When it comes to selling online, visuals speak louder than words. In fact, research shows that over 75% of online shoppers rely on product photos when making a purchase decision. Whether you’re launching a new Shopify store or refreshing an existing eCommerce site, investing in quality product photography can significantly impact your conversion rates.
At The Design Hive, we know that beautiful branding and expert web design can only go so far without compelling product imagery. In this blog, we’re sharing essential product photography tips to help your online store look professional, inspire trust, and – most importantly – sell more.
1. Use Natural Lighting Where Possible
Good lighting is everything. It reveals texture, shows true colour, and reduces the need for heavy editing.
- Shoot in daylight near a large window if you’re DIY-ing your photography
- Avoid direct sunlight to prevent harsh shadows
- If you’re shooting indoors, consider using a lightbox or softbox lighting kit
SEO tip: Use keywords like “natural light product photography” in your image alt tags and page descriptions to improve visibility.
2. Keep Backgrounds Clean and Consistent
A cluttered background distracts from your product. Instead, use:
- A white or neutral background for a clean, consistent look
- Coloured backdrops or textures only if they reflect your brand style
- The same backdrop style across product ranges to ensure brand cohesion
Pro tip: If you’re a fashion or lifestyle brand, mix in some contextual shots too – showing your product being used or worn in real life.
3. Shoot from Multiple Angles
Online customers can’t touch or try your product, so your photos need to do the convincing.
Capture:
- The front, back, and sides
- Close-up shots showing texture or intricate details
- Scale shots (e.g. showing the item in hand or next to a familiar object)
The more angles you show, the more confident shoppers will feel hitting ‘Add to Cart’.
4. Use a Tripod for Sharp, Consistent Shots
Shaky hands can blur your images – and blurry photos scream unprofessional. A sturdy tripod ensures stability and allows you to replicate the same angle and height across multiple shots.
Consistency builds brand trust – and trust leads to sales.
5. Keep File Sizes Web-Friendly
Uploading huge image files will slow down your site, which negatively affects both SEO and user experience. Aim for:
- Compressed JPEGs or WebP formats
- 1000px to 2000px width for standard product shots
- 72dpi resolution for web use (but save a high-res version for print)
Use tools like TinyPNG or ImageOptim to compress images without losing quality.
6. Don’t Over-Edit
Yes, a little polish is fine. But over-editing can make your products look fake – or worse, misleading.
Stick to:
- Brightness and contrast adjustments
- Light colour correction
- Cropping and alignment tweaks
Keep your photos true to the product, especially when showing colour and texture.
7. Invest in Professional Photography When You Can
If your budget allows, hiring a specialist eCommerce product photographer can give you a major edge – particularly for launches, lookbooks, or seasonal campaigns.
At The Design Hive, we often work alongside local photographers or can help you find one that fits your brand and budget. We also offer creative direction to ensure the photography aligns perfectly with your visual identity.
Final Thoughts
Your product photography is often the first (and sometimes only) thing a potential customer sees. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your store, better product imagery equals better conversions.
By following these simple photography tips, your eCommerce brand can instantly look more polished, professional, and purchase-ready.
Need help with your eCommerce visuals or website?
At The Design Hive, we design and build powerful, user-friendly online stores that put your products in the spotlight.
Get in touch with our team and let’s bring your brand to life.
