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According to statistics provided by the NSI, the amount of readers in our country, read at least one book in the last 12 months is about 53%. The results of the survey are from 2016. It is almost certain that the number of books read in the last year and a half has increased, given the restrictions, social distancing and the opportunity to spend more time at home.
In this regard, many bookstores and publishers have made online shopping campaigns with more discounts and attractive offers.
How do some of them present their readings to increase their audience?
Photo: Hermes bookstore (St. Zagora)
They continue to tempt readers and their imagination with inspiring and definitely eye-catching photos on social media. Along with the evolving digital technologies, the number of people who prefer books in electronic form is growing.
But there are still those readers who would find it difficult to part with flipping through an ordinary book, its specific scent, or with the pleasure of adding something else to the collection in their personal library. need product photos of books.
How are books shot?
Let’s first determine what type of product photos we will need and what their purpose will be. As we searched for up-to-date information on this article, we were surprised to find that there is a hashtag Bookstagram – the place where book fans, bloggers, publishers and marketers have united. And if someone needs to promote a book and still doesn’t have an Instagram account, it would be appropriate to create one.
Photo: thebrowneyedbookworm.com
Photos of books on social networks are usually associated with the emotion and pleasure of reading. They pay attention to the season, the atmosphere, the place – cafe, beach, park, veranda, the time when a person is alone or on vacation. Illustrate the specific moment – rainy day, burning fireplace.
The key is for the photos to have the ability to transport the viewer there and make him feel. That is why often the scene of this type of shots includes well-chosen, additional elements, such as candles, a cup of coffee, sweaters, blankets , etc. Depending on the context, you may also see a picture of an open book buried in a leaf or lodged from a beach bag.
In practice, most publishers do not need product photos for their electronic catalogs. Images have been replaced by electronic cover designs.
Product photos of books in physical catalogs or brochures are also rare. They are digitally designed.
Photo: IC Krugozor
But unlike them, book printers, or at least the more enterprising of them, demonstrate their capabilities precisely with images of the final product.
Photo: http: //simolini.com/
In this case, the production of hardcover books is emphasized. Books are a more specific product and therefore turn out to be more attractive to them product shots in the context or way of life.
Photo: stampington.com
One that can accentuate a place, a showcase, new titles, and, of course, emphasize the book itself, the time spent reading, and the pleasure one would get from it.
Photo: Orange Bookstore
Photo: lisa-lostinlit.tumblr.com
What techniques and tricks are used in product photography of books?
Shooting a book isn’t really that easy. Imagine those glossy pages and covers of luxury editions. Or the brand new book you’re trying to keep open, but it closes the moment you pull your hand away.
Well, that naturally rounded position of the page – it is insidious and can play a bad joke on the uneven distribution of light. Challenges are definitely not missing. But what is the easiest way to deal with them?
Light
Try to shoot books in natural light and avoid using the flash. Keep in mind that artificial light often gives the paper a yellowish tinge.
Real colors change and the background will look dark. In case you decide to shoot outside, take into account the bright sunlight during the day. Always use as soft light or studio lighting as possible.
Viewpoint and angles
Applying as many different points of view as possible when presenting a book with the help of product images will always be beneficial for the success of the project.
With each corner you will capture specific details and give individuality to the photos. What more convenient way to intrigue readers?
Some of the more important points to focus on are:
- Front and back cover
- The back of the book
Photo: Hermes bookstore (St. Zagora)
- Highlight the title page
- For books that are first edition or with collector’s value the copyright page is especially important
- The content, if the book is not fiction , but is with information goal (guidebook, encyclopedia)
- Sample pages, especially when the book contains a large number of photos or some specific features, such as a place for notes (cookbook, guidebook, planner)
Photo: missmoss.co.za
- Book with download bound
The main trick is to always think about what the particular reader (buyer) will expect and try to convey it to him through the product photos.
Photo: SketchCook
Background and props
The key when choosing a background is to make sure that the book will be the center of attention in any product image. If the cover is too colorful, focus on neutral backgrounds, such as wood, marble or craft paper.
Avoid cluttering the frame with extra elements so as not to distract from the book. This will help you emphasize the important compositional elements of the frame to create more energy, focus and interest in the subject of the image.
However, to excite the imagination of readers you will need a more unusual and valuable image. To do this, you need to think carefully about the main topic. For example, if you are shooting a cookbook, you can use a kitchen setting by showing a page of the book and completing the scene with ingredients and tools that will be needed to complete the recipe.
Photo: onlydecolove.com
Emphasize the cover with the power of the props.
Photo: https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/
Photo: https://weheartit.com/entry/317539230
Insert objects that appear in the story or hint at a certain place in it. This will be a great way to get creative and peek into the plot, attracting the attention of readers. If the books are old or of collector’s value, be sure to emphasize the details that emphasize this.
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Adjust the situation, the props. Choose the right colors and backgrounds A secure approach to win over users of this type of book.
Photo: fineartamerica.com
Books have the magical ability to transport to another world, albeit for a short time. The main purpose of product photography of books is to captivate readers with images.