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Spin to Win: The Easy Guide to 360° Product Photography for Marketers (Walmart & Amazon)

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Our 360° photography studio is designed to capture products against a seamless pure white background. The goal is to take 72 images that will stitch together into a smooth rotation. Achieving a pure white background minimizes post-production work, but it’s crucial not to overexpose the background, as excessive light can bleed and distort the product’s appearance.

In the age of online shopping, high-quality product visuals are no longer a luxury, they’re a necessity. But with countless products vying for attention, how can you make yours truly shine on retail giant websites like Walmart and Amazon? Enter the power of the 360° product spin.

Imagine this: a potential customer browsing on their phone can instantly see your product from every angle, just like they would in a physical store. This interactive experience fosters trust, reduces returns, and ultimately boosts conversions.

For marketers and photographers, capturing these 360° spins might seem daunting. But fear not! This guide will break down the process into simple steps, making you a pro in no time.

Setting the Stage: Equipment and Preparation

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

  • Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual mode capabilities.
  • Tripod: Ensures consistent image distance and angle.
  • Turntable: Designed for product photography for smooth, precise product rotation.
  • Lighting: A light tent or softboxes are ideal for even and consistent illumination.
  • Remote shutter release: Minimizes camera shake during capture.
  • Photoshop: For post-processing image alignment.
  • Track markers: Small contrasting colored tape or paper.

Preparation is key! Set up your turntable, mount your camera on the tripod at the desired distance and angle. Arrange your lighting to eliminate shadows and hotspots. Finally, place your track markers on the turntable base and background to serve as reference points for alignment.

We photograph our 360° images directly into a computer using a tethered camera and capturing the images in Capture One Pro.

Capturing the Perfect Spin: A Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Camera Settings: Switch to manual mode and set consistent aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance for all images.
  2. Number of Degrees per Image: Divide 360 degrees by the number of images you plan to capture (typically 72) to determine the rotation angle between shots (e.g., 5 degrees per image for 72).
  3. Capture the Images: Use the remote shutter release to minimize camera shake. Rotate the turntable precisely by the calculated degrees after each capture. Ensure the track markers align perfectly in every frame.

Pro Tip: Utilize your camera’s mirror lockup function (if available) for additional shake reduction.

We designed this custom-fabricated acrylic turntable to accommodate large and heavy items while still rotating effortlessly.

Bringing it All Together: Post-Production Magic

Here’s where Photoshop comes in to play:

  1. Import Images: Load all captured images into a stack using the “File > Load Files into Stack” function.
  2. Auto-Alignment: Let Photoshop work its magic! Go to “Edit > Auto-Align Layers” and choose “Auto.” The software will automatically align the layers based on the overlapping content (your track markers). Fine-tune the alignment manually if needed.
  3. Export the Layers: Once satisfied with the alignment, go to “File > Export > Layers to Files.” Choose a format like PNG (preserves transparency) and adjust any other export settings as needed.

Bonus Tip: Shooting in RAW format allows for maximum image quality and flexibility during post-processing.

For flat products, consider using a photography automation rail instead of a turntable for even more precise image alignment control.

With these steps and a little practice, you’ll be creating stunning 360° product spins in no time. This interactive visual experience will elevate your product listings on major retail websites like Walmart and Amazon, giving you a clear edge over the competition and boosting your sales. So, grab your camera and get spinning!