Product Photography Tips for Better Sales
Great product photography can make the difference between a sale and a pass. In e-commerce, customers can't touch or feel your products, so images are everything. Here are practical tips to help you take better product photos that drive sales.
Essential Equipment (You Don't Need Expensive Gear)
Good product photos don't require expensive equipment. You can start with:
- A smartphone with a decent camera (most modern phones work great)
- Natural light (near a window works perfectly)
- A clean, simple background (white poster board or fabric)
- A tripod or stable surface to keep your phone steady
Lighting: The Most Important Factor
Natural light is your best friend for product photography. Here's how to use it:
1. Shoot near a large window during daylight hours
2. Avoid direct sunlight - use indirect, diffused light
3. Position your product so light hits it from the side or front
4. Use a white reflector (foam board works) to bounce light onto shadowy areas
If you must use artificial light, use soft, diffused lighting rather than harsh direct lights.
Backgrounds That Work
A clean, simple background keeps the focus on your product:
- White backgrounds are classic and work for most products
- Neutral colors (gray, beige) can add warmth
- Textured backgrounds (wood, fabric) can add interest for lifestyle shots
- Avoid busy patterns that distract from your product
Composition Tips
1. Fill the Frame
Make your product the star. Get close enough that the product fills most of the frame, leaving just enough space around it.
2. Show Multiple Angles
Take photos from different angles:
- Front view
- Side view
- Back view (if relevant)
- Detail shots of important features
3. Use the Rule of Thirds
Imagine your frame divided into a 3x3 grid. Place your product along these lines rather than dead center for more interesting compositions.
4. Show Scale
For items where size matters, include a common object for scale (like a coin, hand, or another product).
Product-Specific Tips
Clothing & Textiles:
- Hang items or use a mannequin
- Show fabric texture in close-ups
- Include a flat lay shot showing the full item
Electronics:
- Show the product turned on if applicable
- Capture screen displays clearly
- Show ports and connections
Food & Beverages:
- Use natural, appetizing lighting
- Show the product in use or styled attractively
- Capture steam or freshness indicators
Small Items:
- Use macro mode on your phone
- Get very close to show details
- Use a plain background to avoid distractions
Editing Basics
You don't need Photoshop - free apps work great:
- Adjust brightness and contrast
- Enhance colors slightly (don't overdo it)
- Crop to improve composition
- Remove backgrounds if needed (many apps can do this automatically)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Over-editing - keep it natural
2. Inconsistent lighting across product photos
3. Blurry images - always ensure focus
4. Cluttered backgrounds
5. Poor color accuracy - make sure colors match the actual product
6. Too few photos - customers want to see products from multiple angles
Optimizing for Your Catalog
When uploading to Shoplist.ng:
• Use square or 4:3 aspect ratios for consistency
- Keep file sizes reasonable (under 2MB for fast loading)
- Use clear, descriptive filenames
- Ensure images are at least 800x800 pixels for quality
Remember, great product photos don't have to be complicated. With good lighting, a clean background, and attention to detail, you can create professional-looking product images that help sell your products.