Guidance for shots in grocery stores

[carolhibbswilliams]

I have been asked to suggest best methods for shooting pictures of grocery store merchandisers -- the island or wall system units that hold products and food -- by a merchandiser manufacturer.

Traditionally the sales guy snaps of a few, sometimes using his cell phone.

The results are less than satisfactory for a company that has to promote itself with enticing photos of its line of products.

What would you recommend I tell this sales team???

Thanks for any input you might provide
--c.

[zona5101]

hi and welcome!

What are the images going to be used for?

Usually there are two separate reason to take the pic of the unit. One is for a sales brouchure where the sales person shows the image to the retailer in an effort to place the unit. The other is to provide proof of performance, documenting for the manufacturer or distributor that the unit was actually placed in the store (usually there are funds attached to the proof of performance such as marketing dollars or a even bonuses in a sales contest). In the first, the image needs to be professionally done in the second a snap shot should do.

[carolhibbswilliams]

Bruce, you are absolutely right about two purposes. These are for sales/marketing brochures. They will not be hiring a professional any time soon...getting them to admit they need better photos at all has been a bit of an uphill climb. Therefore, I really do need to give the sales guys some guidelines about shooting... your thoughts?
--c.

[zona5101]

Pictures sell! The sales guy should know that investing a little in a good, well taken, shot of his display will help the retailer envision it in his/her store. Gotta show the deal sheet and the margin potential to the retailer but add a well done photograph and it sells... same with cars, houses, etc. Invest on the initial shot for the spec sheet and it will pay for itself through higher participation.

So as far as guidelines for the sales guy...you mean how he should shoot the display merchandisers?
first background: it should either be void of any distracting elements...or it should be in a store location. What you don't want is the displayer in the backroom someplace with the cardboard strewn about, the bailer in the background and a receiving clerk standing around with a cup of coffee...

Seriously, tell me more about what you are trying to communicate to the sales manager.

[LoveDSLR]

You have to think as a Marketing creative director first.

For example, photograph the product with logo/trademark front and center. Surrounding it with competitor products (try not showing their trademarks). You can show in the foreground happy shoppers reaching for it and some on their shopping carts.

[Jim Bryant]

you need to get a hold of the CORPORATE marketing person, not the local one.