Product photography is the art of capturing images of products that showcase their features, benefits, and quality. Having appealing product photographs is crucial for sellers because they play a role in attracting customers, boosting conversion rates, and establishing trust.
In this article, we aim to provide you with an introduction to the fundamentals of product photography on Amazon. Learn the key requirements for Amazon product images and how to create the most compelling product images for Amazon product listings.
Role of Product Photography in Driving Sales and Brand Awareness
Product photography is an essential aspect of online marketing, especially for Amazon sellers. High-quality product images will help sell products on Amazon by showing potential customers an accurate depiction of the product they’ll receive.
Product photography can also enhance brand awareness, by creating a consistent and appealing visual identity for a product line. The best images will help convert customers and showcase the brand of the product being sold.
A professional product photographer can help Amazon sellers optimize their images for different platforms, formats, and audiences, and increase their sales and conversions.
Key Requirements for Amazon Product Images
Amazon product images can make or break your sales, so you need to follow some key requirements to ensure they are clear, accurate and appealing. Here are some of the main requirements for Amazon product images:
- The main image must have a pure white background and show the entire product
- The main image must not contain any text, graphics, logos, watermarks or props that are not part of the product
- The main image must not be a drawing, illustration or rendering of the product.
- Image must accurately represent the product
- Product title in the image must match the product’s title
- Product must fill at least 85% of the image
- Images must be larger than 500px, but the smallest a picture can be for zoom capability is 1000px, optimal image length is 1600px or larger on the longest side
- Images must not exceed 10,000px
- Images must be formatted as JPEG, TIFF, PNG, or GIF
- Images cannot be blurry, pixelated, or have jagged edges
- Images cannot contain nudity or be sexually suggestive
- Images cannot contain Amazon logos or branding
- The additional images can show different angles, features, variations, packaging or lifestyle shots of the product
- The additional images must not mislead customers about the size, quality, color or condition of the product
Creating Compelling Product Images
In addition to the main image, you can include up to nine images and it is best to showcase the product from different angles, in different settings, and with models to give customers the best idea of the product. You can also include a product video.
Equipment and Setup
To capture product photos, for Amazon you’ll require essential tools and a proper setup. Here are the key items you should have on hand:
Choosing the Right Camera for Amazon Product Photography
You can use a DSLR, a mirrorless camera, or even a smartphone with a good camera. The important thing is to have manual settings and a tripod to stabilize your shots.
Most smartphones can shoot with high enough resolution to meet Amazon’s requirements, but getting a camera can potentially give you a leg up.
Setting up a Plain White Background for Amazon Product Images
This can be done with a sheet or two draped over a table and tacked up onto a support behind. Additionally, having three light sources will help the lighting create a pure white background.
A light source
You have the option to utilize either light, artificial light or a combination of both. Natural light is readily available and convenient to use; however you will require a window and a reflector to effectively utilize the light.
On the other hand, artificial light grants you control and consistency but it necessitates an investment in softboxes or umbrellas to diffuse the light.
A table
You need a table or a flat surface to place your products on. You can use any table that is sturdy and stable, but make sure it is not reflective or textured.
Props and accessories
You have the option to incorporate props and accessories into your product photos in order to enhance them. Consider using items, like plants, books or other relevant objects that complement your product. However it’s important not to go with these additions and remember to maintain the focus on your product.
Editing and Image Enhancement
Editing and image enhancement are both crucial steps in finalizing your product images. During this process, the image quality, brightness, contrast, color and sharpness are all fixed and adjusted. Unwanted backgrounds are also removed.
You may add shadows, reflections, logos and text to make your images stand out. Make sure to comply with Amazon’s image requirements during editing and image enhancement.
The Importance of Post-Processing in Product Photography
You don’t need to spend hours in Photoshop for each product photo, but you do need to choose the photos with the best lighting and clearest image. Adjusting the light balance and saturation can go a long way.
Outsourcing Editing Services vs. DIY Editing
If you are confident in your photography and editing skills, you won’t need to hire professional editing services. But if you are not confident, or your images are not doing well, it might be worth the investment.
Maximizing Impact with Different Image Types
Creating Lifestyle Images that Showcase Product Usage and Context
These images showcase how the product works for the target audience. They show how the product works in real life or in action. Utilizing models help give buyers an idea of the dimensions of the product as well.
Balancing White Background and Lifestyle Photography for Product Listings
Having a mixture of white background and lifestyle photos gives customers the best picture of what the product is. Background colors outside of lifestyle photos can be distracting.
Uploading and Finalizing Images on Amazon
To upload and finalize images on Amazon, you need to follow these steps:
- Log in to your Amazon seller account and go to the Inventory tab.
- Select the product you want to add or edit images for and click Edit.
- On the Edit Product Info page, scroll down to the Images section and click Add Images.
- Browse your computer or device for the image files you want to upload. You can upload up to nine images per product, including one main image and eight additional images.
- After selecting the image files, click Upload Images. You’ll notice a progress bar that shows the uploading status of each image.
- After the images have been uploaded, you can easily rearrange them by dragging and dropping. The first image will be featured as the image, on the product detail page and, in search results.
- To finalize the images, click Save and finish or Save and continue if you want to edit other product information.
FAQs
How much does it cost to get Amazon product photography?
The answer depends on several factors, such as the type, size, and quantity of your products, the style and complexity of the photos, the number of angles and variations, the editing and retouching requirements, and the turnaround time. However, a general range of prices for
Amazon product photography is between $10 and $50 per photo, depending on the level of service and expertise you need. Overhead costs can be very little with modern smartphones taking adequate photos and there being free editing software out there.
Some photographers may offer discounts for bulk orders or packages that include multiple services. To get an accurate quote for your project, you should contact several Amazon product photographers and compare their portfolios, reviews, and prices.
What are the benefits of product photography on Amazon?
Images help sell products. More images of good quality drive customers to buy products.
Does Amazon provide photography services?
Amazon does not provide photography services. If you are looking for a product photographer, you will need to check out other places.
Conclusion
It is important to have high-quality images in product listings on Amazon to help drive sales. Spending the time to take and edit the best photos will create more customers. A good product photo should showcase the features, benefits, and quality of the item, as well as create an emotional connection with the potential buyer.
Investing in professional product photography can help you stand out from the competition and boost your brand image on Amazon.
