The Complete Guide to Ecommerce Product Photography (2024)

If you’re here, you already know that high-quality ecommerce product photography is the secret sauce to boosting your online sales.

Think about it—how many times have you clicked “add to cart” just because the product image was too good to resist?

That’s the power of great photography.

In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about ecommerce product photos.

From the basics to advanced tips, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your camera, and let’s get started!

What is Ecommerce Photography?

Ecommerce photography is all about creating stunning, high-quality images of your products that make your customers say, “I need that!”

It’s more than just snapping a picture; it’s about showcasing your products in the best possible light (literally and figuratively).

Good photography is crucial because it helps build trust, highlights product details, and ultimately drives sales.

Whether it’s a sleek white background shot or a lifestyle image showing your product in action, great photos are a game-changer.

Types of Ecommerce Product Photography

Let’s explore the different styles of ecommerce photography you can use to make your products shine:

1. White Background Photography: This is the classic, clean look you see on sites like Amazon. It eliminates distractions and focuses solely on the product.
2. Lifestyle Photography: These shots show your product in a real-world setting, helping customers imagine how it fits into their lives.
3. Product Packaging: Give customers a peek at how the product is packaged—great for setting expectations.
4. Zoom or Close-up: Highlight the details that make your product special. Perfect for showcasing quality and craftsmanship.
5. Group Shots: Display multiple items together, ideal for bundles or complementary products.

How to Do Ecommerce Product Photography

Ready to get hands-on? Here’s how you can take your ecommerce product photography to the next level:

1. Set Up Your Studio

• Find a dedicated space with plenty of natural light.
• Use a clean, clutter-free surface and a white background for a professional look.
• Gather essential gear: a camera (your smartphone works too!), tripod, lights, and reflectors.

2. Style Your Shots

• Arrange your products thoughtfully. Think about angles, spacing, and composition.
• Use props sparingly to enhance, not distract from, your product.

3. Get the Lighting Right

• Natural light is your best friend. Set up near a window.
• Use reflectors to bounce light and eliminate harsh shadows.

4. Take Your Photos

• Keep your camera steady with a tripod.
• Experiment with different angles and distances.
• Use a high f-stop (small aperture) for sharp images.

5. Edit Your Photos

• Use editing software to enhance your images. Adjust sharpness, white balance, brightness, and contrast.
• Keep it natural—over-editing can make your photos look fake.

Ecommerce Photography Tips

Here are some pro tips to elevate your product photography game:

1. Shoot from Multiple Angles: Show every side of your product to give customers a complete view.
2. Adapt to Natural Light: The golden hour (right after sunrise and before sunset) offers the best light.
3. Play with Different Backgrounds: Mix things up with different textures and colors to make your products pop.
4. Use a Tic-Tac-Toe Grid: Divide your frame into thirds to place your subject along the lines or intersections for balanced composition.
5. Choose the Right Props: Use props that complement and highlight your product without stealing the spotlight.
6. Compress Your Image Files: Optimize your images for faster loading times on your website.

FAQs

1. How to do product photography for ecommerce?
• Start with a simple setup: a camera, tripod, good lighting, and a clean background. Arrange your product, shoot from multiple angles, and edit your photos for the best results.

2. How much does ecommerce product photography cost?

• It varies! You can start with DIY setups at little to no cost or hire a professional photographer. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $500 per product, depending on the complexity and photographer’s expertise.

3. What is ecommerce photography?

• It’s the art of creating high-quality images of products for online sales. Good ecommerce photos highlight the product’s features and entice customers to buy.

4. How do I become an ecommerce photographer?

• Practice makes perfect! Start by learning the basics of photography, invest in some good equipment, and build a portfolio. Consider taking courses or workshops to improve your skills.

5. What is the hourly rate for product photography?

• Rates vary widely, but freelance product photographers typically charge between $50 to $250 per hour, depending on their experience and the project’s scope.

6. What are the two types of photography for ecommerce?

• The main types are white background photography and lifestyle photography. Both serve different purposes and can be used together for a comprehensive product showcase.

7. What is ecommerce for beginners?

• Ecommerce is the buying and selling of goods and services online. For beginners, it involves setting up an online store, listing products, and marketing to potential customers.

8. What do I need for product photography?

• Essentials include a camera (a smartphone works too), tripod, good lighting, a clean background, and basic photo editing software.

9. How to take pictures for an ecommerce site?

• Follow the steps outlined in this guide: set up your studio, style your shots, get the lighting right, take your photos, and edit them for the best results.

10. How to take good pictures of products to sell online?

• Focus on good lighting, clean backgrounds, and sharp images. Show your product from multiple angles and highlight its unique features.

11. What kind of photos sells the most online?

• High-quality, clear photos that accurately represent the product. Lifestyle shots that show the product in use can also be very effective.

12. How to create a picture-perfect ecommerce website with product photography?

• Use high-quality images, consistent styling, and ensure your photos are optimized for fast loading times. Make your product photos the focal point of your site.

13. How do I get product images for my ecommerce website?

• You can take them yourself, hire a professional photographer, or source them from manufacturers if they provide high-quality images.

14. How do I optimize my images for ecommerce?

• Compress your images to reduce file size, use descriptive file names, and ensure your images are responsive and load quickly on all devices.

15. What is the best image recognition for ecommerce?

• Tools like Google Vision AI and Amazon Rekognition offer advanced image recognition capabilities that can help with product categorization and tagging.

16. What size should ecommerce photos be?

• Aim for at least 2048 x 2048 pixels for high-quality zoom and detail. Adjust sizes based on your website’s requirements.

17. What is the best image format for ecommerce?

• JPEG is commonly used for its balance of quality and file size. PNG is good for images that need a transparent background.

18. How to resize images for ecommerce?

• Use photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or online tools like TinyPNG. Ensure the aspect ratio is maintained to avoid distortion.

19. What is the image ratio for ecommerce?

• A common ratio is 1:1 (square) or 4:3. It depends on your website’s layout and design preferences.

20. What is the best resolution for website photos?

• For web, 72 DPI (dots per inch) is standard, but ensure your images are high resolution for quality. Aim for at least 300 DPI for print-quality images.

There you have it!

A complete guide to taking your ecommerce product photography from meh to marvelous.

Remember, great product photos can make a huge difference in your online sales.

So, take these tips, experiment with your setup, and watch your products shine.

Happy shooting!

Discover How Professional Photography Can Elevate Your Brand

Get a Custom Quote Tailored to Your Specific Needs

Take a minute to fill out the form below. Doing so will help me understand your product photography needs. Once I receive your information, I'll reach out to you personally to discuss the project in more detail and create a customized quote for you.

You may also text me at: 410-596-4127 or E-mail me at: tom@tomcrowl.com