Choosing a photography partner is risky. We've heard horror stories of brands paying 50% advances and receiving blurry, unusable images weeks late.
Here is how to vet a studio like a pro.
1. Check Their Portfolio Relevance
A studio that shoots great jewelry might be terrible at apparel. Look for a portfolio that matches your specific category. If you sell reflective items (bottles, sunglasses), zoom in on their examples to see if they handle reflections cleanly.
2. Ask About Equipment, Not Just Price
Ask what camera they use. If they say 'DSLR', that's vague. If they say 'Sony A7R IV with macro lenses', they know their gear. High-resolution sensors matter for ecommerce where customers zoom in.
3. The 'Hidden Cost' Trap
Some studios quote a low per-image rate (e.g., ₹200) but charge extra for: Editing/Retouching (often doubles the cost), Model coordination, Props, and 'Studio Rental' fees. Always ask for the 'All-Inclusive Per-SKU Cost'.
4. Turnaround Time Guarantees
In ecommerce, speed is money. A 2-week delay means 2 weeks of lost sales. Get a written commitment on delivery dates. Standard turnaround should be 3-5 business days.
5. Do They Understand Amazon Compliance?
Amazon rejects images with off-white backgrounds (RGB other than 255,255,255). A professional studio knows this and guarantees acceptance. If they don't mention 'pure white background' or 'guidelines', walk away.
Recommendation
Start with a test shoot. Legitimate studios (like ours) often offer a free or low-cost trial for 1 product so you can verify quality before committing to the whole catalog.