GET the Most From Your Photography Investment - By Dan Morrissey - Catalog Success

The product images in your print book and on your Web site represent both a critical creative component as well as a significant financial investment for your business. There's no doubt that photography sells product.

Whether you shoot your images with an in-house team or use a studio or creative agency, be sure you're getting the most from your investment — and potentially improving sales — by following these five pointers.

1. Match your shots and the level of aesthetic quality you require to the appropriate photography medium.
2. Consider all the costs in your photography estimates.
3. Know the "art of the possible" with a digital technology inventory.
4. Understand quality assurance and your studio's process orientation.
5. Take charge when using a commercial studio.

SitePoint had a similar article with some illustrative examples of how different elements of product photos on your website can affect your sales, along with some equally good pointers to consider.

Sell More With Great Product Shots - By Heather Conary - sitepoint

Imagine you're driving down a back country road, and you see two apple stands. They both look the same, yet one charges a few dollars more than its competitor. You decide to buy some apples, and stop at the cheaper stand. When you peer into their bins, you see that they're half-full of bruised, rotten apples. You decide to try the other stand, which offers bags overflowing with ripe, shiny red apples that look juicy enough to sink your teeth into.

Consider the following elements in your next photo shoot.