When it’s not possible for your potential customers to really see or feel your products up close, it can feel like a hard sell. This is the case with almost any product you’re advertising through an e-commerce website, and by this point, this covers almost all businesses in a field like sports equipment.

Product photography is vital when it comes to these kinds of products, if you can get it right. Professional product photographers should always be aiming to show your items in the best light they can, both literally and figuratively. It’s essential to be persuasive when you’re selling, so what features will set your sports equipment photos apart from other types of e-commerce photography?

1) Zoom in on the details

At a glance, it may be hard to distinguish between high quality sports equipment and cheaper alternatives. Here is your opportunity to take advantage of professional photographs and show what the naked eye might miss. Highlight the quality of the wood on a baseball bat, the stitching and printing on a ball, or the finish of the material on sports clothing.

2) Depict all items accurately

In many cases, sports-related products will come in several different specifications which will need to be 100% accurate. Whether your items come in different finishes, sizes or designs, you should make sure photos are provided for every version if you’re expecting people to make a commitment and purchase them. This will also help minimise the number of returns you have to process, because people should be able to see what they’re ordering and avoid disappointment.

3) Demonstrate items being used

The majority of people buying sports equipment will be planning to put it to the test, often engaging in some pretty extreme activities. The best shots for products in this category are exciting, dynamic and most importantly show the item in action. E-commerce platforms often support 360-degree product photography or even videos to really give your target market an impression of what it’s like to use the product. This usually leads to much higher chances of making a sale.