This is a guest post from Nishka Sinha, Co-founder/CMO of Silicon Valley start-up, Dresma Inc. She works closely with brands of all sizes to streamline their content creation workflows using the DoMyShoot solution. Dresma has over 50K active online sellers and integrations with Shopify and Amazon (launching soon) who save 80% on their content production costs and go to market 10 times faster than through their traditional workflows. With Dresma, Nishka’s vision is to empower sellers all over the world with high-quality visual content.

Due to the overwhelming sovereignty of the modern digital world, a professional online presence is nonnegotiable for a business. Whether you run a small eCommerce store or a large online enterprise, the way you present your products can have a significant impact on your success. You want to portray your offerings (and your brand name) in the best light possible, and that requires you to refine all the factors that contribute to your image.

Creative product photography is one powerful tool to make your products stand out, engage your customers, and drive sales. When done right, it helps build the professional image and trust you need to instill in shoppers. To ace your product imagery and attract more customers, we’ll explore five must-follow eCommerce photography tips and how to maximize each one.

5 Top eCommerce photography tips

1. Plan your photoshoot

A successful product photoshoot begins with meticulous preparation. Before you schedule a shoot, brainstorm ideas and create a detailed shot list. Consider the following factors:

• Concept and theme: Decide on the overall look and feel you want to convey through your product images. Your concept and theme should align with your brand and target audience.
• Lighting: Determine the type of lighting you’ll use. Natural light is a popular choice for product photography, but artificial lighting can also produce stunning results.
• Background: Choose a background that complements your product and fits your concept. A clean, white background is a classic option for eCommerce, but you can experiment with different textures and colors to create unique visuals.
• Props and styling: Think about any props or styling elements that would enhance your product’s presentation. These can add context and tell a story about your product.
• Camera equipment: Ensure you have the right camera, lenses, and other equipment necessary for the job. High-resolution images are crucial for showcasing product details. With advancements in mobile technologies, you can easily use a smartphone to achieve professional results.

By planning your photoshoot thoroughly, you’ll have a clear roadmap for producing captivating product photos.

Tip: Thanks to advancements in technology, planning a photoshoot is easier and less time-consuming. Leverage AI-powered tools to help you prepare, manage expenses, and execute a fruitful product shoot.

2. Invest in quality equipment

To capture professional-looking product photos, you must invest in quality equipment. You don’t have to buy the most expensive gear though; the right tools can produce stellar results without breaking the bank. While you may need special pieces depending on your product or theme, the basic equipment to consider includes:

• Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings will give you more control over your shots.
• Lenses: Choose lenses appropriate for product photography, such as macro lenses for close-ups and prime lenses for sharpness and clarity.
• Tripod: A stable tripod helps eliminate camera shake and ensures consistency in your shots.
• Lighting: Equipment like soft boxes, diffusers, and reflectors help control the lighting in your setup.
• Backdrops: Acquire a range of backdrops in different colors and materials to suit various product types and styles.

Although quality equipment can be a significant initial investment, it pays off in the long run by enabling you to create stunning product images that attract and convert customers.

Tip: Mobile product photography apps are excellent for capturing high-quality product photos. Although equipment for good lighting and stability while shooting are essential, you no longer need to invest in heavy-duty lenses and expensive DSLRs to achieve clean, consistent imagery for your eCommerce business.

3. Use props to set context

Relevant props help give your images the “wow” factor by highlighting the product’s features and functions. They also display your product in use more clearly so potential buyers can visualize the item in their unique circumstances. That, in turn, makes it easier to evoke a buying decision from them.

Here are some examples of how to showcase a product:

• A model holding a hand mixer to show buyers how the product should be used
• A rug in a living room
• An outdoor furniture set displayed on a patio

Tip: If you use graphic design software, you don’t have to build your own inventory of props. You can leverage their generative AI tools to create a trove of options for your product photography. In fact, the examples above were all generated without having to shoot them in the required settings!

4. Focus on composition

A well-composed image draws the viewer’s eye to the product and clearly conveys its features. Consider the following techniques to capture enticing photos every time:

• Rule of thirds: Divide your frame into a three-by-three grid and place your product at the intersection points or along the lines for a balanced composition.
• Symmetry: Some items benefit from symmetrical compositions, where elements are mirrored on either side of the frame.
• Framing: Use props, accessories, or the product’s packaging to frame it within the shot, drawing attention to the main subject.
• Leading lines: Guide viewers to showcase the product. Techniques include leveraging packaging or design elements, selecting backgrounds with lines or textures, and incorporating props to complement and align the product.
• Negative space: Leave empty space around your product to isolate it and narrow the viewer’s focus toward it.
• Depth of field: Experiment with a shallow depth of field (using a wide aperture) to isolate your product from the background. Or, employ a deep depth of field (using a narrow aperture) for intricate detail shots.

Composition supports your storytelling in product photography, so take your time to arrange elements thoughtfully within the frame.

Tip: Again, if you use graphic design software, these tips are taken care of automatically. Tools designed for eCommerce generate images that comply with these composition best practices and adhere to the requirements that platforms and marketplaces impose on online brands.

5. Post-processing and editing

Once you’ve captured your product images, the final step is post-processing and editing. Editing software can greatly enhance your images and ensure they look polished and professional. Other post-processing tips to keep in mind are:

• Retouching: Remove any imperfections, dust, or scratches from your product using a healing brush or clone stamp tool.
• Color correction: Adjust the color balance, saturation, and contrast to achieve accurate and appealing colors.
• Background removal: If your background needs to be replaced or removed, use selection tools to isolate the product and create a clean, uniform background.
• Sharpening: This feature lets you make your product details crisp and clear.
• Consistency: Your product images should possess a uniform style and look to construct a cohesive brand identity.

While post-processing can enhance your images, use it judiciously to maintain the integrity of your product’s appearance.

Tip: Image editing has come a long way, and there are many background removal and image enhancement tools available that allow online sellers to produce top-notch product photos on their own. Whether you handle the task internally or hire an image editing service, you can ensure your images are consistent and of good quality every time.

Wrapping up — Show off your catalog with these eCommerce photography tips

Creative product photography is fundamental in attracting shoppers to your online listings. By incorporating the eCommerce photography tips outlined in this article, you can capture enticing product images that engage your buyers and drive sales. Whether you take full control of your visual content production or work with services that help eCommerce sellers, employ these tips in your creation process to make a lasting impression on your website visitors.