Amazon is a highly competitive platform with millions of sellers so standing out on it isn’t easy. Most people click on a product listing if they see an appealing picture and description, which is why Amazon product photography is one of the most important aspects of a listing. Clean and polished product images can help you get attention and influence a customer’s purchase decision. But getting good-quality images that shine on Amazon isn’t as easy as it sounds. Many business owners opt for DIY photography and end up making several mistakes that alienate prospective customers. Here’s a look at some of the most common mistakes people can make:
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Not Following Amazon’s Requirements
Amazon provides detailed guidelines on the size, format, dimensions, and style of product images. For example, Amazon requires all primary product images to be on a white background. It allows a maximum of eight product pictures and all of them should be within a specific size range. Amazon also forbids pornographic imagery and distracting elements that take up more than 15% of the image. The product and its peripherals should occupy 85% of the image.
Many business owners make the mistake of not reading these guidelines thoroughly, which can lead to problems like rejected images. Experts of Amazon product photography are well-versed in these guidelines and follow it to the letter.
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Poor Lighting
Professional photography studios have good lighting equipment to ensure the image is well-balanced. Lighting is an important aspect of photography and even the most sophisticated cameras won’t help if you don’t have a well-lit environment. Unfortunately, most business owners don’t have the proper equipment and have to rely on their camera’s flash or software to compensate for the lack of illumination.
Poor lighting doesn’t just compromise the quality of the image but also affects the client’s perception of the product. The item may look like it is of low quality if you’re not careful enough.
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A Busy or Distracting Background
A busy or distracting background can have a big impact on the customer’s buying decision, which is why it is important to plan Amazon product photography properly. A busy or distracting background draws people’s attention away from the product and impact sales. Amazon also mandates that 85% of the image should consist of the product, which means you can’t have a cluttered background in official pictures.
A clean, minimalist background with a few related elements is the best way to go because it ensures the customer’s focus is always on your product.
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Poor Product Preparation
The product should be presentable, especially if you have a good camera that captures all intricate details. The last thing you want is a fingerprint on glass or scratches on a phone screen. Make sure your product is clean, flawless, and suitable for photography.
Professional photographers always clean items and handle them with care to ensure there are no smudges on the surface. Products like phones, computers, glassware, plastic, etc, are particularly vulnerable. You should also make sure that fabrics have no stains or unsightly crinkles before starting the photography session.
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Blurred Images
Blurred images are a common occurrence in amateur Amazon product photography. These images may not look blurred at first glance but if you observe carefully, you’ll notice softer or inconsistent lines and edges. Professional photographers have steady hands and use customized stands or similar equipment to keep the camera in place. They also have sophisticated cameras that compensate for any shaking by keeping the lens stable.
Faintly blurred images may not seem like a big deal, but they are very noticeable on modern displays. If your customer is looking at the product on an iPhone screen or 4K display, they will notice the blurred lines.
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Addressing Reflections
Reflections can be a big issue in Amazon product photography. Many products have reflective surfaces that overwhelm the details and distract the customer. Professionals use specialized lighting arrangements like diffused lights to reduce reflection and ensure the product looks good. Proper lighting ensures there’s no harsh flashback and the details of the image come through clearly.
Some reflections and distortions are removed during the post-editing process to ensure the image reads well. Addressing them is essential to ensure the product picture looks professional and sharp.
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No Context or Scale
Online shopping has made things convenient is many ways but one of the most common obstacles in the process is the sizing. It is difficult to see how big or small an object is if it is just placed against a blank background. Amazon product photography experts often add props or use models to provide some context about the size and scale of the product.
Business owners often don’t provide context, which can frustrate customers and alienate them. You need to make sure the images are informative and help with the buying decision. Providing context will improve sales significantly.
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No Post-Production Editing
Even the most sophisticated cameras produce images that need a little bit of editing. The post-production process involves correcting white balance, refining contrast, and making sure the image looks professional. Experienced photographers have considerable editing skills. They use tools like Photoshop to make sure the images are clear, readable, and suitable for all kinds of displays.
If your image has no post-production editing, it will look dull and incomplete. A dull image will have a negative impact on the customer and their purchase decision.
Your Amazon product photography should also have a strong brand presence and a clear message. Aimless and purposeless images don’t attract buyers or make your product stand apart in the crowd. Make sure all product images serve a clear purpose and fit in well with your brand.
The best solution is to hire a professional to handle Amazon product photography. Expert photographers understand the platform and will create images that live up to its requirements. They also have the right lighting, photography equipment, and editing software to ensure the images look crisp. If you want product pictures that truly make an impact on customers, hire professionals.
