How to Take the Best Etsy Photos for Your Shop

Jane DoeJane DoeSeptember 14, 202411 min read

Looking to stand out on Etsy? Quality photos are one of the most important factors for attracting customers to your shop. This guide provides practical tips for taking the best Etsy photos that will make your listings pop and help you increase sales. With a few adjustments and the right tools, like Assembo.ai, you can create images that draw in shoppers and showcase your products in the best light possible.

1. Clean and Custom Backgrounds for Your Photos

Etsy product photo with clean background

One of the first things to get right in your Etsy photos is the background. A clean, simple background ensures the focus remains on your product and not on any distracting elements. Assembo.ai is a powerful tool that allows you to upload your product image, generate custom backgrounds, and create a professional look with ease.

How It Works:

  1. Upload your product image.
  2. Choose or create a background with Assembo.ai.
  3. The AI automatically merges your product with the chosen background.

Background Tips:

  • Neutral tones: Use white, beige, or light gray to keep the focus on your product.
  • DIY setups: Use a simple sheet or paper as a backdrop if you're shooting from home.
  • Custom AI backgrounds: With tools like Assembo.ai, you can craft tailored backgrounds to fit your brand’s aesthetic.

Explore how to create stunning Etsy backgrounds to make your shop stand out.

2. Use Natural Lighting for the Best Results

Etsy product photo with natural light

Lighting is everything in photography, and using natural light can make a big difference in the quality of your Etsy photos. It creates a softer, more flattering look for your products without the harshness of artificial lighting.

Tips for Natural Lighting:

  1. Shoot during golden hours: Early morning or late afternoon is ideal for soft, natural light.
  2. Position near a window: Natural light coming through a window will brighten your product evenly.
  3. Use reflectors: Bounce light back onto your product to eliminate shadows with white foam boards or even a sheet of paper.

For more ideas on how natural light enhances Etsy product photos, check out this helpful guide.

3. Show Your Product in Use

product in use Etsy photo

Giving potential buyers a clear view of how your product will be used can help them visualize its role in their lives. Lifestyle shots where your product is used in context help create an emotional connection and make your listing more relatable.

Tips for Lifestyle Photos:

  1. Add props: Include related items that complement your product (e.g., plants, books, mugs).
  2. Create a setting: Whether it's a kitchen scene for pottery or a desk for stationery, make sure the background enhances the product’s vibe.
  3. Use real people: If applicable, feature people using or wearing your product to show scale and usage.

Learn how to create captivating lifestyle Etsy photos that boost your product’s appeal.

4. Capture Multiple Angles

multiple angles Etsy product photo

Providing multiple angles of your product builds trust with potential customers by giving them a fuller picture of what they’re buying. Etsy shoppers can't hold or touch your products, so detailed photography from various perspectives helps them make an informed decision.

Key Angles to Capture:

  1. Front and side views: Basic views of your product.
  2. Close-ups: Zoom in on important features, textures, or details.
  3. Back view: Don’t forget to show the reverse side if relevant.

For a detailed guide, check out how multiple angles enhance Etsy product photos.

5. Edit Photos to Perfect Your Listing

editing Etsy photos

Editing is often necessary to fine-tune your Etsy photos. However, be careful not to overdo it—your goal is to keep the photos realistic and true to the product.

Simple Editing Steps:

  1. Adjust brightness and contrast: Make sure your product stands out and isn't too dark or too bright.
  2. Fix color balance: Ensure the colors reflect the actual item as accurately as possible.
  3. Retouch only if needed: Remove minor blemishes or distractions, but don’t alter the product itself.

Find more tips on editing Etsy photos to improve your shop's presentation.

6. Use Macro Photography for Small Products

macro photography for Etsy

Macro photography is particularly useful if you sell small or intricate items, such as jewelry or crafts. By focusing on close-up details, you can emphasize the quality and craftsmanship of your product, helping buyers see the finer points.

Macro Photography Tips:

  1. Use a macro lens: If you have a camera with interchangeable lenses, a macro lens will give you the best close-up shots.
  2. Ensure good lighting: Macro shots require precise lighting to highlight every detail without creating harsh shadows.
  3. Steady your shot: Use a tripod to avoid blurry images, as macro photography is sensitive to movement.

Learn more about how macro photography can improve your Etsy listings.

7. Create Consistent Styling Across Photos

consistent Etsy photo styling

Consistency is key when building your brand on Etsy. Your product photos should have a similar style, color tone, and layout to create a cohesive and professional look.

How to Keep Consistency:

  1. Same lighting and angles: Use the same lighting setup for all photos.
  2. Background color and texture: Stick to the same background across multiple listings.
  3. Framing: Ensure your product is centered and shot at the same angle for all your items.

For more tips on maintaining consistent product photography, check out this helpful resource.

8. Include Size Reference in Photos

size reference Etsy photo

One of the biggest challenges with online shopping is understanding the scale of a product. Including a reference object in your photo (such as a hand, coin, or ruler) can help buyers visualize the size of your product, avoiding misunderstandings and potential returns.

Size Reference Tips:

  1. Use everyday objects: Include common items like a pen, a hand, or a coffee cup to show scale.
  2. Side-by-side comparisons: Show the product next to a familiar item for easy comparison.
  3. Ruler shots: Photograph the product alongside a ruler or measuring tape to show exact dimensions.

Learn more about how to use size references effectively in product photos.

Final Thoughts

Taking stunning Etsy photos is essential to growing your shop and increasing sales. Clean backgrounds, natural lighting, and lifestyle shots make a big impact on the appeal of your listings. With tools like Assembo.ai, you can simplify the process of creating custom backgrounds and maintaining consistent quality. Don’t forget the importance of multiple angles, macro shots, and size references to give potential buyers a complete view of your products.

For more Etsy photography tips, check out: