12 Product Photography Background Ideas That Are Easy to Create

Author

Lola Lin

May 14, 2024

9 min read

white background ai Product photography

As a business owner or marketer, you only have 3 seconds to catch your prospects' eyes, that is why product photography is super important. The right background can make all the difference in showcasing your products and capturing your audience's attention. In this article, we'll explore 12 creative background ideas that are easy to execute, whether you're using traditional methods or leveraging the power of AI.

1. Lifestyle/On-Location Backgrounds

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Shooting your products in a real-life setting can help your audience envision how they would use them in their own lives. Take advantage of the natural backgrounds available at your location, such as walls, furniture, windows, mirrors, floors, and rugs.

Create lifestyle background with AI:

  • Image Prompt: 👇A nice lifestyle image like at a cozy cafe you found on the internet
  • Text Prompt: "cozy cafe with blurry people in the background"
white background ai Product photography

Create lifestyle background without AI:

  • Scout your location for interesting and varied background options: coffe shops,
  • Use props and styling to create a cohesive and engaging scene
white background ai Product photography

2. Off-White or Gray Background

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For products that may not stand out well against a pure white background, an off-white or gray backdrop can provide just enough contrast while maintaining a neutral and minimalistic look. This subtle variation can help keep the focus on the product while adding a touch of sophistication.

Create off-white or gray background with AI:

  • Image Prompt: this is a simple background, you won't need image prompt to get a good image
  • Text Prompt: "on a clean, gray background with soft, even lighting"
white background ai Product photography

Create off-white or gray background without AI:

  • Use off-white or gray seamless paper, foam board, or fabric as your backdrop
  • Ensure even lighting to maintain the neutral tone of the background
white background ai Product photography

3. Bokeh Effect

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The bokeh effect, characterized by blurred, circular lights in the background, can add a magical and dreamy quality to your product images. This technique is particularly effective for products that evoke a sense of romance, celebration, or wonder.

Create bokeh background with AI:

  • Image Prompt: 👇A nice bokeh image you found on the internet
  • Text Prompt: "dreamy bokeh lighting background "
white background ai Product photography

Create bokeh background without AI:

  • Use a lens with a wide aperture (low f-number) to create a shallow depth of field
  • Use string lights or reflective objects in the background to create the bokeh effect
white background ai Product photography

4. Black Background

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A black background can create a dramatic and luxurious effect, making it an excellent choice for high-end products like jewelry, watches, or premium cosmetics. The key is to ensure proper lighting to prevent the product from blending into the dark backdrop.

Create black background with AI:

  • Image Prompt: 👇A nice black background image you found on the internet
  • Text Prompt: "black background with dramatic, even lighting"
white background ai Product photography

Create black background without AI:

  • Use a black seamless paper, fabric, or foam board as your background
  • Incorporate lighting techniques like rim lighting or reflectors to separate the product from the background
white background ai Product photography

5. Natural Backgrounds

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Incorporating nature-inspired elements like wood, dirt, sand, stone, or leaves can add a touch of authenticity and warmth to your product images. These backgrounds are affordable, easy to source, and can help tell your brand's story.

Create natural background with AI:

  • Image Prompt: 👇A nice nature image you found on the internet
  • Text Prompt: "on a pile of colorful leaves"
white background ai Product photography

Create natural background without AI:

  • Utilize soft and even natural light
  • Collect natural elements that align with your brand's aesthetic
  • Arrange them to create an interesting and visually appealing
white background ai Product photography

6. Bright or Bold Solid or Gradient Colors

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Using bright or bold solid colors as your product background can create a vibrant and eye-catching image that aligns with your brand's personality. The key is to choose colors that complement your product without overpowering it.

Create gradient background with AI:

  • Image Prompt: 👇A nice bright color image you found on the internet
  • Text Prompt: "bright pink gradient to purple background"
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Create gradient background without AI:

  • Use seamless paper, foam board, or fabric in your desired color
  • Experiment with different color combinations and intensities to find the perfect balance
white background ai Product photography

7. Rug and Cloth

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Textiles like rugs and cloth can add depth, texture, and warmth to your product images. These backgrounds are versatile, durable, and can be easily adjusted to suit your needs.

Create rug and cloth background with AI:

  • Image Prompt: 👇A nice cloth image you found on the internet
  • Text Prompt: "on a classy table runner cloth"
white background ai Product photography

Create rug and cloth background without AI:

  • Choose rugs or fabrics that align with your brand's color palette and style
  • Iron them to avoid wrinkles. Experiment with different folding and layering techniques to create visual interest
white background ai Product photography

8. Smoke and Mist

white background ai Product photography

Adding a mysterious and ethereal effect to your product images can be achieved by incorporating smoke or mist into your backgrounds. This technique works particularly well for products with a sense of luxury, elegance, or drama.

Create smoke and mist background with AI:

  • Image Prompt: 👇A nice smoke image you found on the internet
  • Text Prompt: "surrounded by smoke, a mysterious and alluring atmosphere. "
white background ai Product photography

Create smoke and mist background without AI:

  • Use a fog machine or smoke bombs to create the desired effect
  • Ensure proper ventilation and safety precautions when working with smoke or mist
white background ai Product photography

9. Desk or Tabletop with Texture

white background ai Product photography

Adding a wooden or marble texture to your product images can create a sense of depth and visual interest. This type of background works particularly well for lifestyle shots or products that benefit from a more natural, organic feel.

Create wooden tabletop background with AI:

  • Image Prompt: 👇A nice wooden table image you found on the internet
  • Text Prompt: "on a wooden tabletop with a rough texture."
white background ai Product photography

Create wooden tabletop background without AI:

  • Use a clean wooden table, cutting board, or a piece of marble
  • Use 2 desk lamps for even lighting from both left and right.
  • Experiment with different textures and finishes to find the perfect fit for your product
white background ai Product photography

10. Patterns and Geometric Shapes

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Incorporating patterns or geometric shapes into your product backgrounds can add a playful and dynamic element to your images. This technique can be used to create a sense of movement, convey a specific theme, or simply make your photos more visually engaging.

Create geometric background with AI:

  • Image Prompt: 👇A nice geometry image you found on the internet
  • Text Prompt: "light pink and blue geometric background"
white background ai Product photography

Create geometric background without AI:

  • Use patterned fabric, geometrical objects, or create your own patterns using cut paper or vinyl
  • Experiment with different scales, colors, and arrangements to find the perfect balance
white background ai Product photography

11. Plain White Background

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A classic choice for ecommerce photography, a plain white background is not only required by platforms like Amazon but also creates a clean and uniform look for your website. It allows the product to be the star of the show, directing the buyer's focus where it matters most.

Create plain white background with AI:

  • Image Prompt: this is a simple background, you won't need image prompt to get a good image
  • Text Prompt: "on a clean, seamless white background with soft, even lighting"
white background ai Product photography

Create plain white background without AI:

  • Use a seamless white paper roll, foam board, or a white wall as your backdrop. Use 2 desk lamps for even lighting from both left and right.
  • Ensure even lighting to eliminate shadows and create a pure white background
white background ai Product photography

12. Ice and Water

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Using ice or water as a background can add a refreshing and dynamic element to your product images. This technique is particularly effective for products related to beverages, skincare, or anything that benefits from a sense of coolness or purity.

Create water background with AI:

  • Image Prompt: 👇A nice water image you found on the internet
  • Text Prompt: "water splashing in the swimming pool, freshness and purity. "
white background ai Product photography

Create water background with no AI:

  • Use water tank on top of product to create a trick water effect
  • Experiment with lighting to highlight the translucence and reflective qualities of the ice or water
white background ai Product photography

Conclusion

Creating compelling product images doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. By experimenting with these 12 background ideas and techniques, you can jumpstart your product photography journey. Whether you choose to use traditional methods or leverage the power of AI with assembo.ai, the key is to find backgrounds that align with your brand's personality and aesthetic while keeping the focus on your products. Happy creating!

See Also

  • How to Take Product Photos with iPhone? - A Beginner's Guide
  • 6 Easy Steps to Open an Amazon Shop - with AI Amazon Product Photography
  • 7 hacks to get product photography done cheap