What is Product Photography?
Product photography, also known as e-commerce photography, involves creating high-quality images used across websites and digital channels to promote products. In the increasingly competitive online market, product images must clearly demonstrate what you're selling and why it’s worth buying.
10 Product Photography Rules for Amazon and eBay
1. Start with a Strategy
Your images should align with your brand. Whether it's a consistent color scheme, logo placement, or lighting style, consistency builds trust and recognition. Each image should reflect your brand's identity and make your listings visually cohesive.
2. Create the Right Lighting Setup
Lighting can significantly impact how a product is perceived. Use soft, even lighting to highlight features without creating harsh shadows. Natural light or light diffusers can help achieve a clean, professional look.
3. Use High-Resolution Images
Images should clearly showcase product details. Use a good DSLR camera or a smartphone with a high-resolution lens. Avoid overly bright or dark settings, and aim for clarity and sharpness to support customer confidence.
4. Use a Tripod or Stable Surface
Stability is key. A tripod eliminates camera shake, ensuring sharp images. If you don’t have one, use a flat, stable surface to keep your shots steady and focused.
5. Review Before Uploading
Always assess your images before publishing. Ensure the focus is on the product—not mannequins, models, or irrelevant props. Avoid indecent or misleading visuals, as these can get your listings rejected by Amazon or eBay.
6. Include Multiple Angles
Since online shoppers can’t inspect products in person, provide several angles—front, back, side, close-up, and in-use. This builds transparency and helps customers visualize the item in real life.
Tip for Amazon: The primary image should be on a white background and will appear on both the product and search result pages.
7. Accurate Product Dimensions
Avoid misrepresenting size. Don't shoot from an angle that makes the product look unnaturally large or small. Maintain correct proportions and ensure minimal white space while adhering to Amazon's aspect ratio guidelines.
8. Show Only What You’re Selling
Be clear about what's included. If accessories are shown in the image but not part of the purchase, customers may feel misled. Transparency reduces returns and negative feedback.
9. Use a White Background
Amazon requires a plain white background for the main image because it keeps the focus on the product and maintains a clean, uniform appearance across listings. White backgrounds are also visually pleasing and less distracting.
Read More: Best Things About White Background for Products
10. Invest in Quality Image Editing
Professional editing ensures that your images look polished. Key editing services include:
- Background removal
- Ecommerce image editing service
- Clipping path
- Color correction
- Shadow adjustment
Editing services like UCP offer affordable, high-quality results that can elevate your product presentation.
Amazon Product Image Requirements
To ensure your images are accepted, Amazon enforces the following technical guidelines:
- Formats: JPEG (.jpg or .jpeg), TIFF (.tif), PNG (.png), or GIF (.gif)
- Minimum Size: 1000 pixels on the longest side
- Color Mode: RGB or CMYK
- File Naming: Use the product identifier (e.g., ASIN) followed by the file extension (e.g., B000123456.jpg). Avoid special characters like spaces or dashes.
More details: Amazon Product Image Requirements
Why Product Photography Matters
Product photography does more than showcase a product—it tells a story. High-quality visuals help customers envision how the product fits into their lives. Studies show that vivid, detail-rich images increase a buyer’s emotional connection and likelihood of purchase.
Strong visuals also reinforce your brand’s values and credibility, leading to better customer trust and more conversions.
Final Words
To thrive on Amazon and eBay, follow the platforms’ product image requirements while also investing in high-quality photography and editing. Consistency, clarity, and professionalism are key. With the right visuals, your products will stand out in crowded marketplaces, increasing your chances of online success.