Product photography: The key to selling more online
- maria65405
- Oct 17
- 4 min read
In the world of e-commerce, the first impression doesn’t come from your product—it comes from its photography. In seconds, a user decides whether to trust your store or not, so a professional image is not a luxury; it’s a conversion tool. In this article, we will explore why product photography matters so much, what the professional standards are, how retouching can enhance images without misleading, and how AI and video can complement your visual strategy.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1. Why product photography influences conversion
When shopping online, you can’t touch, try, or smell the product. The image is the only bridge between expectation and reality. A professional product photograph:
Builds trust.
Reduces doubts and returns.
Enhances the perception of quality.
75% of users decide to buy based on the quality of product photos. A mediocre image not only lowers sales but also creates distrust.
Product Photos: Annaïs Paris Detox Creams and Serums
2. Professional standards for E-commerce and online stores
It’s not just about taking a nice photo, but about following guidelines that make purchasing easier and build trust. If you sell on marketplaces or create photos for Amazon, it’s important to know several key rules.
Recommended Size and Format:
Amazon: minimum 1,000 px per side, pure white background.
Shopify: 2,048 x 2,048 px, square format.
File format: JPEG for photos, PNG if transparency is needed.
Consistency: same framing, uniform lighting, and coherent background across all images.
Marketplace Photos: Airalia Brand Dehumidifier
3. True-to-Life representation: Textures and colors that look “Real”
When a customer receives a product that doesn’t match the photo, the first impression is lost forever. That’s why it’s crucial that the photography accurately reflects:
Textures
Colors
Materials
Fidelity prevents returns and builds trust.
Flat Lay Photo of a Men's Polo Shirt
4. Retouching that helps sell (without deception)
Retouching is not about “hiding” reality — its purpose is to correct and enhance:
Remove dust or blemishes
Adjust lighting and contrast to highlight details
Standardize tones and colors for visual consistency
For fashion products or collections, professional retouching is essential to ensure each item looks its best while maintaining authenticity.
Backpack Photo: Before and After Retouching
5. What a customer’s subconscious perceives when the photo isn’t professional
The brain processes images in milliseconds and draws conclusions before reading a single word. An amateur photo communicates:
Distrust
Low quality
Visual inconsistency
A website with clean, consistent, and professional images builds trust and boosts conversion. Investing in high-quality visuals is essential for any online store.
6. AI as a complement: Lifestyle images from your photos
Artificial Intelligence doesn’t replace real photography, but it expands your creative possibilities:
Create lifestyle images using your existing product photos
Show products in different contexts without the need for large-scale photo shoots
It's essential to start with a professional product photo — AI only complements the presentation, not replaces it.
Photos with Lifestyle Backgrounds Generated by Artificial Intelligence
7. Product Video and 360° Video
Video helps reduce uncertainty and increase engagement:
Short videos showing the product in real use
360° animations to view the product from every angle
These formats are especially useful for products with detailed finishes or complex features. Product videos and 360° views complement your photos and enhance the overall shopping experience.
8. Quick checklist: Essentials for images that sell
✅ Sharp, high-resolution photos
✅ Clean background aligned with your brand
✅ Accurate colors and true-to-life textures
✅ Consistent lighting and framing
✅ Web-optimized (lightweight without losing quality)
✅ Professional retouching without altering reality
✅ Complement with lifestyle (AI) and video when possible
Product photography isn't decoration — it's visual persuasion. A professional image has more impact on the buying decision than any text.
Our photography, retouching, AI, and video services help present your products in a consistent, attractive, and professional way — boosting trust and increasing sales in your online store.
Want to learn how we can help? Get in touch with us.
Why is product photography so important in e-commerce?
Because it’s the first visual point of contact between the customer and the product. A professional photo builds trust, enhances the perceived quality, and increases conversion rates.
What characteristics should a professional product photo have?
It should be sharp, well-lit, with a clean background, colors and textures true to the product, and maintain consistency in style and format across all images.
What happens if I use low-quality photos on my online store?
An amateur image conveys distrust, reduces credibility, and can increase returns. It may even cause customers to abandon their shopping cart before completing the purchase.
Is retouching necessary in product photography?
Yes, as long as it’s used to correct defects like dust, shadows, or lighting inconsistencies without altering the product’s reality. Retouching helps present a flawless and professional version of the product.
Is it worth investing in product video and 360° views?
Yes, because they increase customer engagement, reduce doubts, and improve conversion rates. They are especially useful for products with detailed features and finishes.
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