Quick Rules (At-a-Glance)

• Use natural, diffused light — avoid direct harsh sunlight.
• Show 360°: front, back, sides, top, bottom and close-ups of details.
• Include at least one lifestyle shot that shows use or scale.
• Be honest — don’t over-edit color or texture.
• Use consistent background and framing across your listings.

Lighting

Natural window light is usually best. For small items (jewelry, electronics), use a lightbox or softbox. Diffuse light with a white sheet or reflector to reduce shadows. Avoid mixed light sources (daylight + warm indoor bulbs) to keep color accurate.

Background & Styling

Pick a simple, neutral background for the hero shot so the product is the focus. Use branded tones for secondary images if you want a consistent shop aesthetic. Avoid clutter — props should help show scale or function, not distract.

Angles & Composition

• Hero: centered, clean framing (square crop works well).
• Detail shots: texture, seams, labels, hardware, stitching.
• Scale shot: a hand, coin, ruler, or model to show size.
• Lifestyle shot: product in its intended environment (1–2 images).

Technical Specs (Recommended)

Editing & Color Accuracy

Adjust exposure, contrast and white balance. Crop consistently. Avoid heavy filters that change product color. When possible, include a small color swatch or reference photo with neutral gray card to help buyers match color expectations.

Accessibility & SEO

Use descriptive file names (e.g. “leather-wallet-brown-front.jpg”) and add clear alt text that describes the product and important attributes. Example alt text: “Women’s brown leather bifold wallet — 6 card slots, coin pocket”.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Blurry images or low resolution.
• Inconsistent color between photos and listing description.
• Lack of size reference or only close-ups with no scale.
• Distracting backgrounds or busy props that hide the product.

Practical Workflows (Starter)

1. Set up: choose background, set camera on tripod, arrange lights.
2. Shoot: hero, 4–6 detail shots, 1–2 lifestyle/scale images.
3. Edit: batch adjust exposure & white balance, crop, export.
4. Upload: name files, add alt text, select primary hero image.

Legal & Authenticity

If your product includes licensed logos, brand names, or copyrighted material, ensure you have the right to sell and show them. Be transparent about any restorations, repairs, or customizations.