Product Photo Guide

SKILL.md

---
name: Product Photo Guide
description: Generate platform-specific product photography shot lists and creative direction briefs covering hero images, lifestyle shots, infographics, and video thumbnails that meet marketplace requirements and convert browsers into buyers.
---

# Product Photo Guide

Generate platform-specific product photography shot lists and creative direction briefs covering hero images, lifestyle shots, infographics, and video thumbnails that meet marketplace requirements and convert browsers into buyers. Product photography is the highest-leverage creative investment for ecommerce — studies consistently show 75% of buyers rely on product photos to make purchase decisions. Yet most brands either under-invest (blurry mobile photos on white backgrounds) or over-invest (expensive lifestyle shoots that don't communicate the product's key decision-driving specs). This skill produces structured briefs that result in the right shots at the right cost.

## Quick Reference

| Decision | Strong | Acceptable | Weak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shot list source | Defined from conversion data: what photos does the top-ranked competitor have that you don't? | Standard template for the category | Replicate what you have plus a "better version" |
| Hero image | Product-only, white/clean background, fills 85%+ of frame, highest possible resolution | Clean background with slight shadow | Lifestyle or dark background as hero |
| Infographic priority | Addresses top 3 purchase objections identified from return data and reviews | Shows all features equally | Infographic with only brand claims, no specs |
| Lifestyle model selection | Matches primary buyer persona demographics exactly | Close demographic match | Model who "looks professional" but doesn't match target buyer |
| Platform compliance | Shot to platform specs before shoot (not cropped afterward) | Cropped to spec post-shoot | One set of photos used across all platforms unmodified |
| Scale/size reference | Included in at least 2 shots (hand, common object, measurements overlay) | One shot with size reference | Size mentioned only in bullet points |
| Video thumbnail | Shot specifically for video thumbnail use (clear at 280×157px) | Frame pulled from video | No video content |

## Solves

- High return rates driven by "not as described" — products that look different in person than in photos
- Low conversion rates on product pages despite strong traffic
- Amazon listing suppressed or disadvantaged because main image doesn't meet white-background requirements
- TikTok Shop listing underperforming because photos don't stop the scroll
- Expensive photoshoots that produce beautiful images that don't actually drive purchases
- New product launches where brand has no photography brief or direction for photographer
- Inconsistent product image sets across different SKUs or color variants

## Workflow

### Step 1 — Audit Competitor and Category Photography

Before writing any brief, analyze what photos the top 5 listings in your category use.

**Competitive audit checklist:**
- How many images does each top-ranked listing have?
- What is the hero image style? (white bg, lifestyle, studio?)
- Are infographics used? What do they communicate?
- Are models used? What demographic?
- Do any shots show scale or size reference?
- Are there video thumbnails?
- What key specs are communicated visually vs. in text?

**Insight:** The top listings in your category have already been tested by purchase behavior. Your goal is to match their coverage, then differentiate on quality and brand.

### Step 2 — Map Purchase Objections to Visual Solutions

Review your return reasons, support tickets, and 1–3 star reviews for objections that photos could resolve.

| Common purchase objection | Visual solution |
|---|---|
| "Smaller than expected" | Scale shot with hand, common household object, or ruler overlay |
| "Color looks different in person" | Multiple lighting conditions shot (natural light + indoor) |
| "Material feels cheap" | Close-up texture/macro shot showing material quality |
| "Instructions were confusing" | Step-by-step assembly/use infographic |
| "Didn't know it was compatible with X" | Compatibility shot showing product in use with X |
| "Wrong size for my body type" | Model shot with model height/weight called out in image |
| "Didn't realize what was included" | Flat lay showing all components in the box |
| "Looked bulky/uncomfortable" | Lifestyle wearing shot from multiple angles |
| "Didn't know how to style it" | Multiple styled outfit/setting examples |

Each objection identified = one required shot or infographic.

### Step 3 — Build the Platform-Specific Shot List

**Amazon:**
- Image 1 (hero): Product only, pure white background, fills 85%+ of frame — mandatory
- Image 2: 3/4 angle or back view (different perspective than hero)
- Image 3: Scale/size reference with hand or common object
- Image 4: Lifestyle in-use shot with primary buyer persona
- Image 5–7: Infographics (feature callouts, specs, comparison)
- Image 8–9: Close-up detail / texture / material shots
- Image 10+: Color/variant swatches, packaging, accessories included
- A+ Content: Lifestyle story images, brand narrative, comparison chart

**Shopify / Direct-to-Consumer:**
- Image 1 (hero): Product on white or brand-consistent background
- Image 2–3: Lifestyle shots in ideal use environment
- Image 4: Model shot (if applicable) at multiple angles
- Image 5: Scale reference
- Image 6–7: Infographic or feature callout
- Image 8: Packaging/unboxing shot
- Image 9+: Color variants on the same background/context
- Video: 15–60 second product demonstration or lifestyle clip

**TikTok Shop:**
- Image 1: High-contrast thumbnail that communicates the product instantly at small size
- Image 2–3: Lifestyle shots that mirror TikTok aesthetic (authentic, natural light, not over-produced)
- Image 4: Before/after or comparison shot (performs well on TikTok discovery)
- Image 5: Size/scale reference
- Video: Required and primary; 30–90 seconds; first 3 seconds must hook before swipe

**Shopee / Lazada (Southeast Asia):**
- Image 1: White background hero — required by platform
- Image 2–5: Infographic-heavy approach (text overlays, callout graphics common in this market)
- Image 6–7: Lifestyle model shots with demographic match
- Image 8: Package contents flat lay
- Video: Required on many categories

### Step 4 — Write the Photography Brief

A photography brief prevents miscommunication with photographers and ensures every shot has a purpose.

**Brief sections:**

**1. Product overview**
- Product name, SKU count, color variants
- Key selling points (top 3)
- Top purchase objections to address visually

**2. Hero image specifications**
- Background color (pure white #FFFFFF for Amazon / brand color for DTC)
- Product orientation
- Lighting style (soft box / natural / dramatic)
- Minimum resolution: 2000×2000px (Amazon minimum: 1000px on longest side)

**3. Shot-by-shot list**
For each shot: shot number, name, description, props needed, model required (Y/N), platform target

**4. Model direction**
- Age range, body type, lifestyle aesthetic
- Styling notes (wardrobe, hair, makeup — or "natural, no styling")
- Expressions (genuine use, not posed-smiling-at-camera)
- Setting / location

**5. Brand guidelines**
- Color palette for backgrounds, overlays, accent colors
- Font to use in infographics (if brand has specified fonts)
- Logo placement if required

### Step 5 — Direct the Infographics

Infographics are often the highest-converting images because they communicate specs that text can't. Brief them like a designer would use:

**Infographic types and when to use each:**

| Type | Purpose | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Feature callout | Points to specific product parts with labels | Complex products with multiple features |
| Specs grid | Shows key measurements, materials, capacity | Any product where dimensions matter |
| Comparison chart | Brand vs. competitors | Established categories with clear alternatives |
| Step-by-step | How to use/assemble | Products with non-obvious usage |
| Before/after | Outcome demonstration | Beauty, cleaning, organization products |
| Bundle contents | Shows exactly what's in the box | Any product with accessories or multiple parts |
| Lifestyle grid | Multiple use cases in one image | Versatile products |

**Infographic copy rules:**
- Maximum 3 callouts per image (any more overwhelms)
- Numbers over claims: "320 GSM fleece" beats "premium quality fleece"
- Match the objection: every callout should address a purchase concern, not just repeat specs
- Readable at thumbnail size (test by viewing at 200px width)

### Step 6 — Plan Video Thumbnail and Video Content

**Video thumbnail requirements:**
- Should be understood at 280×157px (YouTube thumbnail size — the harshest test)
- Text overlay must be readable at thumbnail size (minimum 24pt equivalent)
- Show the product prominently — no full lifestyle frame as thumbnail
- High contrast: dark product on light background or vice versa

**Video script structure for product demo (30–60 seconds):**
1. Hook (0–3 seconds): Lead with the outcome, not the product — "Finally solved my [problem]"
2. Problem (3–8 seconds): Name the pain point your buyer recognizes
3. Product reveal (8–15 seconds): Show the product clearly
4. Key feature demonstration (15–40 seconds): Show 2–3 features in use
5. Result / transformation (40–55 seconds): Show the outcome
6. CTA (55–60 seconds): "Link in bio" / "Add to cart" / "Use code X"

### Step 7 — Review and Iterate Based on Performance

After launch, connect photo performance data to decisions:

**A/B test signals (Shopify/DTC):**
- Which hero image gets higher add-to-cart rate?
- Does the lifestyle-first vs. product-first hero convert differently?
- Do infographic images or lifestyle images show higher engagement?

**Amazon-specific signals:**
- Click-through rate by keyword (high CTR = main image working)
- Conversion rate with session attribution
- Review complaints mentioning photo expectations vs. reality

**Iteration trigger:**
- Return rate >10% with "not as described" as top reason → audit photos against return data
- CTR below category average → test different hero image style
- New competitor enters top 5 with better photography → audit their shot list

## Examples

### Example 1 — Insulated Water Bottle (Amazon + Shopify)

**Top purchase objections (from 1-star reviews):**
- "Lid leaks" — show leak test with bottle upside-down
- "Doesn't fit in car cup holder" — show in standard cup holder
- "Lid hard to clean" — show disassembled lid parts

**10-image shot list:**
1. Hero: White background, 3/4 angle, lid closed — fills 85% of frame
2. Size comparison: Held in average hand next to 12oz soda can
3. Cross-section infographic: Double-wall vacuum insulation callout, temperature rating, material specs
4. In-use lifestyle: Woman at trail with bottle in hand, natural light
5. Cup holder fit: In standard cup holder, top-down angle
6. Lid disassembled: Parts laid flat, clean individual component visibility
7. Cold retention test visual: Ice still present after 24-hour callout
8. Leak test: Bottle inverted, no drip, "100% leak-proof" overlay
9. Color variants: All 6 colorways on white background, same angle
10. Box contents flat lay: Bottle, cleaning brush, product card

**Result:** Return rate fell from 9% to 4% after adding cup holder fit shot and lid disassembly shot. "Not as described" returns dropped 60%.

---

### Example 2 — Resistance Band Set (TikTok Shop)

**Target buyer:** Home gym user, 25–40, female, beginner-to-intermediate fitness level  
**Top objections:** "Won't know how to use them" / "Not sure which band to use for which exercise"

**Shot list for TikTok Shop:**
1. Thumbnail: High-contrast flat lay of all 5 bands on black background with "5 resistance levels" overlay — readable at small size
2. Lifestyle: Woman using lightest band for shoulder warm-up, natural home setting
3. Difficulty infographic: Color → resistance level → recommended exercise type
4. Stretch test: Demonstrating elastic quality by stretching band
5. Before/after use: "Day 1" vs. "Week 8" framing (aspirational outcome)

**Video (45 seconds):**
- Hook: "I spent $200 on gym equipment before realizing I just needed this $18 set"
- Problem: Gym not accessible, equipment bulky
- Reveal: Unboxing all 5 bands
- Demo: 3 exercises using different resistance levels
- Result: "Using 3x/week for 8 weeks, noticed real shoulder definition"
- CTA: "Link in bio — also works as a beginner home gym starter pack"

## Common Mistakes

1. **Using one set of photos across all platforms** — Amazon requires white background heroes; TikTok rewards authentic lifestyle content. Same photos used everywhere means underperforming on every platform.

2. **No scale reference** — "Smaller than expected" is one of the top return reasons across all categories. At least 2 shots should show the product's real-world size.

3. **Lifestyle models who don't match the buyer** — A 22-year-old fitness model selling a product to 45-year-old women signals misalignment. Buyers should see themselves in the lifestyle shots.

4. **Infographics that repeat the bullet points** — Infographics should communicate what text can't: visual proof, scale, comparisons, step-by-step processes. Don't recreate the listing text in a graphic.

5. **Hero image that doesn't show the full product** — Crops, extreme close-ups, or angled shots as hero images reduce click-through rates. The hero should show the complete product in its primary form.

6. **Over-produced lifestyle that hides the product** — Expensive lifestyle shoots where the product is a prop in a beautiful environment often underperform against straightforward product-focused images.

7. **No platform compliance check before the shoot** — Discovering after shooting that your main image doesn't meet Amazon's requirements (non-white background, text overlay, mannequin) means a reshoot.

8. **Missing color variant photos** — If you have 5 colors but only photograph 3, the unshot variants consistently underperform. Every variant needs at minimum a hero shot.

9. **Ignoring return data when building shot list** — Return reason reports are the highest-signal input for what photos to add. Not using them means your shot list won't fix the conversion issues that actually exist.

10. **No video content on TikTok Shop** — Video is algorithmically prioritized on TikTok Shop. A listing without video is structurally disadvantaged before the photos are even considered.

## Resources

- [Output Template](references/output-template.md) — Photography brief template
- [Shot List by Category](references/shot-list-by-category.md) — Pre-built shot lists for 12 product categories
- [Platform Image Specs](references/platform-image-specs.md) — Technical requirements for all major platforms
- [Quality Checklist](assets/quality-checklist.md) — Pre-shoot and post-production review checklist