How Professional Product Photography Increases E-Commerce Sales (with Examples)
Your product photos should make it easy to see what you’re buying.
Online shoppers can’t pick up your product or check the fabric in person. The photos need to show the color, shape and details clearly.
I’m a Kansas City product photographer. Here are examples from my work and a few things I look for when planning photos for a product page.
Why High-Quality Photography Matters
Builds Trust and Credibility: Clear, detailed photos help customers trust that the product is as described. They reduce uncertainty and make customers feel confident about their purchase and the legitimacy of the brand they are buying from.
Enhances Perceived Value: Professionally photographed products appear more valuable and desirable. High-quality images can convey the texture, color, and quality of the product, making it more appealing to potential buyers.
Improves Customer Engagement: Engaging photos attract attention and encourage customers to spend more time on your site. Interactive elements like zoom and 360-degree views can further enhance the shopping experience.
Comparison
On the left: Styled lifestyle product photo I shot for Made in KC. On the right: Client-submitted image. Notice the lighting and clarity difference.
What the comparison shows
These photos show the same shirt with different lighting, framing and backgrounds. Look at the print, the fabric and how clearly you can see the shape.
The photo on the left has a simple background and shows the shirt at a larger size. That makes it easier to see the product. A useful product photo gives shoppers a clear view of what they’re buying.
Show the fit and details
These Foregood photos show the shirt on a model, from the back and laid flat. The closer view shows the pattern, collar and sleeve.
Use model photos to show fit and proportion. Move closer for details that are harder to see in the full image.
A clear flat lay may be enough when fit isn’t the main question.
Key Elements of High-Quality Product Photography
Lighting: Good lighting is crucial for highlighting the product’s features and creating a professional look. I will use up to 3 lights for one product image. However you can easily get away with two or even one. Using one strobe light and a large softbox as your key light and a second light to fill in the shadows or just something white to bounce the light into the shadows of your subject. This setup diffuses light, softens shadows, and prevents harsh reflections, making the product's details more visible.
You can also get away with using natural light by shooting next to a window. However, be mindful of the changing quality of natural light throughout the day, this can affect color accuracy and consistency. You may want to hang a sheet or some diffusion paper over the window to avoid unwanted reflections or harsh lighting.
Composition: When composing your shot, consider the principles of composition, such as the Rule of Thirds and the Golden Ratio. These techniques help create a balanced and visually appealing image. Ensure the product is the main focus by positioning it prominently within the frame. Props can be used to complement the product, but they should never overshadow it. For example, if photographing a kitchen gadget, you might include complementary items like fresh vegetables or herbs, a dish towel, spoon etc. positioned to lead the viewer’s eye towards the main product.
Background and Props: Select backgrounds and props that enhance the product without distracting from it. A plain, neutral background often works best for clarity, allowing the product to stand out. For lifestyle images, props should be relevant and help convey the product's use or aesthetic. For example, when photographing a high-end handbag, placing it in a chic, minimalist setting can help convey luxury and exclusivity, aligning with the brand's image.
Post-Processing: Editing is a vital step in creating polished product photos. Use software like Capture One or Lightroom in combination with photoshop to adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance, ensuring the product is represented accurately. Avoid excessive editing that can mislead customers or make the image appear unrealistic. For a uniform look across your catalog, consider removing backgrounds and using a consistent color. This technique is particularly useful for e-commerce websites where a cohesive presentation can enhance the shopping experience. Adding a slight shadow beneath the product can provide depth, making the image look more three-dimensional and engaging.
Multiple Angles and Details: In some cases, showcasing the product from various angles and highlighting details helps customers get a comprehensive view. This transparency builds trust, reduces uncertainty, and provides a more accurate representation, which can be crucial for making purchasing decisions. By displaying different perspectives, you emphasize features like texture, quality, and functionality, enhancing the customer's confidence in the product.
DIY vs. Professional Photography
You can make useful product photos with a simple setup if you can keep the lighting, color and framing consistent. A professional shoot can help when you have a larger catalog, reflective products or several types of images to deliver. Choose the approach that fits the work and the time you have.
Plan your product photos
Need images for your online store? Let’s plan your product photos.