If you’ve ever scrolled through an online store, you know how much a great product image can grab your attention. A good product photo can make all the difference between a click that leads to a purchase and one that gets lost in the noise. When it comes to eCommerce, your customers can’t hold or touch your products—they rely entirely on the photos you provide to make a decision. That’s why product photography isn’t just a fancy bonus; it’s the bread and butter of converting curious browsers into happy buyers. In this post, we’ll break down 10 product photography tips that can instantly boost your eCommerce sales and help make your products the stars they deserve to be.
1. Make Lighting Your Best Friend
Lighting can make or break your product photos. You want your product to be the hero, and great lighting helps it shine—literally. Always aim for natural light whenever possible, especially for products like clothing and accessories. If natural light isn’t available or reliable, invest in a good set of softbox lights to get a similar effect. You want soft shadows and even lighting that highlights the texture and details of your product. Bad lighting? Your customers will keep scrolling.
2. Choose the Right Background
The right background can really make your product pop, while the wrong one can overwhelm or distract from what you’re trying to sell. A clean, simple background like white or neutral tones is ideal for most product shots. This approach helps keep the focus solely on the product. However, if you’re shooting lifestyle images, choose a background that complements your product and sets the right mood.
3. Highlight Important Details
Details matter. If you’re selling something with intricate features, like jewelry or technology, make sure to include close-up shots. These detailed images give customers a sense of what makes your product special—whether it’s the texture of a fabric, the quality of stitching, or the finish on a piece of metal. Close-ups can make your product feel more tangible and help build confidence in your potential buyers.
4. Show Your Products in Action
People love to see products in use—it helps them imagine owning it. For example, a coffee mug sitting on a cozy table with steam rising paints a far more vivid picture than just the mug by itself. If you’re selling a product that can be used or worn, show it in a relatable setting. This not only enhances the appeal but also helps potential buyers picture the product in their own life.
5. Keep It Consistent
Consistency is key when building a professional-looking online store. Use the same lighting, angles, and editing style for each of your products. This consistency creates a cohesive experience for your customers and helps build trust. Imagine browsing a store where each product looks drastically different—it would be confusing, right? Consistency will make your shop look polished and dependable.
6. Get Creative with Angles
Think beyond the straight-on, front-facing shot. Yes, you’ll need the basic images that clearly show what your product looks like from different views, but also consider experimenting with unique angles. A shot from above, a close-up at an angle, or even a behind-the-scenes shot showing the product’s back or underside could be what grabs someone’s attention. The more perspectives you offer, the better a customer can envision the product in their hands.
7. Use Props (But Don’t Overdo It)
Props can enhance your product’s appeal, but be careful not to clutter the image. Props should add context, not take attention away from the product. For example, a set of beautifully folded towels in a bathroom setting works as a great prop for soap or candle products. The goal is to make the setting realistic enough that the viewer sees how the product fits into their life.
8. Nail the Editing Process
Editing is an essential part of product photography. Even the best photos can benefit from some tweaks. Brighten up the colors, adjust the contrast, or fix minor issues to ensure your products look as appealing as possible. But remember, don’t overdo it. Your product should look like the real thing—enhanced, not altered.
9. Optimize for SEO with Quality Images
SEO isn’t just for blog posts and product descriptions—it also applies to images. Make sure your image file names are descriptive and relevant, using keywords that people might use to search for your product. For example, instead of saving an image as “IMG_1234.jpg,” rename it to something like “handmade-ceramic-coffee-mug.jpg.” This simple step can help boost your images in search results. Don’t forget to add alt tags that describe the product accurately, as this helps both visually impaired users and search engines understand the image.
10. Use High-Resolution Photos
It might seem obvious, but high-resolution photos are crucial for building trust with your customers. No one wants to zoom in on a product and see a pixelated, blurry image. It makes your brand look unprofessional and can instantly turn potential buyers away. Make sure your product images are crisp, clear, and large enough to allow customers to zoom in and see all the details.
Ready to Make Your Products Pop?
Product photography is more than just a pretty picture—it’s a critical tool that can make or break your eCommerce success. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been in the game for a while, applying these tips can help you create images that not only look great but also convert. Remember, your customers can’t hold your products, so your images need to do the talking.
For more information on how to improve your product photography, feel free to explore our photography services or reach out for a consultation. At Pop Photo Studios, we’re here to help you bring your products to life in the best way possible.