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The Do's and Don’ts of E-Commerce Product Photography in Sydney

  • Writer: Lila Marvell
    Lila Marvell
  • Oct 2
  • 3 min read

We’ve all heard the phrase: “A picture is worth a thousand words.” In e-commerce, it’s worth far more, it could be the difference between a sale and a scroll.


With more customers shopping online before they ever set foot in a store, your imagery isn’t just decoration. It’s your first impression. Yet, too many brands still treat e-commerce imagery as an afterthought.


If you want your products to convert, educate, and inspire trust, here’s what you need to know about doing e-commerce product photography in Sydney the right way:


Commercial photography by Lila Marvell captured in Sydney, showcasing high-quality visuals for e-commerce and advertising campaigns. Professional brand imagery designed to elevate business presence and drive engagement.
The Raconteur - E-commerce photoshoot

✅ DO: Invest in Professional, True-to-Life Imagery

The most common mistake brands make is underinvesting in product photography. But blurry, flat, or inaccurate images can cost you far more than the price of a good shoot.


You need images that not only look great but are true to the product. That means showing real colour, texture, shape, and scale. Customers want to know exactly what they’re buying, especially when they can’t hold it in their hands.


Great images build trust. And trust builds conversions.


❌ DON’T: Treat Every Shoot Like a One-Off

Consistency matters. Using different photographers, locations, or styles across your product range can make your brand feel disjointed or low-end.


The solution? Plan a cohesive shoot. Whether you’re launching five SKUs or fifty, it's always more efficient and visually aligned when everything is shot in one go. One location. One lighting setup. One cohesive outcome.


This is especially important for brands investing in e-commerce photography in Sydney, where competition is fierce and details matter.


✅ DO: Design a Custom Photography Plan for Your Brand

If your images look like everyone else’s, you won’t stand out.


Your product shoot should be designed, not improvised. That means custom styling, brand-specific lighting choices, and shot angles that showcase your product’s unique features.


We create fully tailored e-commerce setups to ensure your brand shines in a crowded market.

This isn’t just about taking pictures. It’s about producing content with intention.


❌ DON’T: Forget About Scale and Lighting

Want to cut down on customer complaints and product returns? Show them exactly what to expect.


Two ways to do that:

  1. Use consistent, high-quality lighting to show texture and colour accurately.

  2. Include visual scale cues so customers understand the size of what they’re buying.


Flat lighting or poor framing can lead to confusion and a lack of sales.



✅ DO: Treat the Shoot Like a Production

The most successful e-commerce shoots are treated like a mini production line. Preparation is key.


That means:

  • Planning ahead

  • Grouping similar items

  • Organizing props and backgrounds

  • Creating a clear, efficient shot list


A smooth shoot saves time, cuts costs, and delivers better results across the board.


✅ Pre-Shoot Checklist: Things to Consider Before You Book

Before you step in front of the lens (or ship your products to the studio), here are some strategic questions to help you prepare:


  • What background do you want for your products? White, coloured, or textured?

  • Do you need more shots then the standard Front, Side, Back to capture your product?

  • Should your images be cut-out PNGs, or do you want to play with shadows and depth?

  • Would you like clean shots, styled setups, or a mix of both?

  • Do you want to include props, and if so, what kind?

  • How would you like your product lit? Bright and clean? Soft and moody?

  • How many products are you shooting, and how much time will each item take?

  • Is it possible to shoot everything in one go or will it require multiple sessions or assistants?

  • Do you need a model for scale or usability?

  • Is this the best product you have? Check for errors in the printing or misalignment of packaging.


Thinking through these details ensures your shoot is efficient and results in images that reflect your brand with clarity and consistency.



Final Thought

Strong product photography doesn’t just happen, it’s designed, styled, lit, and executed with precision. And in the world of online shopping, that kind of planning pays off.


If you’re looking for e-commerce product photography that Sydney brands trust to deliver sharp, consistent, and conversion-ready imagery, you’re in the right place.


Let’s build your next product shoot with strategy and style.

Lila

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