Why Product Photos Are Crucial
In e-commerce, customers can't touch the product. The photo is the only way to convince them to buy. Studies show that:
- 93% of consumers consider images the key factor in purchasing decisions
- 22% of returns result from the product looking different than in the photo
- Products with multiple images sell 58% better
Marketplace Requirements
Amazon
- Main image: pure white background (RGB 255,255,255)
- Minimum resolution: 1000x1000 px (recommended 2000x2000)
- Product occupies at least 85% of the frame
- No text, logos, watermarks
eBay
- Min 500x500 px (recommended 1600x1600)
- White or light background
- Up to 12 images per listing
Etsy
- Minimum 2000x2000 px recommended
- First photo should show the entire product
- Lifestyle photos encouraged
Equipment - Do You Need a Professional Studio?
Good news: You don't need expensive equipment to take great product photos.
Basic Setup (under $200):
- Smartphone with good camera (iPhone 12+, Samsung S21+)
- Phone tripod (~$20)
- Lightbox / shadowless tent (~$40-80)
- LED light with softbox (~$50)
Advanced Setup:
- Mirrorless or DSLR camera
- Macro lens for small products
- Studio lighting system
- Professional backgrounds
Product Photography Techniques
1. Lighting
Light is the foundation. Best options:
- Natural light - photograph by a window, avoid direct sunlight
- Softbox - soft, even light without harsh shadows
- Ring light - ideal for small products
2. Shooting Angles
Show the product from multiple perspectives:
- Front view (main image)
- Side view
- Top view (flat lay)
- Detail close-ups
- Lifestyle shot (product in use)
3. Camera Settings
- ISO: as low as possible (100-400)
- Aperture: f/8-f/11 for sharp product
- White balance: adjust to lighting
- Format: RAW if possible, for more editing flexibility
Photo Editing Workflow
Even the best photo needs editing. Here's the optimal workflow:
Step 1: Basic Correction
- Cropping and straightening
- Exposure and contrast adjustment
- White balance
Step 2: Background Removal
Use AI Background Remover to automatically remove the background and replace it with clean white.
Step 3: Upscaling (if needed)
If the image resolution is too low, use AI Upscaler to enlarge 2-4x without quality loss.
Step 4: Packshot Generation
For a professional effect, the Packshot Generator will add realistic shadows and reflections.
Common Mistakes
1. Bad Lighting
Too dark, too bright, uneven - this is immediately visible. Invest time in setting up lights.
2. Blurry Product
Use a tripod! Even minimal hand shake causes blur.
3. Distracting Background
Background should be invisible. If you don't have a studio, simply remove it in post-production.
4. Too Low Resolution
Photograph at the highest quality. You can always downsize, but upscaling (without AI) ruins quality.
5. Inconsistent Style
All photos in the store should have the same style - same background, similar lighting, consistent framing.
Automation with AI
For stores with hundreds of products, manual editing is unprofitable. Pixelift allows you to:
- Remove backgrounds from dozens of photos in minutes
- Upscale all images to required resolution
- Generate professional packshots with shadows
Checklist Before Publishing
Before adding a photo to your store, check:
- Resolution meets platform requirements
- Background is clean and uniform
- Product is sharp and well-lit
- Colors are true to reality
- No dust, smudges, defects
- File isn't too heavy (optimized)
Summary
Professional product photos are an investment that pays off. Thanks to modern AI tools, even small stores can have photo quality comparable to big brands.
Start today - try Pixelift tools and see how easily you can improve your product photos!