Every so often Ortery receives an inspiring email from a customer who’s used our product photography solutions to grow their small business. We are honored to be a part of so many success stories and are reminded of our mission to provide efficient and cost effective solutions for producing professional quality images. The following interview highlights Ortery 3D PhotoBench 60 customer Lotus Jewelry, one such company.
In 2007, Courtney and Erik Legenhausen founded Lotus Jewelry Studio. The Baltimore based husband and wife started the business with the mission of producing beautifully handcrafted pieces for the everyday woman. From humble beginnings of working out of their home basement as newlyweds, the Legensausen’s have gone on to expand Lotus Jewelry Studios to a 2,000.00 foot facility with a handful of employees and distribution to hundreds of retailers internationally. Ortery Technologies recently sat down with co-founder Erik Legenhausen to find out more about the important role product photography has played in their expansion.
Ortery: Describe your workflow before using Ortery product photography Equipment:
Erik: We struggled with photos. We would either hire a pro or try to set up an outside photo tent but never had the results we were looking for. As the industry changes all our competitors are beginning to use floating images (pure white background). With all our images in compositional formats (with varied backgrounds and props) we were looking dated.
What was the average time spent on product photography before using the 3D PhotoBench 60?
FOREVER! Just to get an average shot!
What did you want to accomplish?
We were reshooting our entire 1400 piece product line for a brand new website launch. We needed pure white background images that increase online sales and accurately display our jewelry.
Roughly how many products have you shot with the 3D PhotoBench 60?
We’ve taken about 1400 so far in just about a week or two. We found it much easier to make it a two person job. One person operating the computer and camera while the other preps the next product. When we started to really get comfortable each piece could take as little time as 30 seconds including editing. Sometimes for certain items, a few minutes of setup’s required but the photography and editing using the PhotoBench software is a breeze.
How many images do you shoot of each product? One single product view online or multiple?
For now one shot of each product just to get the site up and running. Unless we needed a top shot and a front shot… then two. We also took a shot of each color option etc. In the future we will add additional pictures.
Did the 3D PhotoBench 60 product photography studio reduce or eliminate the time needed to edit the images?
We used to import pictures into Photoshop and pay our designer to edit. It has eliminated this and allowed her to focus on real graphic design.
Were you able to create professional pictures with the system?
YES! Amazing. We feel like our website and pictures are right up there with the big online retailers…ie: Amazon, Zappos, Endless Etc. After a slight learning curve it is soooooo easy. I have zero experience with photography and was able to take all the pics. I used a low wage employee to help me set up each shot but I took all the images.
Have you ever required tech support from Ortery? If so, what was your experience?
Quick and helpful. One hour of free training came with the system, however the majority of the learning came from daily use and trial and error.
How does the workflow of the Photobench 60 product photography studio compare to your previous setup?
NO COMPARISON. Ortery rocks!!!! The system has already paid for itself in time savings and the professional online presence it gives us. We hope that with the increased online sales the system will actually generate revenue not just pay for itself!
Would you recommend this equipment to others?
Already have 🙂
To see more of Lotus Jewelry Studios Products go HERE
For more information on Ortery Technologies and the 3D PhotoBench 60 Jewelry Photography system call 949-859-5580 or visit Ortery HERE