Different Types of Product Photography: What is the right fit for your business?
Understanding Different Types of Product Photography: Finding the Right Fit for Your Business
Did you know that there are different types of product photography?
When it comes to showcasing your products online, not all product photography styles are created equal. Depending on your business goals, the type of product photography you choose can make a big difference in how your products are perceived online and how effectively they sell. Let’s break down the most common types of product photography and when to use each one.
1. White Background Product Photography
White background product photography is all about clean, crisp images that put the product front and center. Typically shot against a solid background (most commonly white, but it can be any color), these images are ideal for e-commerce sites, catalogs, and any platform where a distraction-free presentation is essential.
White background product photography is best for:
E-commerce product listings (like Amazon or Shopify)
Print catalogs and brochures
Products with intricate details that need to stand out
White background product photography key features:
Consistent lighting and controlled environment
Minimal distractions
High resolution and sharpness
We always suggest that EVERY product-based business invests in white background product photography, because it is the most important. If a business comes to us with a smaller budget and can only afford one type of product photography, this is the one we always suggest they do.
2. Lifestyle Product Photography
Lifestyle photography showcases your product in real-life scenarios. Whether it’s a candle flickering on a cozy nightstand or a model wearing your jewelry while out downtown, these images help potential customers envision how they might use the product that you are selling in their own lives.
Lifestyle product photography is best for:
Social media content
Brand websites and blogs
Marketing campaigns and ads
Lifestyle product photography key features:
Realistic, relatable settings
Contextual storytelling
Emotional and aspirational appeal
3. E-Commerce Product Photography
E-commerce photography is often a combination of studio and detailed shots. These images are designed to highlight the product in a styled, commercial setting. Think of the classic white background shots seen on Amazon, but with more pizazz! For example, if you are selling a beauty product, an e-commerce product image could be of that product sitting on a colored backdrop with props styled around it.
Best for:
Online stores and product pages
Marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, or eBay
Product comparison pages
Websites and social media pages
E-commerce product photography key features:
High clarity and consistent presentation
Multi-angle shots and close-ups
Props and various tools used to style
Choosing the Right Type of Product Photography for Your Business
Your choice of product photography should align with your brand identity and marketing strategy for your business. For example:
If you’re selling on Amazon, studio shots with a white background are often mandatory.
For social media, lifestyle and e-commerce shots are more likely to grab attention.