Product photos can make or break your online sales.
- 75% of online shoppers rely on product images to decide on a purchase.
- High-quality photos can increase conversions by up to 250%.
- Listings with professional photos get 94% more views.
Quick Tips:
- Use multiple photos (front, side, lifestyle shots) to build trust.
- Invest in proper lighting - natural or artificial.
- Keep backgrounds clean and consistent (white is standard).
- Use tripods to avoid blurry images.
- Edit photos for color accuracy and sharpness.
Bottom Line: Clear, professional images drive sales, reduce returns, and boost customer trust. Whether you DIY or hire a pro, quality visuals are essential for eCommerce success.
6 Pro Tips to SUCCEED in Ecommerce Product Photography | Lighting, Styling, Tools & Solutions
Equipment You Need for Product Photography
Starting with product photography doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. With the right tools, you can turn simple setups into professional-quality images that help boost sales. The key is to focus on equipment that delivers great results without unnecessary expense.
A solid photography setup revolves around three essentials: a good camera, proper lighting, and reliable stabilization. While professional photographers might invest heavily in gear, eCommerce sellers can achieve impressive results with a thoughtful selection of equipment that can grow alongside their business. Let’s begin with choosing the right camera.
Camera Options: DSLR, Mirrorless, or Smartphone
Your camera is the foundation of your photography setup, and the choice depends on your budget, comfort with technology, and the level of quality you’re aiming for.
- Smartphones: These are the easiest and most budget-friendly option. Modern smartphones can produce surprisingly high-quality images, especially in good lighting. They’re perfect for quick shots for social media or basic product listings. However, they don’t offer the same level of detail or control as dedicated cameras.
- DSLR Cameras: Known for delivering outstanding image quality and creative control, DSLRs are ideal for capturing intricate product details. Affordable models like the Nikon D3300 (around $550) or Canon EOS Rebel T6i ($750–$900) offer professional-level results without breaking the bank. However, they can feel bulky and may seem overwhelming for beginners.
- Mirrorless Cameras: These cameras strike a balance between portability and performance. Smaller and lighter than DSLRs, they still deliver exceptional image quality and offer interchangeable lenses. In 2020, experts highlighted mirrorless cameras as a great value option for product photography.
While the camera is important, lighting plays an even bigger role in achieving high-quality photos. A smartphone paired with excellent lighting can outperform a high-end camera in poor lighting conditions. Once you’ve chosen a camera, it’s time to focus on mastering light.
Lighting Setup: Natural vs Artificial Light
Lighting is the most critical factor in product photography. Poor lighting can lead to dull colors, harsh shadows, and unappealing product images. Fortunately, you don’t need expensive equipment to get it right.
- Natural Light: This is the most affordable option and works beautifully for many products. North-facing windows provide soft, even light throughout the day, avoiding the harshness of direct sunlight. Shooting during golden hour adds a warm, soft glow to your photos. To refine natural light, use reflectors and diffusers to soften shadows and balance the light source.
- Artificial Light: For more control, artificial lighting is a great choice. A simple one-light setup using a continuous LED light and a white foam board reflector can produce excellent results. LED panels start at about $80, while higher-powered options like the Godox SL60W are available for around $140. For more advanced setups, a three-point lighting arrangement - key light, fill light, and backlight - adds depth and texture to your shots. Well-lit photos can improve conversion rates by 67%, reduce returns by 10%, and meet the expectations of 74% of shoppers.
"Wherever there is light, one can photograph." – Alfred Stieglitz
After perfecting your lighting, the next step is ensuring your shots are sharp and steady.
Tripods and Camera Stabilization
Blur-free images are essential for product photography. A tripod is an easy and cost-effective way to eliminate camera shake and ensure sharp photos.
Affordable tripods, starting at $20, can make a huge difference. Look for options with adjustable legs and ball heads for precise positioning. Tripods are especially useful in low-light conditions or when using longer exposure times, keeping your framing consistent across multiple shots.
Using a tripod also frees up your hands to adjust lighting, move reflectors, or reposition products, making your workflow more efficient. Additionally, clamps can be a handy tool for holding reflectors, securing backdrops, or managing cables.
How to Set Up Your Product Photography Studio
Once you’ve got your gear ready, the next step is setting up a studio that highlights your products in the best possible way. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can turn almost any space into a functional photography studio without breaking the bank.
A good studio setup includes a clean workspace, proper lighting, and consistent backgrounds. Keeping your space organized and adaptable will make it easier to photograph a variety of products efficiently.
Choosing Backgrounds and Backdrops
A simple, clutter-free background ensures your product stays the center of attention and meets the standards of most online marketplaces. White backgrounds are particularly popular for eCommerce because they create a uniform look across your product catalog and comply with platform rules.
For smaller items like jewelry or cosmetics, white poster board is an affordable option, costing about $7 for 10 sheets. If you’re working with larger products, a white muslin backdrop, priced around $20, offers more coverage and a smooth, professional appearance.
While white is the go-to for most product photography, don’t shy away from experimenting with other solid colors when they suit your brand. For example, luxury items often look great against minimalist backdrops, while bright, colorful backgrounds can add energy to products aimed at younger audiences. The trick is to pick a background that complements your product without stealing the spotlight.
To set up, use a 24–27-inch folding table and secure your backdrop - whether it’s poster board or muslin - with painter’s tape for a clean, seamless look.
Light Placement and Diffusion Techniques
Lighting plays a key role in turning ordinary product photos into polished, professional images. The aim is to create soft, even lighting that minimizes harsh shadows while still showing texture and detail.
If you’re using natural light, position your setup near a north-facing window for soft, diffused light. Turn off other lights in the room to avoid unwanted color casts. This simple, single-light approach works well for most products and doesn’t require extra equipment.
For artificial lighting, place your key lights at 45-degree angles on either side of your product. This setup creates dynamic shadows that add depth while avoiding the flat look caused by direct, front-facing light. To soften harsh contrasts, use fill lights to brighten darker areas and maintain a balanced, three-dimensional appearance.
Diffusion is essential for controlling the quality of light. Softboxes, like the Impact Luxbanx Medium Rectangular Softbox (24" x 32"), cost around $60 and provide beautifully even lighting. If you’re on a budget, white foam boards can act as reflectors, bouncing light into shadowed areas. Place these boards opposite your main light source to brighten the darker side of your product. For a more dramatic effect, use black foam boards to deepen shadows.
Low-Cost Studio Setup Ideas
You don’t need expensive equipment to achieve professional results. Even a 12 MP camera - found on most older smartphones - can deliver high-quality images for web use. Pair it with an affordable tripod, available for under $30, to ensure sharp photos and consistent framing.
Some budget-friendly essentials include white poster board, painter’s tape, and foam boards for light control. A Neewer reflector kit, priced at $36, offers multiple lighting options with white, black, gold, silver, and translucent surfaces.
For lighting, LED panels are available in a wide price range, from $20 to $200, making them suitable for any budget. The Emart Photography Softbox Lighting Kit is another great option, featuring adjustable LED lights with dimmers for creating professional lighting effects.
Maximizing your space is just as important as having the right equipment. Choose a location that’s spacious and free from distractions. Keep your setup neat and organized, so you can quickly adjust it to accommodate different product sizes and shapes.
“Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe
If traditional backdrops don’t fit your budget or space, consider alternatives like seamless paper, fabric, or even shower curtains. The goal is to maintain a clean, professional look that enhances your product without drawing attention away from it.
Photography Techniques for eCommerce Products
Once you've tackled equipment and setup, it's time to refine your craft. These techniques will elevate your product photos, turning them into powerful visual tools. The difference between an amateur and a polished shot often lies in mastering a few technical aspects and knowing how to present each product type effectively.
Camera Settings for Sharp Product Photos
Using manual mode gives you full control over ISO, aperture, and shutter speed, ensuring consistently sharp and true-to-life images.
- ISO: Keep it low - between 100 and 200 - to avoid grainy images. If you need to brighten your shot, increase it gradually but try not to exceed 800 to prevent noise.
- Aperture: A higher f-stop (f/7.1 to f/16) ensures your product stays sharp from front to back, especially for items with depth.
- Shutter Speed: When using a tripod, slower speeds like 1/13 of a second work well for stationary products. The tripod keeps the camera steady, so you can let in more light without sacrificing clarity.
- RAW Format: Shoot in RAW whenever possible for maximum resolution and editing flexibility. If RAW isn't an option, select the highest-quality JPEG setting.
- White Balance: Stick to automatic unless you're confident with manual adjustments.
- Focus: Use single-point autofocus to lock in on the details that matter most.
"My ideal camera settings for product photography are meant to highlight the object vividly. I want the product to look exactly as it is, yet stunning. Because that's what the customers want, they believe in the image and order the product. So in e-commerce photography, you must keep the word 'authenticity' in mind." - Faria Ahammed Juthi, Content Executive, Color Clipping Ltd
With these settings dialed in, the next step is choosing the right angles to showcase your product.
Best Angles and Composition Rules
The right angle can highlight key features customers need to see before making a purchase.
- Front Angles: Perfect for products with essential details like logos, labels, or screens.
- Side Angles: Showcase depth and profile, ideal for shoes, furniture, or electronics.
- 45-Degree Angles: A versatile choice for items like jewelry, food, and gadgets, revealing depth and detail.
- Overhead Shots: Best for flat items or products with intricate tops, such as handbags, books, or watches.
- Low Angles: Create a bold, commanding look for items like perfume bottles, watches, or cars.
- Macro Shots: Highlight fine details like fabric texture, intricate craftsmanship, or small print.
Aim to capture at least three angles per product to build customer trust and reduce returns. Use the rule of thirds to frame your shots, filling about 85% of the image with the product for a balanced and dynamic composition.
| Product Type | Best Angles to Use |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Front, Back, 45-degree |
| Jewelry | 45-degree, Macro, Overhead |
| Food | 45-degree, Overhead, Macro |
| Electronics | Front, Back, 45-degree |
| Furniture | Front, Side, 45-degree, Low |
| Beauty Items | Front, 45-degree, Macro |
| Books | Front, 45-degree, Overhead |
| Shoes | Side, 45-degree, Front, Back |
Tailoring your approach to the product's features ensures your photos meet the high standards of eCommerce visuals.
Photography Tips for Different Product Types
Each product comes with its own challenges, and your technique should adapt accordingly. For instance, transparent items like glassware or plastic containers require precise lighting to highlight their shape and quality.
- Transparent Products: Use backlighting to emphasize transparency and outline the product. Position lights behind or to the side, and pair with a white or light background for contrast. Side lighting can also highlight thickness and texture.
- Reflective Products: Items like jewelry, watches, or anything metallic can reflect unwanted details, including your camera and lighting setup. Use diffused lighting with softboxes or umbrellas to minimize harsh reflections. Position lights to the side or use double overhead diffused lighting for even illumination.
- White foam boards can act as reflectors to brighten shadows without adding glare[42].
- For tricky reflections, hang a white sheet of paper behind the product and shoot slightly downward[43].
- A polarizing filter can help reduce glare, while adjusting the aperture to f/5.6–f/11 for reflective items or f/8–f/11 for transparent products ensures a good depth of field[41][42].
If reflections persist, try a dulling spray to create a temporary matte finish. Capturing the perfect shot often requires patience and experimentation, so don’t hesitate to tweak your setup as needed.
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Photo Editing and Post-Production
Post-production transforms product photos into polished assets ready to grab attention and drive sales. This process eliminates imperfections, ensures a consistent look across your catalog, and meets the visual expectations of professional eCommerce brands. Let’s dive into techniques for cleaning up distractions and highlighting product details.
Background Removal and Photo Retouching
A clean, distraction-free background is essential for eCommerce images. Many platforms, like Amazon, require product photos to have pure white backgrounds for main images. To achieve this, manual clipping paths are ideal for products with intricate shapes or edges, while automated tools work well for simpler items. Adobe Photoshop remains the go-to software for precise retouching, with subscriptions starting at $22.99 per month.
For businesses handling large volumes of images, AI-powered tools can save time without sacrificing quality. Photoroom, rated 4.9/5 on iOS, is particularly effective, offering features like automatic shadow and reflection generation. Plans start at $12.99 per month or $89.99 annually. Another option, Claid.ai, starts at $19 per month and creates realistic, seamlessly blended images.
When retouching, aim for subtle enhancements. Start with basic adjustments like exposure, contrast, and white balance before fine-tuning details. Use sharpening tools sparingly to enhance textures without making the product appear unnatural. To preserve your original images, work with non-destructive techniques like layers, masks, and smart objects.
Color Correction and Image Consistency
After retouching, accurate color correction ensures your photos represent the product faithfully. Customers rely on precise color representation, so calibrating your monitor regularly is crucial. Use software or hardware tools to maintain accurate colors. Begin by adjusting white balance, followed by exposure, contrast, and saturation, to create a balanced and appealing image. Stick to the sRGB color profile to ensure images display consistently online.
Shooting in RAW format offers flexibility during editing, as RAW files retain more color data than JPEGs. Additionally, ICC color profiles help maintain consistent color representation from your camera to the customer’s device.
For large product catalogs, consistency is critical. Document your camera settings, lighting setups, and editing preferences to replicate results across shoots. Including a color chart in your first frame provides a reliable reference for the entire batch.
| Software Option | Monthly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Adobe Lightroom | $9.99 | Batch editing and organization |
| Adobe Photoshop | $22.99 | Detailed retouching and editing |
| Pixlr | $1.99 | Affordable basic editing |
| Capture One | Varies | Advanced RAW file processing |
Before shooting, create a style guide outlining parameters like image size, background type, shadows, lighting, margins, and angles. This ensures all product photos maintain a professional, cohesive look. Presets can also speed up editing while keeping your catalog uniform.
Batch Editing and Workflow Tips
Once your images are color-corrected, focus on efficiency with batch editing. This is especially important for managing large volumes of photos. Tools like Adobe Lightroom allow you to apply adjustments across multiple images simultaneously, saving time. Plans start at $9.99 per month.
To streamline your workflow, use templates, checklists, and presets. Group similar tasks - such as editing all images first, then renaming files, and finally exporting them - to reduce task-switching and maintain focus.
AI-powered retouching tools can further simplify the process. Pebblely offers unlimited image processing for $39 per month, while Flair.ai provides unlimited processing for $10 per month after a free tier of 100 credits. While these tools are useful, always review the final images to ensure they meet marketplace standards and maintain a professional appearance.
Getting the Best Return on Photography Investment
When it comes to photography, making smart investments in your visuals can directly impact sales. In fact, 93% of shoppers say that visual appeal plays a significant role in their buying decisions. To maximize your returns, it’s essential to understand marketplace standards, choose the right approach for your business size, and allocate funds strategically.
Meeting Marketplace Image Requirements
Every online marketplace has specific image requirements that can influence your product’s visibility and sales. For instance, Amazon recommends images with a minimum size of 1,000 x 1,000 pixels, though they suggest 2,000 x 2,000 pixels for better zoom functionality. Accepted formats include JPEG, PNG, and TIFF, with a resolution of 72 dpi or higher.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum size | 1,000 x 1,000 pixels |
| Recommended size | 2,000 x 2,000 pixels |
| Accepted formats | JPEG, PNG, TIFF |
| Resolution | 72 dpi or higher |
The way you present images plays a key role in shaping customer behavior. Only 0.52% of shoppers are satisfied with just one product photo, while 33.16% prefer multiple images, and nearly 60% favor a 360° view. This highlights the importance of offering a variety of images to meet customer expectations.
The order of your images matters, too. Start with a clean, white background image that clearly showcases the product. Follow it with lifestyle photos that demonstrate practical uses, and include close-ups to highlight unique features or textures. These details not only help customers make informed decisions but also reduce returns - 22% of returns happen because the product doesn’t match the photos.
"When it comes to selling products online, presentation is key. One of the most effective ways to enhance your store's appeal is through high-quality product photography."
- Michael Keenan, Shopify
Once you’ve nailed down the image requirements, the next step is figuring out whether to handle photography in-house or hire professionals.
DIY Photography vs Hiring Professionals
After understanding what’s required, you’ll need to decide whether to take on photography yourself or hire experts. This choice often depends on your budget and where your business stands. Keep in mind that up to 90% of online shoppers consider photo quality a crucial factor in their purchasing decisions.
If you’re just starting out or testing new products, DIY photography can be a practical option. Modern smartphones, paired with basic tools like lighting kits and backdrops, can produce decent results. However, achieving consistent quality may take weeks or even months of practice.
On the other hand, professional photography ensures top-notch results right from the start. While professionals charge anywhere from $5 to $50 per photo, white background shots typically range between $30 and $60. High-quality visuals don’t just look good - they’re also 40% more likely to be shared on social media than lower-quality images, giving your marketing efforts an extra boost.
Using Funding to Improve Your Photography
Investing in high-quality photography often requires upfront capital, whether for professional services or better equipment. Revenue-based financing can be a smart way to fund these upgrades without taking on fixed monthly payments that could strain your cash flow during slower months.
Interestingly, businesses that secure funding at least 45 days before their peak sales season achieve inventory optimization rates 47% higher than those who wait until the last minute. The same principle applies to photography - planning ahead allows you to upgrade visuals before critical sales periods.
"Securing funding in August completely transformed our holiday season. We increased our inventory breadth by 65% while maintaining faster shipping times than in previous years. Most importantly, our early marketing tests allowed us to identify two campaigns that delivered a 340% return on ad spend - nearly triple our historical performance."
- Sarah Johnson, Founder, Urban Lifestyle Brands
Onramp Funds provides revenue-based financing tailored for eCommerce businesses. With repayments tied to a percentage of sales, this model aligns investment costs with actual revenue, making it easier to manage cash flow while upgrading your visuals.
Funding can cover everything from professional photo shoots for your catalog to purchasing high-end equipment or setting up an in-house studio. By analyzing seasonal trends and planning ahead, you can make photography investments that directly enhance customer perceptions and drive sales. Whether upgrading from smartphone images or hiring professionals for polished lifestyle shots, high-quality visuals are a game-changer for your business.
Conclusion: Improving Your eCommerce Brand with Better Product Photography
Great product photography isn't just a nice-to-have - it’s a game-changer for your eCommerce business. It builds trust, drives sales, and helps shape a memorable brand identity. Consider this: 75% of online shoppers rely on product photos to make buying decisions, and listings with professional images consistently outperform those with amateur ones in conversion rates. Beyond boosting sales, these visuals leave a lasting impression on your customers.
Images do what words often can't - they instantly communicate quality and professionalism. By focusing on polished, consistent visuals, you're not just improving individual listings; you're creating a brand that stands out and earns trust.
"High-quality product photography is no longer optional for businesses looking to thrive online, it's a necessity." - Nerieda Keenan, data enthusiast, Born Social
The approach is straightforward: start small and build up. Make sure your images are sharp, capturing every detail. Show your products from multiple angles and include lifestyle shots to help customers imagine how they’ll use your product in their daily lives.
Consistency is key. Stick to uniform backgrounds, standard lighting, and a cohesive editing style across your catalog. As instructor Natasja Kemp explains, "Consistency in your photos helps build recognition and trust among your customers. It builds a relationship, a promise of what your customers can expect from your business". If upgrading your equipment or studio feels overwhelming financially, consider options like revenue-based financing from Onramp Funds to ease the burden.
The payoff for investing in quality visuals is undeniable. Listings with high-quality images get 94% more views, and a professional look boosts perceived value, leading to greater customer confidence and higher sales. With nearly half (46.1%) of web users judging a company’s credibility based on design and photos, exceptional product photography isn’t just important - it’s essential for long-term success.
Take a close look at your current product images. Whether you improve your lighting, hire a professional, or invest in better gear, every step you take toward better visuals is a step toward increased sales and a stronger, more recognizable brand.
FAQs
What are some budget-friendly tips to improve product photography for a small eCommerce business?
Improving your product photography doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Start by leveraging natural light - a sunny spot near a large window works wonders for making your products look bright and appealing. Combine this with a plain white backdrop to keep the focus on your product and give your photos a polished, professional appearance.
A basic tripod is a smart investment to ensure your camera stays steady, preventing any unwanted blur. No professional camera? No problem. Today’s smartphone cameras are more than capable of delivering sharp, high-quality images. Once you’ve captured your shots, you can refine them using free or budget-friendly editing tools to tweak brightness, contrast, and sharpness for that final touch.
These straightforward tips can elevate your product photos, helping you grab attention and drive more online sales - all without stretching your budget.
What are the best practices for making sure my product photos meet marketplace requirements like Amazon’s?
To make sure your product photos align with marketplace standards like Amazon’s, keep these essential practices in mind:
- Main image guidelines: Use a sharp, high-resolution photo of your product against a pure white background. Amazon advises a resolution of at least 1,000 pixels on the longest side to enable zoom, but aiming for 1,600 pixels or higher is even better.
- Highlight multiple perspectives: Add extra images to show your product from different angles or being used. This helps customers get a clearer picture of its features and advantages.
- File format and color settings: Save your images in formats like .jpg or .png, and ensure the color mode is set to sRGB or CMYK to meet technical specifications.
Skip adding unnecessary elements like packaging in the main image unless it’s a key part of the product. Sticking to these tips will help you produce polished, marketplace-ready images that can boost your product listings and draw in more shoppers.
What are the advantages of hiring a professional photographer for eCommerce product images instead of doing it yourself?
Hiring a professional photographer for your eCommerce product images can make a world of difference compared to trying to handle it yourself. These experts know how to showcase your products effectively, using their skills to create high-quality visuals that not only catch the eye but also build trust with potential buyers. Clear and polished images can play a big role in increasing sales by presenting your products in the best possible way.
Another major advantage is the time you save. Professionals ensure all your product images maintain a consistent look and feel, which is key for creating a polished and reliable brand identity. Plus, they come equipped with advanced gear and techniques to highlight your product’s details in ways that might be tough to pull off on your own. Choosing professional photography is an investment that can elevate your store and leave a strong, lasting impression on your customers.
