How to Get the Best E-Commerce Product Photos That Sell

In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, your product photos are your first impression—and often the deciding factor for whether a customer clicks “Add to Cart” or bounces to another website. High-quality images not only make your store look professional but also build trust and boost conversions.

So, how do you get the best product photos for your online store? Here’s your step-by-step guide to capturing images that sell.

1. Invest in Good Lighting

Lighting is everything in photography. Poor lighting can make even the best products look dull and unappealing. Natural light works great for some products, but for consistent, high-quality images, consider:

• Softbox lights or LED panels to eliminate harsh shadows
• A light tent or lightbox for small products
• Reflectors to fill in dark areas

2. Use a High-Quality Camera (or a Smartphone Done Right)

You don’t need an expensive DSLR camera to get great shots—many smartphones today have high-resolution cameras that work perfectly for product photography. If using a smartphone:

• Adjust focus manually for sharper images
• Use grid lines to align your product
• Avoid digital zoom (it reduces image quality)

3. Choose the Right Background

Your product should be the star of the image. A cluttered background distracts from the product and can look unprofessional. Some best practices include:

• A plain white or neutral background for a clean, professional look
• Lifestyle shots that show the product in use for a more engaging effect
• Consistency in background across all products for a polished store layout

4. Shoot from Multiple Angles

Customers can’t pick up or try on products in an online store, so you need to provide enough visuals to give them confidence in their purchase. Capture:

• Front, back, and side views
• Close-ups to show textures and details
• Lifestyle shots to showcase the product in real use

5. Keep Images Consistent

If your store has multiple products, ensure a consistent look and feel across all your images. This includes:

• Using the same lighting setup
• Maintaining a uniform background
• Keeping similar angles and perspectives

6. Edit Your Photos Professionally

Even the best raw photos need some editing. Tools like Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or even free apps like Canva can help with:

• Brightening and color correction
• Removing unwanted backgrounds or blemishes
• Adjusting contrast and sharpness for a crisp finish

7. Optimize for Web and SEO

Large image files slow down your website, which can hurt user experience and SEO rankings. Optimize your images by:

• Compressing them without losing quality (use tools like TinyPNG or ImageOptim)
• Naming files with relevant keywords (e.g., “black-leather-wallet.jpg” instead of “IMG_1234.jpg”)
• Adding alt text with descriptive, keyword-rich phrases for accessibility and SEO benefits

8. Consider 360° and Video Content

If your product has multiple details or features, a 360° spin or short video can enhance the shopping experience. Many platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce support interactive product views, making your listing more engaging.