crucial. Unlike Flat lay, ghost mannequin or on model photography, shows how the clothing fits and moves on the body.

Deciding whether you want on model or ghost mannequin is a style choice and it takes time to decide.

Styling

Styling should reflect the goal of the photography, as well as the brand’s image. If your brand specializes in yoga clothing, you may want lifestyle photos that are related to yoga. Likewise, if you are doing on model photography, you need to be aware of the models entire outfit and accessories.

Accessory might be workout shoes, a mat, or in some cases dumbbells or weights. They also need to be used properly, as fitness enthusiasts are quick to spot when someone is not using equipment correctly. Inclusivity is also crucial to allow the product to speak to a wide range of customers, so if possible, size variety is also beneficial.

Technical Skills for Shooting Activewear

A professional camera, good lighting, and proper use of equipment is crucial for success in this type of photography.

1. Mastery in Camera Operation – great product photographer possesses an intimate understanding of their camera, effortlessly navigating through various settings to capture images with precision and clarity. From adjusting aperture and shutter speed to mastering manual focus, technical proficiency lays the foundation for exceptional product photography.
2. Expertise in Lighting Techniques – Lighting is a fundamental element in product photography, and a great photographer knows how to wield it to their advantage. Whether it’s utilizing natural light or orchestrating intricate lighting setups in a studio environment, mastery of lighting techniques is paramount for creating visually compelling product images.
3. Understanding of Composition Principles – Composition is the art of arranging elements within a frame to create visually appealing images. Great product photographers have a keen eye for composition, employing principles such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, and negative space to craft captivating images that draw viewers in.

Retouching and Editing

One of the most important steps of any product photography is retouching, especially when shooting clothes. Clothing photography heavily relies on retouching to create a proper final product. This should be done by an editor experienced in photoshop, and retouching for formats like ghost mannequin can be very challenging.

Basic product photography retouching typically includes essential adjustments to improve the overall appearance and presentation of the product images. This may involve tasks such as:

1. Color correction: Adjusting the color balance, saturation, and contrast to ensure accurate and vibrant colors that accurately represent the product.
2. Shape adjustment: This is a vital step in ensuring the shape of the garment looks correct, symmetrical, and appealing.
3. Product clean up: Removing dust, imperfections and other unwanted things that were captured.
4. Exposure adjustment: Balancing the exposure to ensure that the product is well-lit and evenly illuminated, with no areas appearing too bright or too dark.
5. Background removal: Removing any distractions or imperfections from the background to create a clean and professional backdrop that highlights the product.
6. Cropping and straightening: Making minor adjustments to the composition, cropping, and straightening the image to ensure that the product is the main focus and properly framed within the photo.

Conclusion

Product photography for active wear has many steps and challenges. Learning how to retouch, style, and whether to use ghost lay or models are all important choices. With the information provided in this article, you are sure to be successful in your next photography shoot.

FAQ

What sort of camera should I use?

Some top recommendations include the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV for its excellent image quality and versatility, the Sony Alpha a7 III for its compact size and impressive low light performance, and the Hasselblad H6D-100C for its unparalleled image resolution and detail. though if you have good lighting and a professional editor, an iPhone can be used if needed.

Where should I shoot lifestyle photos?

This depends on the product. Running clothes could be shot on an indoor track or outside, swimwear could be shot by a pool, yoga clothes can be shot in many environments. The best thing to do is to see what the product is used for, and what you have available to make the best decision.

What actions should models do for lifestyle photos?

This depends on the clothing and its use. If for basic activity, something like a stretch or weight work would be appropriate. If the clothing is targeted to a specific group, finding a model that can to do some of those movements properly or someone in the fitness industry willing to model for you will help appeal to the customers.

What color background should I use?

Generally speaking, white background product images are the standard images for ecommerce. Some products can work well with only white background images, other products may need more ‘style’ to differentiate them across the internet. Lifestyle images, color background images, and infographics are effective at displaying your product in unique ways. A project manager at ProShot Media can help you decide what would work best for your product.

Do I need more than one photo per product?

Having more than one product photo is often essential for a successful online presence. Multiple photos provide potential customers with a comprehensive view of your product from different angles and perspectives, offering a more detailed understanding of its features and qualities. Providing a variety of photos ensures that you’re effectively showcasing your product and giving customers the confidence to make informed purchasing decisions.