Photography That Sells on Etsy
Etsy is a visual marketplace. With millions of sellers competing for attention, your photography can make or break your shop. Unlike Amazon's clinical white backgrounds, Etsy rewards creativity and storytelling through images.
This guide covers everything you need to create scroll-stopping photos that convert browsers into buyers.
Understanding Etsy's Visual Culture
Etsy buyers expect:
- Authenticity - handmade feel, not corporate
- Story - context and lifestyle imagery
- Quality - professional but approachable
- Details - close-ups of craftsmanship
Etsy Image Requirements
- Minimum: 2000 pixels on shortest side
- Recommended: 2700 x 2025 pixels (4:3 ratio)
- Format: JPEG, PNG, or GIF
- Up to 10 images per listing
- First image is most important (thumbnail)
Types of Photos Every Listing Needs
1. Hero Shot (First Image)
Your thumbnail must grab attention in search results:
- Clean, uncluttered composition
- Product clearly visible
- Consistent with your brand style
- Works as a small thumbnail
2. Scale/Context Shot
Show how big the item is:
- Item being worn or held
- Next to common objects
- In its intended environment
3. Detail Shots
Highlight craftsmanship:
- Texture close-ups
- Stitching or construction details
- Material quality
- Unique features
4. Lifestyle Shot
Show the product in use:
- Styled in a realistic setting
- Conveys mood and aspiration
- Helps buyers visualize owning it
5. Packaging Shot
For gift-worthy items:
- Shows gift-readiness
- Highlights presentation quality
- Adds perceived value
Background Options for Etsy
Unlike Amazon, Etsy allows creative backgrounds:
Clean White/Neutral
- Professional and timeless
- Best for jewelry and small items
- Easy to achieve with Pixelift Background Remover
Lifestyle/Styled
- Wooden surfaces for rustic items
- Marble for luxury goods
- Fabric textures for soft goods
- Natural elements (plants, stones)
Colored Backdrops
- Brand colors for consistency
- Seasonal themes
- Complementary colors to product
Lighting for Handmade Products
Natural Light
Best for most Etsy products:
- Shoot near large windows
- Use white foam boards as reflectors
- Avoid direct sunlight (harsh shadows)
- Overcast days = perfect diffused light
Artificial Light
For consistency and availability:
- Softbox or ring light
- 5500K color temperature (daylight)
- Multiple light sources reduce shadows
Product-Specific Tips
Jewelry
- Use macro lens or macro mode
- Show scale on model or mannequin
- Include close-ups of clasps/closures
- Photograph on reflective surfaces for sparkle
Clothing
- Flat lay or on model/mannequin
- Show front, back, and details
- Include size reference
- Iron/steam before shooting
Art & Prints
- Frame mockups for visualization
- Show in room settings
- Include close-up of print quality
- Accurate color representation is crucial
Home Decor
- Style in realistic room settings
- Show multiple arrangement options
- Include measurements visually
Creating Cohesive Shop Branding
Consistent photography builds trust:
- Use same background style across listings
- Consistent lighting and color grading
- Similar composition and angles
- Recognizable visual identity
Common Etsy Photo Mistakes
- Inconsistent style - makes shop look unprofessional
- Too many props - distracts from product
- Poor lighting - yellow or dim photos
- Wrong aspect ratio - images get cropped oddly
- No scale reference - buyers unsure of size
Tools to Elevate Your Etsy Photos
- Background Remover - instant clean backgrounds
- AI Upscaler - meet Etsy's 2000px requirement
- Image Compressor - optimize file sizes