When it comes to selling online, photos can make or break your sales. Buyers can’t touch or test your products; they only have your pictures to trust. That’s why strong product photography isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential.
The good news: you don’t need to be a professional photographer or spend thousands on equipment. With the right setup and a few smart techniques, you can dramatically improve your product photos and boost sales.
Here are product photography tips that actually increase sales, along with examples, equipment suggestions, and mistakes to avoid.
Tip 1: Use a Clean Background
A cluttered background distracts buyers. Use a plain white wall, poster board, or an inexpensive lightbox. White backgrounds are not only professional but also required by Amazon.
Example: A reseller switched from using kitchen table photos to plain white poster boards. Their click-through rate on eBay jumped by 25%.
Mistake to Avoid: Avoid patterned or busy backgrounds. They make listings look unprofessional.
Tip 2: Get Good Lighting
Lighting makes the biggest difference. Natural light near a window works well, but you can also use affordable LED lights or softbox kits.
- Shoot during the day if using natural light.
- Avoid harsh overhead bulbs that create yellow tones.
- Diffuse light with curtains or white sheets if shadows are too strong.
Equipment Recommendation: A budget-friendly LED ring light or a two-softbox lighting kit (around $50–$80 on Amazon) can completely transform your photos.
Mistake to Avoid: Don’t mix lighting types (e.g., natural + fluorescent). It creates inconsistent colors.
Tip 3: Show Multiple Angles
One photo isn’t enough. Include shots from the front, back, sides, and close-ups of important details (tags, labels, logos, or condition).
Example: A clothing reseller doubled conversions by showing not just the front and back of shirts but also close-ups of fabric texture and size tags.
Mistake to Avoid: Posting only one photo. Buyers assume you’re hiding something.
Tip 4: Highlight Flaws Honestly
If an item is used, show any scratches, dents, or wear. Honest photos reduce returns and build trust with buyers.
Example: A reseller selling used electronics started including close-ups of scratches. Return rate dropped by 15% because buyers knew what to expect.
Mistake to Avoid: Hiding flaws. It may get you one sale but will cost you in returns and bad reviews.
Tip 5: Use Descriptive File Names
Rename your image files with keywords before uploading. Example: nike-air-max-270-mens-size-10.jpg instead of IMG1234.jpg. Search engines (and marketplaces) pick up on these details.
Pro Tip: Use variations: nike-running-shoes-air-max-270-size-10-black.jpg for SEO benefits.
Tip 6: Keep It Consistent
If you sell multiple products, consistency is key. Use the same background, lighting, and angles across all listings. A consistent style makes your store look professional and trustworthy.
Example: A toy reseller created a mini lightbox setup in their garage. Every photo looked consistent, and buyers started recognizing their store brand.
Affordable Equipment for Product Photography
You don’t need to break the bank. Here are starter-friendly items:
- Lightbox kit: $30–$50, great for small items like shoes, electronics, toys.
- Ring light or softbox lights: $50–$80, great for clothing and larger items.
- Tripod: $20, keeps photos steady and consistent.
- Smartphone with a decent camera: Modern phones often outperform budget cameras.
FAQs About Product Photography for Resellers
Q: Do I need a professional camera?
No. Most modern smartphones take excellent photos if you use good lighting and backgrounds.
Q: How many photos should I upload?
At least 6–8 photos per item. On eBay, use all 12 slots if possible. More photos = more trust.
Q: Should I edit photos?
Yes, but lightly. Adjust brightness, crop edges, and fix color balance. Don’t over-edit or misrepresent the product.
Q: Can photos really impact SEO?
Yes. Descriptive filenames and alt-text (on platforms that allow it) can improve search visibility.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need expensive equipment to take great product photos. Clean backgrounds, good lighting, multiple angles, and honest detail shots are enough to make your listings stand out. Adding consistency and keyword-rich file names gives you an extra edge in SEO.
Strong photos don’t just make your listings prettier; they build buyer trust, increase clicks, and ultimately boost sales.
Recent Comments