Alison J. Prince, a seasoned e-commerce entrepreneur with four multi-million dollar businesses under her belt, has always been a proponent of resourcefulness and ingenuity, especially when starting with limited funds. This case study explores her innovative approach to product photography using inexpensive or free backdrops, providing valuable insights for budding entrepreneurs.

Objectives

1. Empower Entrepreneurs: Provide practical and affordable solutions for product photography.
2. Enhance Visual Appeal: Showcase products in attractive and engaging settings.
3. Maximize Resources: Utilize readily available materials to create professional-looking backdrops.

Strategy

Alison's strategy revolves around using everyday items and settings to create visually appealing product photos without incurring significant costs. Her approach is rooted in her own experience of starting with zero funds and creatively leveraging what was available to her.

Key Components of the Strategy:

1. Utilize Available Resources:
   • Identify and use items and locations that are easily accessible and free or very low-cost.
2. Incorporate Natural Settings:
   • Leverage natural light and common household or outdoor items to create attractive backdrops.
3. Simplify and Highlight:
   • Keep the backdrop simple to ensure the product remains the focal point of the photograph.

Execution

Alison provides a comprehensive list of creative and inexpensive product backdrops, demonstrated through her own experiences and practical examples:

1. Wood Deck:
   • Utilized her old wood deck as a backdrop due to perfect lighting and convenience. This setting allowed her to take photos while keeping an eye on her children.
   • Example: Photos of products taken on the wood deck showcased the natural texture and color, adding a rustic charm.
2. Old Book:
   • Sourced an old book from a thrift store and used its pages as a backdrop for small items like jewelry.
   • Example: Although initially using an anatomy book led to some humorous and inappropriate background images, the idea of using old book pages remains a creative and effective option.
3. Wood Floors:
   • Used wood floors by standing above and taking pictures from a top-down angle, utilizing natural light from an open front door.
   • Example: This method provided a clean, consistent backdrop for various products.
4. Metal Tray:
   • A metal tray served as a versatile backdrop, especially for small items like earrings.
   • Example: Placing earrings on the tray and photographing from above allowed for a clear and focused presentation of the products.
5. Scrapbook Paper:
   • Used patterned scrapbook paper as backdrops, being cautious with the patterns to avoid overwhelming the product.
   • Example: Soft, faint lines or polka dots provided a subtle yet effective background for product photos.
6. Old Doors and Slats of Wood:
   • Repurposed old doors and painted wood slats as backdrops.
   • Example: These items were purchased cheaply and painted to create a whitewashed look, perfect for highlighting products.
7. Unconventional Backdrops:
   • Used unique and unexpected items like a dump truck or a bowl from a thrift store.
   • Example: The contrast between a new product and a rustic dump truck background created visually interesting photos.
8. Natural Settings:
   • Leveraged the blue sky, brick walls, and shaded outdoor areas for natural and cost-free backdrops.
   • Example: Photos taken against a clear blue sky provided a vibrant and eye-catching background.

Results

Alison's resourceful approach to product photography has empowered many entrepreneurs to enhance their product listings without significant investment. By sharing her techniques and providing practical examples, she has helped others achieve professional-looking photos on a budget.

• Increased Sales: High-quality product photos contribute to increased sales and customer engagement.
• Cost Savings: Utilizing free or inexpensive materials significantly reduces the cost of product photography.
• Entrepreneurial Inspiration: Alison's story and tips inspire others to think creatively and resourcefully.

Alison J. Prince's innovative use of inexpensive and free backdrops for product photography demonstrates that professional-looking product images are achievable without a large budget. Her practical advice and real-life examples provide valuable guidance for entrepreneurs looking to enhance their online presence and boost sales through effective product presentation. By maximizing available resources and focusing on simplicity, Alison has created a blueprint for successful and affordable product photography.

Here is the link for the free download: https://becauseicanlife.com/treasure