Online shoppers can’t touch your products. Photos do the selling. Clear, consistent product images build trust, reduce returns and improve conversions on your website, Amazon, Flipkart, Instagram and WhatsApp catalogues.
The essential shots
Shot | Purpose |
Main image on a clean background | Clear first impression; required by many marketplaces |
Multiple angles | Front, back, side and top |
Close-ups | Fabric, texture, stitching, finish |
Scale shots | Product in hand or next to common objects |
Lifestyle shots | Product in use or styled in a real setting |
Variants | Each colour or design |
Packaging | What arrives at the door |
Lighting
• Natural light near a window, without direct harsh sun
• Use a white sheet or reflector to soften shadows
• For consistent results, a simple softbox kit is affordable
• Avoid mixing different light colours
Backgrounds
• White or light grey for main product images
• Simple, relevant settings for lifestyle shots
• Keep backgrounds consistent across your catalogue
Phone photography setup
• Clean the lens
• Use a tripod
• Turn off flash
• Tap to focus and adjust exposure
• Shoot at the highest quality setting
Editing
• Crop and straighten
• Adjust brightness and white balance so colours are accurate
• Remove background distractions
• Keep editing consistent
• Don’t change the product’s real colour, which leads to returns
Optimise for web
• Resize and compress images for speed
• Use descriptive file names and alt text
• Follow each marketplace’s image size and background rules
Video
Short product videos showing movement, fit or use can increase confidence, especially for clothing, jewellery and gadgets.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a professional photographer? For hero images and lifestyle shoots, it helps. Many sellers handle everyday product shots themselves with a good setup.
How many photos per product? Five to eight images covering angles, details and use is a good target.
Can I use manufacturer photos? Only with permission, and original photos help you stand out.


