What makes a winning photograph
of your shop?

What works for your shop 24/ 7? What's worth a thousand words? Photographs!

Whether you need a batch of store shots for a web page, your press kit, or your business card, here are some tips to make those photos tempt potential customers into coming in. Note: Each photo on this page can be clicked with your mouse to see it in larger format.

Thank you to all of our Sharers whose photos are on this page. Both for sharing, and for taking great shots!

Certain shots will be more useful for certain uses. Too "busy" a photo won't reproduce well in a newspaper, for example, so you'll want to keep those types of photos simple. On the other hand, if you're deciding on a shot for a postcard or business card, make your shop look "rich" and full of treasures.

Include people in your shots. Imagine this shot without the child. There wouldn't be a focal point, and the shot could be rather jumbled.

Another people shot. Notice the neutral clothing: you want the shopper to enhance, not distract!

We talked about photographing your exterior earlier...click to see. Exterior shots are a must for off-site use, for example at a fashion show venue or a trade show. But interior shots allow you to convince, without words, potential customers that you shop is definitely "worth the trip from anywhere"!

This is a terrific shot. First, for the depth of field. There's things to look at in the foreground, middle, and back of the shot. Second, the photo "says" more than one thing:  a variety of accessories, elegant dressing rooms,  very "boutiquey". Let's shop there!

This could be a terrific  shot... with a browser or two. People would pull the wonderfully-antiquey selection together and even create depth of field. Choose your models to reflect your "Ideal Customer".

This is a great shot for a business card. Studies show that any card with a person on it is highly unlikely to be thrown away... and this photo looks welcoming (the proprietor opening the door for you, literally!) and it gets important info in again via the door lettering!

Here's another shot full of info, including the shop name. It would have been even better if the lighting inside the shop was arranged so we could see those colorful 2-ways just inside.

This type of shot is good for your press kit. The owner or manager, elegantly handling a wonderful outfit, the mirror reflection adding interest. Notice the simple styles of both merchandise and model's attire: this is a photo which won't get dated too fast!

Another good publicity shot. The models could be staffers or enthusiastic customers. Taking, or altering, the photo on an angle works well with the youthful subject matter.

Here is how to take a long shot... on a stepladder! It's the only way to avoid a "ceiling shot" (who wants to see your ceiling!?) Notice also the importance of lighting and the wonderful vivid colors.

And here's one way to do a close-up: The unusual angle really says What a great selection! Warning: if you plan a shot like this, make sure hangers match and are straightened, keep colors muted and blocked, avoid print garments.

Think of what your photo says. Imagine this one as a Keep your child, and your wallet, happy at MyShop postcard. It shows, in the background, racks of selection, but focuses on the customer benefit of shopping with you: a happy child!

Create vignettes, even if just for the photo session. Don't you just want to buy every item in this shot?

Another idea: a person vignette! Cute kid, mirror, merchandise all around. Having a child wearing an adult hat really attracts attention, even if your shop is only womenswear. When I grow up I'm gonna shop at MyShop could be your caption!

Once again, thanks to all who contributed!   --Kate Holmes   Kate's article on taking photos of your shop's exterior.