title: "12 Best Types of Product Images for eCommerce Websites" date: 2024-09-18 slug: /best-types-of-product-images-for-ecommerce-websites word_count: 3600 images: 13
12 Best Types of Product Images for eCommerce Websites
In eCommerce, the way products are shown is critical for success. Stunning images can attract buyers and create an emotional connection that increases sales.
Think about this for a second. The human brain can process graphics and images 60,000x faster than text. Not to mention, about 90% of the information transmitted to the brain is visual. This simply means businesses have to rethink how they present their brand and their products to the world.
If you want your products to stand out, you need to create engaging visuals that capture the essence of your product. You need to invest in different types of product images that showcase your product in its best light. From flat lays to detail shots, using models and lifestyle shots — all of these strategies will help you convey a cohesive message to your customers.
In this guide, we will cover the 12 best types of product images for eCommerce websites. By understanding these different approaches, you can create stunning visuals that will help attract potential customers and turn them into loyal buyers.
Table of Contents
- How Does Product Photography Impact Your eCommerce Business?
- 12 Types of eCommerce Product Photography
- Pixel by Hand Product Photo Editing Service
- FAQ
How Does Product Photography Impact Your eCommerce Business?
For eCommerce businesses, product photography is a key element of success. Here is why:
1. You want to create a lasting first impression
First impressions are crucial, especially if you are running an online store. Your product images are the first thing potential customers will see. Whether they stumble upon your brand on social media or on an eCommerce platform like Amazon or eBay, how your product looks on screen attracts customers and encourages them to check out your offer.
2. You want to create positive momentum
A stunning picture can not only create a strong and lasting initial impression but also help you gain positive momentum in your growth. If your product images are of the highest calibre, you will leave a powerful impression on each page that potential customers browse on your website. You only have one shot to impress a first-time website visitor. If you can create positive momentum with that user, the chances are you will be able to convert that browser into a customer.
3. You want to showcase the unique selling points of your products
Product images should give customers an idea about the product's features, benefits, and other aspects that make it stand out from its competitors. The right product image can help you highlight what makes your offer special and create a strong emotional connection with the audience.
4. You want to establish authenticity and professionalism
High-quality product photography portrays your brand as professional. If your potential customer sees how you have taken the time to present your products in a thoughtful and visually appealing way, they will be more likely to trust you, which can then lead to sales.
This also improves your product's perceived value in the eyes of customers. High-quality product images not only help you make a good impression but also prove that your business stands behind its products and services.
5. It improves your brand identity
Product photography is the perfect way to ensure that your brand identity remains unified across different platforms. Whether you want a consistent look for your website or you want to establish brand awareness through social media, product photos are imperative in any visual marketing plan.
Investing in top-notch product images guarantees that customers have a consistent experience with your brand. It is also an excellent way to ensure that people can easily recognise and remember your brand no matter where they found you.
Ready to elevate your product imagery? Start your free trial with Pixel by Hand and see how professional editing transforms your eCommerce store.
12 Types of eCommerce Product Photography
To give your brand the attention and sales it deserves, you will need to create an effective product image strategy. Here is a comprehensive review of all the types of product images you can use to market your brand.
Pictures with Products on a Model
Having a model wear your product or use it in a real-life setting helps customers visualise how they would look and feel wearing it. This type of image works best for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands, as the model can show off the products in action.
Unfortunately, some brands do not use them quite enough. To showcase your product in the best possible light, you should strive to include at least three images of the item featuring a model from all angles: front, back, and side. However, do not feel limited by this — numerous approaches are available to ensure an impactful presentation.
Do not forget to include size information once you publish it on your online store. Oftentimes, brands overlook the importance of providing the size and measurements for their product models. Displaying this information offers customers invaluable insight when determining what size to purchase — an absolute necessity in today's eCommerce landscape.
It is essential to be mindful of the kind of models you choose. Images that feature a product on models can appear intimidating, particularly if they possess an extraordinary or "ideal" physique. To more accurately represent a variety of body types, use real models with different sizes or ghost mannequin images.
Images Showing Products on a Flat Surface
Flat-lay photography is a popular technique that involves placing your product on a flat surface and taking pictures from above. This type of visual works best when showcasing small items, such as jewellery, phone cases, and other accessories.
When it comes to clothing and fashion, flat-lay photography is an excellent way to capture the complete look. For example, if you are selling a shirt and jeans combo, show them in one image instead of two separate ones. Not only does this save time, but it also gives customers a better understanding of how items coordinate and fit together.
Feature Callout Images
Ask yourself: what is your product's main selling point? What makes your product stand out? Feature callout pictures aim to bring out the specific traits and benefits of a product.
For instance, showing that your hoodie has a tiny print on its back or a special hidden pocket. These small details might be hard to spot in images with models or flat lays, but they can make a world of difference when shoppers decide which product to buy.
Feature callout images must be of the utmost quality for them to have an impact. Although this also applies to all product pictures, achieving the highest standards is especially crucial for feature callout visuals — otherwise, it is best not to use them at all.
Lifestyle Images
Lifestyle images can spark a consumer's imagination and show customers how the product could be used in everyday life. For example, if you are selling sports apparel, create an image that conveys how it can fit into one's lifestyle.
These types of images tend to do wonders for customer engagement due to their ability to evoke emotion. Telling a story through lifestyle images is an excellent way to show customers how well-crafted your product really is. It also encourages them to imagine themselves enjoying the product in their own life, which leads to higher purchase intent and customer loyalty.
Incorporating lifestyle images into your product page is a great way to highlight how style ties in with the item. In addition, these visuals add vibrancy and can make for an enticing shopping experience if they are suited to your brand's theme.
However, if your site sells different items from numerous brands, it can be difficult to create visuals that capture the essence of all of them. In this case, having a variety of stock lifestyle images can be beneficial as they are more generic yet still visually pleasing.
User-Generated Content
Thoughtfully selected user-generated content (UGC) can be an invaluable asset to product pages. Not only does it provide customers with a variety of perspectives, but it also encourages engagement and builds trust in your brand.
User-generated images are relatable as they come from real people rather than professional models, which makes them more engaging. It can also help build an emotional connection with customers, as it is a tangible demonstration of how other buyers have experienced your product. Leveraging UGC is essential if you want to maximise the potential of your product pages.
To ensure you get high-quality user-generated content, you need to encourage your customers to share images. This tactic is also helpful for building a community and fostering relationships with customers. You can reward people who share content or offer incentives such as discounts to motivate them. To ensure you comply with the law, it is essential to always seek customer consent before sharing their images.
You can also run contests on social media where your fans can submit their photo entries. Not only is this strategy interactive, but it is also a great way to get your customers to share how they love your product.
Product Packaging Images
Do you sell your products in a branded bag or an attractive box? Often you may display your logo and branding on the packaging. Product packaging experiences are known to build strong brand affinity. It is an effective way to showcase your brand and its unique style, and a great way to highlight the attention to detail you put into making your products special.
When you are selling luxury items, product packaging images are essential for presenting a luxurious look that resonates with your customers and conveys the value of the item. After all, when something is expensive, it has to look like it is worth every penny. Showcasing attention to detail in packaging can give customers peace of mind that what they are buying is made with quality and care.
Having product packaging images on your website also makes it easy for customers to recognise your product when they purchase it in-store or online. This helps bolster customer loyalty, which increases sales over time.
Finally, adding branded elements such as logos, colours, and patterns to product packaging images will help make them more recognisable across different platforms like social media and digital advertising campaigns.
Compatibility Images
Including compatibility images on your product pages helps to reduce customer confusion when trying to make sure a product is compatible with the devices they already own. This allows customers to understand what their purchase includes and how it works with their existing equipment. Compatibility images can also help prevent returns, since customers will know ahead of time whether an item is compatible or not.
Compatibility images also provide technical details that often cannot be conveyed in text, which makes them more attractive compared to traditional specifications. Having visuals can help you save space on your website by condensing complex details into a single image. A well-designed compatibility chart can easily explain everything visually without taking up too much of your website's real estate.
Images with Texture
Furniture and accessories benefit from images that show off the texture of their materials. Customers want to get a sense of how fabrics will feel or what a particular item will look like in person. Providing customers with an image that shows off the texture can help them make an informed decision while shopping.
You can use textures to demonstrate different aspects, such as durability, comfort, and quality. Showing photos of items up close can also provide subtle details that words may not be able to accurately explain. For example, if you are selling leather jackets, you could use textured images to emphasise the stitching and finishings, which cannot be done through words alone.
Not only can texture images help your SEO efforts, but they can also aid customers in research. By simply clicking on the image of a product, users can get more details about it and compare different items with ease.
Texture visuals are also an ideal way to create branded content that can be posted on social media. By having unique images in these posts, they will stand out from others and capture the attention of potential consumers.
Size and Proportion Images
It can be difficult for customers to precisely determine the size of an object just by looking at a picture. Excellently proportioned images will make it easier for customers to accurately visualise the size of a product and how it relates to their environment. By including this information, they will be more likely to purchase a product that fits their needs.
Size and proportion images are also helpful for custom products, since this allows customers to get an exact idea of what they are purchasing. This form of imagery is vital when selling furniture, as customers need to know what type of space the item would require before deciding to buy. Having a clear understanding of each item's dimensions can create trust between your business and potential customers.
It is wise to choose something universally recognisable when demonstrating proportions. A great way to demonstrate size and portability is by having someone hold a product in the palm of their hand. If it fits comfortably, you can confidently say that the item will fit easily into any pocket, showcasing its mobility.
For bags and larger items, shoot your product containing recognisable items such as wallets, sunglasses, or shoes to give customers a clear sense of scale.
Usage Inspiration Images
Inspiration images are a great way to show customers that your products can be used for various purposes. Showing the usage of an item in different settings helps potential customers visualise how they would use your product.
Using lifestyle images is great for this, especially when selling furniture or home decor items. If you are selling handbags, you could also include imagery of people wearing them in different scenes and occasions. This will help customers see all the possibilities their purchase has to offer and encourage them to spark their own creativity.
Usage inspiration images offer the perfect opportunity to display various styles and colours of a product. For example, if you sell bedding sets, you could create an eye-catching image depicting your set in use within a cosy bedroom scene.
Lifestyle images are also great for bundling items in your catalogue. For example, if you are selling tops and jeans, you can do inspirational photography or lookbooks and provide suggestions to your customers on how they can get the best look with your apparel.
Animation
Animation adds a layer of engagement that can help bring your product to life and give customers a better sense of what they are buying. Animations can range from simple to complex depending on the product you are trying to sell and the effect you want to achieve.
Simple animations, such as zooming into a product or spinning it at 360 degrees, are usually enough to demonstrate its features and show customers more detail. For more complex products, such as electronics or toolkits, you can create videos to illustrate how they work.
White Background Product Images
White background product images are essential for giving buyers a clear and neutral view of the product. This type of photography is especially important when selling items with intricate details or accessories that need to be seen in their entirety. It is also helpful for customers who want to inspect an item, as this kind of photo eliminates any distractions.
This type of image is often used on the product page itself, along with the product description and call to action. White background images can also be used for advertising and promotional campaigns, as they make the product stand out against any other elements in an image. To give customers the best possible view, try to include multiple perspectives of each item.
A white background gives customers a sense of clarity and helps them focus on the product itself. It eliminates any distractions that may take attention away from the item and provides a more organised view. For a more professional look, ensure that your white background has even lighting and is free from any shadows or reflections. This adds to the level of detail that can be seen in each photo and makes it easier for customers to inspect an item before making their purchase.
At Pixel by Hand, we help online retailers maximise their product image production processes with our top-of-the-line background removal services.
Pixel by Hand Product Photo Editing Service
Need help with your product photos? With over 10 years' experience and 380+ eCommerce clients worldwide, Pixel by Hand offers a comprehensive product photo editing service to help you create beautiful images that make your products stand out. Our team of experts can quickly and efficiently process hundreds of images with expert background removal, ghost mannequin image editing, photo retouching, and colour correction techniques.
We also offer other services, such as clipping path and image masking to give your product photos the perfect finishing touch. With us on board, you do not have to worry about any details because our professionals will ensure everything looks flawless.
See the difference for yourself. Send us your images for a free sample edit — no obligation, no credit card required. We will show you exactly how we can improve your product photography.
FAQ
How many product images should I have per product?
We recommend a minimum of 5-7 images per product. This should include at least one white background shot, one lifestyle image, front and back views, and one or two detail or texture close-ups. Marketplaces like Amazon allow up to 9 images — use them all.
What is the most important type of product image for eCommerce?
The white background product image is typically the most important, as it serves as your primary listing image on most platforms. However, lifestyle images are increasingly important for social media marketing and conversion optimisation.
Do I need a professional photographer for product images?
Not necessarily. With the right setup and lighting, you can achieve excellent results with a good quality camera or even a modern smartphone. The key is in the post-production editing — services like Pixel by Hand can transform DIY photos into professional-quality images.
How do product images affect return rates?
Accurate, high-quality product images can significantly reduce return rates. When customers have a clear, realistic view of what they are buying — including colour, texture, size, and fit — they are less likely to be disappointed when the product arrives.
What image file format should I use for eCommerce?
JPEG is the standard for eCommerce product images due to its balance of quality and file size. For images requiring transparency (such as those with removed backgrounds), use PNG. WebP is increasingly popular for web use as it offers superior compression without visible quality loss.