Did you know Amazon is in the top spot among online retailers (37.6 percent) with over 2.5 million active sellers? As per Statista, the average number of products bought online is 4.95.
Seize the opportunity to stand out and establish your brand in the fiercely competitive eCommerce marketplace. One crucial element of your Amazon listing is product photos. But how can these visuals captivate the audience and drive them to purchase your product?
In the hope of helping you and ensuring your visuals match with Amazon image guidelines, we’ve come up with Amazon product photography tips that you can explore:
- Amazon’s technical guidelines, video requirements, etc.
- Prohibited image photography factors,
- How do you capture professional product photos and
- Hacks to become an Amazon product photographer.
Let’s dive into it together!
Amazon product photography refers to capturing visually appealing, professional, and informative product images to showcase on your Amazon listings. Its key goal is to highlight product features, benefits, sizes, or infographics that are intended for sale on Amazon’s marketplace.
These photographs are crucial to enticing potential buyers with a visual representation and helping them to make purchasing decisions. In short,
- Amazon photography ensures products meet Amazon product photo requirements for size, resolution, and image quality.
- Answer product-related questions or concerns about color, texture, or other topics.
- Making your products stand out from your competitors.
- An attractive, informative, and trustworthy image helps to build brand value.
- It helps to increase sales and customer satisfaction.
After acknowledging the definition of Amazon product photography, let’s glimpse how photos hold immense importance in the highly competitive world of eCommerce.
Why is Amazon product photography so important?
1. Building a positive first impression
2. Improving customer experience
Images are the first medium to test products virtually. You must notice Nike’s lifestyle images, 360-degree views, and shoes from different angles. All these factors give a clear visual of products like a brick-and-mortar store and fulfill customers’ specific needs. Also, photography for Amazon products increases CTR (click-through rate) and drives more traffic to your online store.
3. Increase conversion rates
2.14 billion digital buyers worldwide in 2021, whereas retail eCommerce sales are estimated to exceed 6.3 trillion worldwide. So, how do they get the confidence to buy products? By viewing images, reading product descriptions, and reviews. Rich visuals with key features enhance the product page look and entice customers to explore more.
4. Reduce returns
Forbes mentioned that 70% of online shoppers return products due to a mismatch of product descriptions. That means high-quality and realistic photos meet consumers’ expectations and reduce returns and negative feedback. Customers who receive their expected products based on the images foster positive reviews and repeat business.
5. Elevate brand authority
Understanding Amazon’s Image Requirements
When you plan to update your existing product listings or add new product pages, it’s crucial to fulfill Amazon’s professional product photography guidelines and related technical requirements. Failure to do so can result in Amazon rejecting your listings and product images, regardless of their quality.
Here are some general product photography for Amazon guidelines you need to follow:
General product photo guidelines:
- Every Amazon product listing page requires at least one product image.
- Amazon requires at least six images and one product photography video.
- Product photos must be recognizable, well-lit, in focus, clear, and informative.
- Product photos must be on a white background.
- Products must fill at least 85% of the image space. [Exception: Digital files, books, DVDs, or CDs don’t need to use white space.]
- Provide as many product photos as possible. [Tip: Many product categories allow lifestyle images and different angles].
- The background must be simple and clean. No distractive elements will be acceptable.
- Photos must meet technical file and image requirements.
Technical requirements:
| Key points | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
Image size | 500 px to 10,000 px on the longest side | More than 10,000 px on the longest side |
File type | JPEG, TIFF, PNG, or non-animated GIF | AI, PSD, PDF, EPS, or animated GF |
Quality | Clear & unpixelate | Jagged edges |
Background color | Pure white: RGB color (255, 255, 255) | Anything other than pure white |
Compression | Minimal to zero | TIFF file |
Other requirements are:
- Image size: Listing images should be at least 1000 pixels wide or tall, and 1600 pixels on the longest side.
- Color mode: Both RGB and CMYK are accepted.
- Resolution: The image resolution should be a minimum of 72 dpi.
Offer level product photo requirements:
Do you want to sell used or refurbished products? An “offer level” or “Listing photo” is available in your product images. This is displayed on Amazon’s offer listing page. For adding, access your Amazon Common Template, map the field as “Main offer image” and “offer images”, then follow the guide.
| Image requirements | Photos added through Add a Product or Sell Yours Here | Photos added through Listings Loader |
|---|---|---|
Maximum File Size | 10 MB | 10 MB |
Resolution | 72 pixels per inch | 72 pixels per inch |
Minimum dimensions | 200 x 200 pixels | 200 pixels (one side must be) & less (the other side) |
Maximum dimensions | 2000 x 2000 pixels | 10,000 x 10,000 pixels |
Maximum aspect ratio | 5:1 (2:1 or 1:1) | 5:1 (2:1 or 1:1) |
Read this article to learn about “Shopify Product Photography“
Amazon photo naming guidelines:
Once you have the best product images, the next step is to upload them to your Amazon store. The naming convention for this has three main elements: product identifiers, variant codes, and file extensions.
Product identifier:
- ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number)
- ISBN-13 (International Standard Book Number)
- EAN (European Article Number)
- JAN (Japanese Article Number)
- UPC (Universal Product Code)
Variant codes (4-character variant code)
- MAIN for the primary photo.
- FRNT, BACK, RGHT, LEFT, BOTT, or TOPP for angle shots.
- IN01, IN02, and others for book interior photos.
- PT01, PT02, and others for piece shots.
File extension
- Amazon recommends JPEG format which file extension is (.jpg or .jpeg).
Amazon product image categories:
1. Main image requirements:
The first visible image of a searched product is called the hero image or main image. It also appears on the browser page and the detail page. Amazon’s rules for parent product images are:
| Follow | Avoid |
|---|---|
|
|
2. Additional/supporting image:
- These images are called variants where you need to highlight product details, materials, styles, etc.
3. Swatch image requirement:
- These are mini images pop-up right side of the hero image.
- The resolution should be 72 ppi (pixel per inch).
- At least 30 pixels on the longest side.
- JPEG (.jpg) file format is acceptable.
4. Product video:
- Video formats are .mov and .mp4.
- Must upload high-quality videos up to 1080p.
- Video size not more than 5GB.
- The thumbnail image must be a .jpg or .png file.
What to Avoid in Amazon Product Images
For successful Amazon product listings, sellers must avoid different elements, including:
- Text, logos, borders, color blocks, watermarks, or other graphics on the product or in the background of the main product images.
- Accessories that aren’t included with purchase.
- Avoid adding confusing props.
- Don’t show any part of mannequins.
- Don’t include packaging unless it’s an important product feature. For example, a carrying case or gift basket is worth including.
- Not include customer reviews, five-star imagery, claims, or seller-specific information.
- Not include badges used on Amazon, variations, or others.
- Avoid poor exposure and lighting.
For more additional resources and to keep yourself updated check out Amazon’s official links:
- Product image requirements
- Seller Central: Prepare product images
- Stores creative guidelines
- File requirements
For more creative product photo ideas, check out Amazon’s expert-suggested best product photography setup and practices that help you to create yours!
Product photography tips for Amazon sellers
Adhere to a few Amazon product photography tips, such as styling, background, composition, and more, to attract customers and increase your Amazon store sales.
Creating an Amazon shot list
Before shooting your product photos, the first task is to create an Amazon shot list. For this, ask yourself some questions, such as –
- Will you want intricate details, unique features, and textures? If so, you can try close-up shots.
- Do you want to add a creative touch within a real-life setting so that customers can visualize its application? If yes, you need to go with lifestyle images.
- Or, do you want to give a detailed view of the products? If yes, you need to shoot from different angles.
Whatever, you choose a plan first. Every photograph has its unique setup and planning. For example, group product photography or hero shots requires props to portray a storyline. Infographics are rich with product descriptions and highlight unique features. Packaging product photography demonstrates how the product will look when customers get it.
Learn More On “Skin Care Product Photography“
Background should be plain and simple
The most important thing in professional product photography is a pure white background. Simple and white backgrounds enhance products’ real colors, textures, and details without distracting the customer.
However, for more creative product photography or lifestyle shots, you can use color and textured background to demonstrate the brand’s uniqueness. It’ll be best if you use white background and then add additional, colorful, or detailed ambient backgrounds.
Shoot in natural light whenever possible
Product photography lighting is not just about illumination, it’s about capturing the essence of your products-their colors, texture, and details. And what better way to do this than with natural light?
The sun, as the ultimate lighting source, can bring out the true beauty of your products. So, embrace the best daytime to harness this natural power and inspire your audience with the authentic representation of your products.
Main and secondary product photos
Main or Hero image is the first one that grabs audience attention instantly. So, to capture your target audience’s attention and entice to purchase the product, ensure you use scroll-stopping photos.
However, secondary images are the next important thing. Here, you can showcase your creativity with different angles, descriptions, and more. Depending on your product criteria, you can tell a story or highlight key benefits about how this product can enhance shoppers’ lives.
Get Shots from Multiple Angles
Try to imagine which angles entice buyers most and then apply them. In eCommerce product photography, show your products from different angles (front, back, side, top, and bottom) to give a comprehensive view. If you want, you can include close-ups to highlight more product details, features, and textures.
Include at least one lifestyle photo
Try creative product photography, such as capturing the product in use within a real-life environment, highlighting practical applications, and more. All these factors relate customers to products and understand how they fit into their daily lives. But ensure the lifestyle visuals are natural and relatable.
Representing your product’s value
When it comes to the limelight of your branded product, try to demonstrate advantages, benefits, and unique objectives so that customers differentiate from others. High-resolution products can convey quality and value. And for this, you can capture the fine details and craftsmanship of the product.
Experiment with video and 360-degree photos
- Resizing images to 2500 pixels (maximum width).
- Crop to a square aspect ratio.
- Use PNG file format.
- The file size will not exceed 1 MB and many others.
On the contrary, Amazon recommends uploading at least one product video to give consumers a physical store experience. Only marketplace sellers and vendors can post videos. There are some Amazon video guidelines you need to follow, such as:
- Aim for at least 1920×1080 pixels for high-quality video with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
- Audio quality should be at least 128 kbps or 44 kHz.
- The video file shouldn’t exceed 500 MB.
- Recommended video codes are H.264, MPEG-2, or MPEG-4.
- Fifteen seconds is the ideal video duration. If you want, you can upload up to 3 minutes of video.
- Shorter videos get more engagement.
- Avoid adding CTA.
- The main image frame will be at least 15 FPS.
Use Essential Photography Equipment
You can invest in different equipment to stand out and entice customers to purchase. Here are some:
- Camera: Invest in high-quality cameras like a DSLR or simple point-and-shoot camera. If you want you can take photos with a smartphone that also produces realistic pictures. It is not necessary to buy expensive ones.
- Tripod: You can use a tripod to avoid blurry pictures and keep your camera still.
- Light tent or lightbox: Lightbox is a wireframe box with translucent walls that evenly distribute light around the objects. You can use one when shooting jewelry.
- Table or flat surface: It is necessary to create an even surface for your product or other accessories to avoid products being lopsided.
- Product photography backdrops: You can portray a story of your products using different backdrops like textured ones (fabric, marble, etc.).
Edit Your Images
You have your product photos; now it’s time to give a professional touch to compete with your business rivals. For these, you can outsource post-production services from a reliable photo editing agency.
From adjusting tone, brightness, or contrast to removing unwanted items or shadow creation you get different photo editing services in one platform. For example, you might notice color washed out in a raw image or reflect on the background. You can avoid all these imperfections and enhance photos through editing.
Also, it ensures the product image follows all Amazon requirements for the specific website or marketplace you are selling on. However, sometimes you might feel the necessity of image resizing and cropping, image consistency, and other corrections, you can go with eCommerce photo editing services.
How to become an Amazon product photographer?
To become an Amazon product photographer and achieve high-quality product photos, you need to adopt technical skills, follow specific requirements, and have knowledge of equipment.
Here, we’ve mentioned a step-by-step guide to help your Amazon product stand out from the crowded marketplace.
- Develop your photography skills: Learn principles like composition, lighting, exposure, and color balance. After that, you can focus on specific product photography techniques like macro photography, depth of field control, focus stacking, and more.
- Practice several product photography types: When it comes to Amazon product photography, you introduce lifestyle images, 360-degree videos, products in action, products in white, and more. Explore all those types to meet sellers’ and buyers’ needs.
- Build a portfolio: By ensuring all product images meet Amazon standards, try to build a portfolio to demonstrate your versatility. Also, if you’ve post-production experiences, you can list those.
- Create a professional website: When you’ve enough working experience and confidence, try to display your best work by categorizing it by product type. Also, clearly outline your offered services prices and packages.
- Network building: To build connections, visit local business meetups, photography clubs, and industry events. Also, you can use Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and other platforms to share your creative work.
- Keep learning: Always follow photography trends and Amazon’s evolving guidelines to keep yourself updated. You can refine your skills by participating in workshops or enrolling in an advanced photography course.
You can build a successful career as an Amazon product photographer by following these steps.
Frequently asked questions about amazon product Photography
What is the best resolution for Amazon product photos?
Ideally, the best resolution for Amazon product photos will be 2000×2000 px with a 1:1 aspect ratio. This ensures the highest product quality on the marketplace and your product page.
Does Amazon provide product photography?
No, Amazon doesn’t provide product photography services for its site. However, Amazon has a Service Provider Network (SPN) on Seller Central that provides professional photography services and more.
How much do you charge for product photography?
The cost of basic-level product photography will be from $60 per image to several dollars. However, professional eCommerce product photography can cost $375 or more. Other factors that are crucial for product photography charges:
- Types of product photography (individual product, group photography, 360 product photography, package shoot, flat lay shoot, lifestyle, and more.)
- Image retouching
- Number of products per hour
- Product size
- Licensing fees, and more.
What are Amazon's photo requirements?
Amazon has a set of product image requirements to make it easier for consumers to evaluate and learn more about your products. Every product image must have at least one image and Amazon recommends at least six images, including:
- 500 to 10,000 pixels on their longest side.
- JPEG, TIFF, PNG, or non-animated GIF file formats.
- Clear, white background, unpixelated, and without any jagged edges.
However, for more details, please check out the above section, where we’ve highlighted all the details.
What is the best size for Amazon product images?
Amazon prefers images larger than 1,000px on each side to allow zoom, with a preferred size of 2000×2000 pixels. The ideal aspect ratio is 1:1 for a square image and the maximum size is 10,000 pixels on the longest side.
Which camera is good for product photography?
DSLRs like Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Nikon D850, Canon EOS T3, and Mirrorless cameras will be a good fit for product photography. Here are the best 5 cameras for product photography –
- Panasonic Lumix FZ80 4K Digital Camera
- Nikon D750 FX-Format Digital SLR Camera
- Canon EOS Rebel T6 Digital SLR Camera
- Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
- Nikon D7500 20.9MP DSLR Camera
Which lens is best for product photography?
The best lens for product photography depends on the product itself. Generally, a focal length between 50mm and 200mm is best for high-quality and sharp images. Here are the best 5 camera lenses:
- Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Lens
- Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens
- Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens
Conclusion
A picture is worth 1,000 words – and sales so!
As a photographer or an online store owner, your role is crucial in ensuring the success of your business. The Google search algorithm prioritizes high-quality images, and to boost your customer engagement and sales, there is no alternative to visually appealing and informative photos. So, ensure to follow Amazon product photography tips, and don’t forget to edit whenever required.
Good luck!
