FAQ

We are Importer Visuals, a professional commercial photography studio established in 2002 and based in Shanghai. For over 22 years, we've served more than 1000 brand clients and export companies with end-to-end visual content services—from strategic planning, product and model photography, to video editing, AE motion graphics, 3D animation, and e-commerce detail page design. We specialize in creating visual assets tailored for products targeting overseas markets like the US, Europe, and Australia.

We offer a complete one-stop production team, including: pre-production planning and scriptwriting, professional photography (product flat lays and model shoots), video production and editing, post-production (motion graphics in After Effects, 3D animation, voiceover and music), and e-commerce visual design (product detail pages, A+ Content). All services are handled internally, so you don't need to coordinate with multiple vendors.

Our clients fall into three main categories: 1) Overseas brands and buyers with procurement operations in China, who want all visual assets created domestically before product shipment; 2) Domestic manufacturers producing private-label (OBM) or contract manufacturing for export (OEM/ODM), needing product visuals for cross-border e-commerce, standalone sites, or international trade shows; 3) Domestic e-commerce teams managing brands and merchants on platforms like Tmall, JD.com, and Douyin.

Our photography services cover the following key categories: Product Photography (white background, lifestyle, and detail shots for Amazon, eBay, and standalone store main images); Model Shoots (children, women, and men modeling apparel, accessories, and outdoor gear); Lifestyle Photography (real-world usage to build brand identity and customer connection); Product Videos (horizontal/vertical showcases, feature demos, and ad creatives); and Commercial Videos (brand films, factory tours, and trade show content).

Beyond photography, we offer comprehensive post-production and visual design services, including: retouching (commercial-grade), video editing and motion graphics, AE effects, 3D product animation, voiceover and music production, and e-commerce detail page design (optimized for domestic platforms and Amazon A+ Content). Clients can choose to hire us for photography only or entrust us with the full workflow from raw footage to final deliverables.

We bring extensive experience across diverse product categories, including but not limited to: apparel and fabrics (maternity wear, children's clothing, yoga and activewear), outdoor gear (jackets, tents, hiking backpacks, camping equipment), home & furniture, 3C electronics, beauty & personal care, food & supplements, industrial hardware, and toys & baby products. For specialized categories, please reach out—we'll assess your needs and provide a tailored shooting plan.

Yes. We have a dedicated pre-production team that collaborates closely with clients before shooting begins to understand product features, target markets, and brand positioning. We then deliver a comprehensive written proposal covering set design, style references, shot lists, and expected outcomes. This phase is essential to our service quality—we don't just execute shoots; we help clients clarify what to shoot, how to shoot it, and why.

Yes. For domestic clients outside Shanghai, product samples can be shipped to our Shanghai studio for photography and returned as-is upon completion—no need for the client to be present. For international clients, products can be sent directly to our Shanghai studio before leaving the factory, ensuring visual assets and goods are ready simultaneously. This approach saves time and reduces logistics costs by eliminating repeated shipments. We have a robust sample management process in place to ensure the safety and timely return of every item.

Each project includes one round of revisions, covering standard adjustments such as color grading tweaks, cropping, and localized retouching. Directional changes requested after initial approval—such as reshooting, major style shifts, or composition overhauls—may incur additional fees. To minimize revision costs, we recommend confirming all details before the shoot and providing feedback within the agreed timeframe after the first draft is delivered.

When initiating a collaboration, customers typically need to provide: - Product samples (a sufficient quantity of physical samples; for apparel requiring model photography, please include appropriate sizes). - Reference materials (brand style references, competitor images, platform requirements or guidelines, such as Amazon main image specifications). - Usage details (the specific platforms and purposes for the photos/videos). - Additional requirements (e.g., special background colors, model profiles, or scene preferences—please specify in advance). Based on the information you provide, we will offer comprehensive shooting recommendations. Missing reference materials won't prevent us from starting—our creative team can help define key product selling points and the overall shooting direction.

Contact us as soon as your shooting requirements are confirmed. Typically, we recommend scheduling at least 5-7 business days in advance to allow sufficient time for planning, sample preparation, and slot booking. During peak seasons (such as mid-year and the two months leading up to year-end), availability is limited; please book 2-3 weeks ahead. For large-scale projects or multi-SKU batch shoots, initiate communication at least 3-4 weeks in advance.

The standard collaboration process consists of the following steps: Step 1: Needs Assessment — We gather your requirements, product details, and intended use via WeChat, email, or phone. Step 2: Proposal & Quotation — You receive a written production plan and cost estimate tailored to your needs. Step 3: Order Confirmation — Upon mutual agreement on details, you pay the deposit to schedule sample delivery (courier or self-drop-off). Step 4: Production — Shooting and post-production are completed according to the agreed timeline. Step 5: Draft Review — A preliminary draft is submitted for your feedback; reasonable revisions are supported. Step 6: Final Delivery & Payment — After final approval, all original files are delivered, and the remaining balance is settled.

Our video production covers the entire workflow: pre-production shooting (studio or on-location), editing and pacing, subtitle and typography design, AE motion graphics and transitions, 3D product animation (exploded views and functional demos), voiceover (Mandarin, Cantonese, and select foreign languages), music production, and licensing. We deliver both landscape (16:9) and vertical (9:16) formats, optimized for Amazon Video, brand websites, Facebook/Instagram ads, TikTok, Douyin, and other platforms.

Our post-production meets commercial-grade standards, including: color correction and tonal consistency, background processing (pure white, solid color, or scene compositing), product shape correction, defect removal (scratches, dust, creases), and natural-looking model skin retouching without over-editing. All final deliverables are high-resolution files suitable for both print and digital use. Our standard is "ready to publish, ready to print."

Capturing reflective surfaces (metal, glass, stainless steel), transparent materials (acrylic, glassware), and high-gloss finishes (leather, jewelry) is among the most technically challenging categories in commercial photography. We handle these products through professional lighting control, polarizing filters, and advanced post-production, while tailoring our shooting approach to each product's unique characteristics. If you have similar items for photography, please share sample images during initial discussions so we can provide a more accurate assessment and quote.

We are well-versed in image specifications for major global platforms including Amazon, eBay, Shopify, Etsy, and standalone sites. This includes strict requirements for main product images (pure white background, product fill ratio, minimum resolution) and A+ Content visual guidelines. During the planning phase, we proactively verify target platform technical requirements to ensure all deliverables meet upload standards, preventing costly rework due to format issues during your operations.

After the project is completed and fully paid, we will retain your original assets (RAW files and project source files) for at least 6 months to accommodate any additional revision requests. After 6 months, these assets will be archived. Please notify us in advance if you need to retrieve them. We recommend that customers back up and store their final deliverables independently upon receipt.

Standard delivery formats: high-resolution JPEG for e-commerce and TIFF for print. Video is delivered in MP4 (H.264 encoded). For special requirements (e.g., PNG with transparency, specific resolution, or custom cropping), please specify before project kickoff so we can tailor the deliverables. All files are securely transferred via cloud storage links or WeTransfer, supporting high-definition downloads of large files.

Standard project delivery timelines are typically: retouched images delivered within 3–5 business days after shooting; video projects require 5–10 business days, depending on duration and complexity. For urgent requests, we offer expedited service—some simple photo projects can be delivered within 48 hours of completion. Exact timelines will be specified during the quoting phase and confirmed in the contract.

Domestic customers typically pay via bank transfer, Alipay, or WeChat Pay. Standard terms require a 50% deposit before project commencement and the balance upon successful acceptance. International customers can pay via wire transfer (T/T) or PayPal. Extended payment terms may be negotiated at the time of contract signing if required.

Yes. For clients with ongoing shooting needs (e.g., seasonal new product launches, long-term e-commerce content), we offer annual framework agreements to secure priority scheduling and discounted rates. Bulk projects with high SKU counts also qualify for volume discounts. Long-term partners enjoy benefits such as priority booking schedules and dedicated account managers. If you have such requirements, please contact our business team directly.

Our quotes are customized based on your specific project needs. Key factors include: product and SKU volume, shoot type (white background, lifestyle, model, video), whether models are required and their type, production complexity (special props, on-location shoots, unique materials), and post-production scope. We do not offer generic "package pricing"; instead, we provide detailed itemized quotes so you clearly understand every cost component. For an estimated budget range, please contact us directly.

Completing visual assets locally in China offers five key advantages: First, no cross-ocean shipping is needed for samples, saving time and freight costs. Second, photography can run parallel to production without delaying overall shipment schedules. Third, re-shoots are easier to coordinate directly with the factory. Fourth, domestic professional production teams typically charge significantly less than equivalent rates in Europe or the US. Fifth, you can complete all visual materials (images, videos, and product detail pages) in one go, avoiding the hassle of coordinating multiple parties after export.

Yes. We are well-versed in image specifications for Amazon US, UK, and Europe (pure white background, product coverage ≥85%, minimum 1000px longest side), A+ Content visual module requirements, and general standards for Shopify, Etsy, eBay, and other independent platforms. During project planning, we proactively verify the latest platform guidelines to ensure seamless launch with zero barriers.

Our business coordination team is proficient in English and handles routine project communications—including quote confirmations, production proposals, and file deliveries—via email. For complex technical discussions, we use professional translation tools to ensure accuracy. We welcome inquiries from international clients via WeChat, WhatsApp, or email; please choose the method most convenient for you.

Yes, this is one of our key service areas in recent years. Overseas buyers typically need visual content created before shipment to support online sales and brand promotion in their markets. We understand this workflow and can align with suppliers or freight forwarders to deliver an efficient process: shoot products immediately upon arrival in Shanghai, then ship right after production. We have extensive experience working with buyers from Europe, North America, Australia, and Southeast Asia.