![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.shoppopdisplays.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/pexels-lee-hanson-2161337044-37685073-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Your products are priced competitively, so why are your ecommerce sales flat? It may be your photos. Product photography plays a critical role in ecommerce and marketing. That\u2019s because online customers can\u2019t touch or feel an item, judge its size, or even hear how it sounds. They rely solely on visuals to decide if they want to purchase an item or not. That\u2019s the power of product photography in boosting sales. Even the smallest of product photography mistakes<\/a> can impact customer perception and hurt sales. For example, an image that doesn\u2019t show a product\u2019s size can confuse a customer and deter a sale. Beyond showing scale, include poor lighting, busy backgrounds, awkward composition, inconsistency among images, are just some of the common mistakes in which a simple photograph can backfire. The good news? There are just as many ways to address these slip-ups. Here, we\u2019ll discuss some common product photography mistakes and their practical solutions, including lighting strategies, framing, product shot guidelines, and the use of photography displays.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Problem<\/strong><\/p>\n Poor lighting, such as dimly lit rooms or uneven lighting, can create harsh shadows, glares, and overexposed\/underexposed images of your product.<\/p>\n How to Avoid It<\/strong><\/p>\n Don\u2019t showcase your merchandise in poor, or uneven, light. Try these tricks to capture your products in a good light.<\/p>\n Skip the flash.<\/strong> While it seems counterintuitive, avoid using your camera\u2019s flash to brighten the product. Using the flash results in shadows and glares.<\/p>\n Diffuse lighting<\/strong>. To reduce shadows, diffuse the lighting. Use softboxes or, when using natural light, hang a thin white sheet in front of a window to create a soft glow that eliminates shadows.<\/p>\n Test multiple lighting setups.<\/strong> The standard setup for product photography is primary lighting (preferably diffused); fill lighting (or a reflector board) opposite of the primary light; and an accent light positioned behind the product to help the product stand out. Or you can try two softboxes on either side of the product and use speedlights or continuous lights as a fill.<\/p>\n Turn lights off<\/strong>. To correct mixed, uneven lighting, try turning the lights off in the room and rely on sunlight. Using natural light may be all your need to get the right shot. Use a large white foam board as a reflector to direct more light to your product and eliminate harsh shadows. One caveat: the sunlight will change throughout the day and so may your results if you\u2019re shooting over a long period of time.<\/p>\n The Problem<\/strong><\/p>\n A busy scene competes with your merchandise for attention and may cause your products to get lost in the composition of the photo.<\/p>\n How to Avoid It<\/strong><\/p>\n An uncluttered background is key to keeping the focus on your product. Choose a background that is minimal and clean, such as a blank white wall or a seamless paper roll. If you are shooting with a lifestyle background for storytelling, just make sure it\u2019s not too busy so the focus remains on the product, and not what\u2019s happening in the background. For instance, opt for a solid color background instead of a patterned one to allow product details to be seen. Also, limit the number of props used so they don\u2019t compete with your product for attention.<\/p>\n The Problem<\/strong><\/p>\n Shooting items like plates, jewelry, artwork, and books can result in flat-looking images. Products also tend to blend into the background if they lack dimension.<\/p>\n How to Avoid It<\/strong><\/p>\n Create levels to add height and dimension. If you\u2019re shooting multiple items in an image, create multiple levels within the shot. For example, if you sell vintage dishware, place a single teacup on a stack of saucers, arrange dinner, salad, and bread plates on top of each other, and elevate teapot and sugar and cream dishes behind the grouping to ensure all items are visible.<\/p>\n You can also use display stands, risers, and blocks for shooting singular items, such as jewelry, pottery, or accessories like belts and sneakers. For instance, drape a necklace over an acrylic riser<\/a> to give the item some depth; place pottery or footwear on display cubes<\/a> to elevate the item. Arrange a plate on an acrylic easel<\/a> to angle the product and show off its design. Photography pedestals<\/a> elevate both the product and the entire image. Group pedestals of varying heights when shooting multiple products, and follow the rule of odds, arranging items in groups of three or five for visual interest.<\/p>\n Using Too Many Props<\/strong><\/p>\n The Problem<\/strong><\/p>\n While it helps to set a scene to tell a story, too many props can overwhelm the product and make it difficult for a shopper to determine what is being sold.<\/p>\n How to Avoid It<\/strong><\/p>\n To keep the focus on your merchandise, follow a less-is-more approach. There are a few ways to do this.<\/p>\n Choose props intentionally.<\/strong> For instance, if you sell bags, arrange a beach tote on a beach towel or a clutch on a bedroom vanity with a lipstick alongside it.<\/p>\n Have props complement the product.<\/strong> Choose props that support the product rather than compete with it. Create a background that shows the product with like items. For example, skincare such as moisturizers and lotions stand out when surrounded by other self-care items like candles or flowers.<\/p>\n The Problem<\/strong><\/p>\n Utilizing different backgrounds, lighting, and angles for products on your site creates an unprofessional brand appearance.<\/p>\n How to Avoid It<\/strong><\/p>\n Just like your branding, product shots on your ecommerce site should be consistent.<\/p>\n Develop photography guidelines<\/strong> to ensure a professional appearance that matches your brand. For example, determine your background and lighting, and depending on what you sell, decide on the best angle(s) to take of products. You may want to consider taking close-up shots to show details; a picture that shows scale; group product shots; and possible lifestyle shots that include props. By using the same or similar setups for all your product shots you\u2019ll create a cohesive, professional appearance for your website.<\/p>\n Use the same background for each shot<\/strong>. For a simple, seamless, consistent background, try shooting in front of a white backdrop<\/a> with two softboxes on either side of the product. Fill in with speedlights or continuous lights. You can also use a product tent to isolate smaller products.<\/p>\n Standardized pedestals<\/a> and display stands help maintain a consistent look across product lines.<\/p>\n The Problem<\/strong><\/p>\n Customers can\u2019t see the key features of your product, causing a lack of confidence in clicking the key to purchase.<\/p>\n How to Avoid It<\/strong><\/p>\n Make sure important product details are captured in your images by photographing your product from multiple angles and including close-up detail shots. You want your images to highlight the textures, finishes, and craftsmanship of the merchandise. Use the macro setting (or a macro lens if using a smartphone) to photograph items closeup.<\/p>\n The Problem<\/strong><\/p>\n Awkward framing or poorly placed items can create unbalanced images, making it difficult for the consumer to focus on the product that\u2019s for sale.<\/p>\n How to Avoid It<\/strong><\/p>\n Applying basic composition principles help direct viewers\u2019 attention and<\/em> correct poor product placement in a photo. These principles include framing your subject; creating centered compositions for symmetry; and when shooting a grouping, arranging items in odd numbers for visual interest.<\/p>\n Use the rule of thirds.<\/strong> Whether you are shooting products outdoors or against a backdrop, use the rule of thirds to place your product rather than centering. Turn on your camera\u2019s grid in settings on a digital camera or smartphone. Align vertical products and displays with the vertical lines on the grid and align horizontal elements along the horizontal lines.<\/span> If using people to model your products, position their eyes on one of the top intersection points of the grid. Using the grid also helps you center the product in the frame when you want symmetry.<\/p>\n Forgetting About Reflections and Shadows<\/strong><\/p>\n The Problem<\/strong><\/p>\n Some products, such as those with glossy or metal surfaces, are inherently difficult to shoot, resulting in unwanted reflections and distracting glares.<\/p>\n How to Avoid It<\/strong><\/p>\n Avoid backlighting<\/strong>, which can cause reflections. Instead, adjust lighting angles so that your primary light source is at a 45-degree angle to the product you\u2019re shooting.<\/p>\n Place lights overhead<\/strong> and on the sides of the object<\/strong> to help define objects that are shiny and reflective and help reduce glare. Another option is to use diffusers, such as a white bed sheet covering windows, to soften the light and minimize glare on glossy surfaces.<\/p>\n Use a light cone when shooting smaller products<\/strong>. A light cone can also help diffuse light and prevent reflections from shiny objects.<\/p>\n The Problem<\/strong><\/p>\n Images feel disconnected from brand identity.<\/p>\n How to Avoid It<\/strong><\/p>\n Product photography should be an extensive of your brand. It should help your products stand out while maintaining or strengthening brand recognition. First, define the look you\u2019d like to convey: clean and crisp, dark and moody, light and airy, bright and energetic, etc. The look may be defined somewhat by your products, but also consider color, composition, light, and mood of the images. Then select from different display solutions that will help you connect the photography style to your brand.<\/p>\n Camera, lights, and with these displays, action. At shopPOPdisplays, we have the essential tools to help prevent common product photography mistakes.<\/p>\n From bad lighting and busy backgrounds to composition and consistency, there are many product photography mistakes that can be made\u2014many of which can be solved with proper planning, lighting, and display solutions. Explore shopPOPdisplays’<\/a> collection of photography display stands, risers, pedestals, and styling props. By utilizing these tools, you\u2019ll create professional product photography that will boost ecommerce sales and strengthen your company\u2019s brand.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Key Takeaways: Product Photography Mistakes<\/h3>\n
\n
Poor Lighting Creates Unprofessional Images<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.shoppopdisplays.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/pexels-nguy-n-khanh-61827500-8080508-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\nHelpful Display Solutions: Risers & Pedestals<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"White](\"https:\/\/www.shoppopdisplays.com\/mm5\/graphics\/00000001\/6\/Round%20Storage%20Peds%20(%20white)%201_2_520x520.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
Cluttered Backgrounds Distract From the Product<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Helpful Display Solutions: Display Stands\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Long](\"https:\/\/www.shoppopdisplays.com\/mm5\/graphics\/00000001\/4\/6x9x6-clear-u-riser-funko-800px_520x520.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
Lack of Height and Dimension<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Helpful Display Solutions: Display Cubes\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Solid](\"https:\/\/www.shoppopdisplays.com\/mm5\/graphics\/00000001\/THUMBNAIL_10112_2x3x3_520x347.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
Helpful Display Solutions: Flat-Pack Displays\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Portable](\"https:\/\/www.shoppopdisplays.com\/mm5\/graphics\/00000001\/4\/18001_Wooden_Two-Sided_Floor_Standing_Modifiable_Slotwall_Display_Set-Propped_2_520x520.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
Inconsistent Product Photography<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Helpful Display Solutions: Standardized Pedestals\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.shoppopdisplays.com\/mm5\/graphics\/00000001\/5\/2_9.png\")
<\/h2>\nIgnoring Product Details: Product Photography Mistakes<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Helpful Display Solutions: Jewelry Displays\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"White](\"https:\/\/www.shoppopdisplays.com\/mm5\/graphics\/00000001\/11712WH_2_520x520.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
Poor Product Placement and Composition<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Helpful Display Solutions: Display Pedestals & Risers\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Walnut](\"https:\/\/www.shoppopdisplays.com\/mm5\/graphics\/00000001\/WalnutLid_Main_2_520x520.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
Helpful Display Solutions: Countertop Displays\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Wooden](\"https:\/\/www.shoppopdisplays.com\/mm5\/graphics\/00000001\/5\/Model%20Style%20F_3_520x520.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
Not Matching Photography Style to the Brand<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Helpful Display Solutions: Wooden Display Stands\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Multi-Tiered](\"https:\/\/www.shoppopdisplays.com\/mm5\/graphics\/00000001\/5\/DSC_3889-800_520x520.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
Essential Photography Tools That Help Prevent Common Mistakes<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.shoppopdisplays.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/pexels-fotoblend-15035101-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n