A look at eCommerce product photography

In eCommerce, high-quality product photography isn’t just nice to have — it can make or break conversion rates. A reported 56% of online shoppers* look at product images immediately after arriving on a product page.

While traditional photography provides high-quality visuals, they are hard to adapt. In other words, you’re committed to the end product. Changing an angle, adjusting a background, or reorganizing group shots requires a whole new shoot. That means weeks of waiting and countless dollars for mere adjustments.

Unlike static (traditional) photoshoots, Omi’s Virtual 3D Studio gives you extensive customization in your eCommerce product photography. Adjust backgrounds, lighting, camera angles, and image elements with just a few clicks.

In this article, we’ll cover the impact of high-quality visuals, the different types of product photos to create for eCommerce, and an overview on using Omi to generate a library of images that convert.

Why high-quality images are important for an online store

High-quality images are essential for turning browsers into buyers. Here’s why all online stores need high-quality product images:

They make a strong first impression: High-quality images immediately signal professionalism and care, setting a positive tone for new visitors. A polished, visually appealing eCommerce store invites people to explore further and builds an impression of reliability — similar to the impact of an attractive physical storefront.
They build customer trust: Clear, attractive and well-lit images build trust and demonstrate that you take pride in how your products are viewed in the market. It shows you’re willing to invest in your image, making it more compelling for people to invest in your products.
They help users understand the product: Multiple angles, zoomed-in options, and lifelike visuals give a comprehensive view of the product, reducing uncertainty and ultimately increasing buyer satisfaction.
They reduce product return rates: Clear, detailed images let people envision a product in their lives and understand exactly what they’re getting. This reduces the likelihood of product returns due to unmet expectations.
They improve SEO: Search engines favor pages with high-quality, optimized images. Great visuals improve page ranking, making your products more discoverable to potential buyers.
They boost social media appeal: Eye-catching visuals get more engagement on social media, increasing organic reach and attracting new audiences to your brand. When it comes to ads, great visuals stop scrollers and encourage click-throughs.

Types of product photos for eCommerce

There are various types of product visuals to consider for impactful, high-quality eCommerce photography.

1. White background shots

White background photography, which focuses solely on the product itself, has long been the standard for eCommerce product photos. Think of primary images on platforms like Amazon, where white background photos are required for listings. By removing distractions, the product can shine, making it ideal for a clear, direct representation of a product.

“Different types of visuals serve various purposes based on the product category. For example, a white background works exceptionally well for tech gadgets, jewelry, and minimalist items, as it isolates the product and allows for focus on the design and details.”
— Jeffrey Wang, Photographer and Creative Director at Perfect Moment Photography

2. Staged photography shots

A lot of brands like to get creative with their product shots. Some experiment with backgrounds, props, and settings to add personality and visual interest. But while creative backgrounds can enhance mood and align with brand aesthetics, it’s important not to let these elements overshadow the product.

For simpler or less visually compelling products, strategic styling—like thoughtful accessories or interesting backdrops—make a product more appealing. The right design choices help elevate its perceived value and emotional impact.

3. Product packaging shots

Product packaging shots highlight a product’s distinctive design, adding an extra layer of visual appeal — this is especially effective when the packaging itself is visually striking.

High-quality product photos highlighting elegant, creative, or luxurious packaging create a lasting impression, as shoppers are often drawn to premium and gift-worthy items.

Products aside, a good packaging shot also has an air of mystery and excitement. After all, who can resist an ‘unboxing’ vibe?

4. Close-up shots

Close-up or zoomed-in shots show customers a product’s finer details, helping them assess quality and craftsmanship. These shots are great for showcasing textures, finishes, or intricate designs that make a product stand out.

Close-ups work particularly well for:

Jewelry and watches: Emphasize design, sparkle, and craftsmanship
Cosmetics and beauty: Showcase texture, color, and functional details
Fashion accessories: Highlight materials, stitching, and design intricacies
Electronics: Display buttons, screens, and ports for better usability insights
Art and prints: Capture textures, brush strokes, and color vibrancy

“In the custom-fit leather jacket industry, high-quality visuals are critical for conveying the craftsmanship and premium materials used. Since customers can't physically touch or try on the jacket, detailed, high-resolution images build trust and confidence, showing them exactly what they’re getting. Close-up shots of the leather texture and details appeal to those wanting to appreciate the material's quality.”
—Scott Kunz, Co-founder of Independence Brothers

5. Lifestyle shots

Lifestyle shots bring products to life by showing them in real-world settings, helping customers imagine how the item might fit into their lives. This works for eCommerce stores looking to highlight their products' practical and emotional value beyond just appearance.

For example, a soap bar placed on a stylish bathroom sink evokes sophistication, while a gadget in a working kitchen scene points to functionality. By placing home goods, fashion items, or outdoor products in relatable contexts, lifestyle photography creates compelling narratives that drive purchasing decisions.

“Lifestyle images really shine when we're showcasing results. For example, showing a healthy, muscular dog enjoying [our] product helps potential buyers envision the impact of the product. That emotional connection makes lifestyle images perform particularly well on social media and email campaigns.”
—Maris Laatre, Chief Marketing Officer at Bully Max

6. Group shots

Group shots are perfect for showcasing product bundles (gift sets or combination offers) or items commonly purchased together. They help customers see a complete set — or see how various products complement each other.

Group shots are especially effective for products like skincare kits, furniture sets, or tech accessories. They highlight value while inspiring customers to consider additional purchases that enhance their main product choice.

Omi’s Virtual Studio for eCommerce product images

Omi’s Virtual Photo Studio lets you generate endless on-brand product images using AI-powered 3D rendering technology. First, Omi creates a 3D version of your product and adds this ‘digital twin’ to your account. With this, you can generate unlimited product visuals for your eCommerce store, social media profiles, ad campaigns, and more. The best part? You can do this in a fraction of the time (and cost) of traditional photo shoots.

The Virtual Studio lets you customize backgrounds, lighting, and camera angles — all within your pre-set brand guidelines. Start with a template or build your scene from scratch, then experiment with accessories and settings while staying true to your visual identity. This flexible yet controlled environment helps you create on-brand visuals for every platform.

Reimagine how you product eCommerce product photography with Omi! From custom backgrounds to perfect lighting — create it all in the Virtual Photo Studio. Create a free account here (includes everything except a 3D model of your product).

How to create high-quality product photos with Omi

To create the ideal product shot with Omi, pay attention to the following components:

Lighting

Lighting is crucial in product photography. In traditional shoots, perfect shots often need a complex lighting setup with multiple light sources, reflectors, and adjustments. And once you have these shots, there’s not a lot you can change. Sure, there’s some degree of flexibility in the editing process where tones and hues can be tweaked. But these changes take time and design expertise. If the lighting is totally off, you might have to redo the entire shoot, which strains budgets and timelines.

Omi’s Virtual Studio offers fully customizable digital lighting options that provide flexibility far beyond a traditional setup. Whether you want to mimic natural light, experiment with studio lighting, or highlight specific product features, Omi allows you to achieve the perfect look in minutes.

This freedom makes it easier for you to produce fresh, photorealistic images for your platforms and campaigns.

Backgrounds

Creating the right background in traditional product photography often requires multiple sets, backdrops, and props, which can be time-consuming and costly. Adjusting or changing a backdrop usually means redoing the entire setup, which takes time and resources.

Omi’s Virtual Studio makes this process seamless. With Magic Backgrounds, you can select from various backdrops or create custom environments using AI — no physical props or sets needed. You can even upload your own images as backgrounds, giving you even more control over your brand image.

Brand vibes, right?

You can even experiment with different scenes and easily adjust environments for various campaigns or social media posts.

Angles, zoom, and focal points

Capturing the right angles and focal points in product photography is essential for showcasing a product’s features, textures, and details.

Traditional photography requires extensive repositioning and multiple shoots to capture the right angles. For complex views — like a 360° perspective — setups are even harder.

Omi’s Virtual Studio redefines this process. With 3D models crafted by our 3D artists, you can rotate and view products from any angle in the builder, and capture every little detail.

Post-production

Omi lets you experiment freely and adapt your visuals for different channels and campaigns, whether it’s a straightforward packshot, a 360° view video, or a creative shot that’s styled for your holiday campaign.

Omi’s Virtual Studio is the ultimate solution for any eCommerce business looking to elevate its product visuals easily and efficiently.

Using Omi is like having a professional photo studio in your pocket — you get high-quality product photos without the high costs and logistical challenges of traditional shoots.

What used to require studio space, lighting equipment, and professional photographers, can now be accomplished in clicks. With just your product and an Omi account, you can create studio-quality shots with perfect lighting, professional backgrounds, and multiple angles.

Not only does Omi save its clientele up to 90% on photoshoot costs, but it boosts engagement rates by 32% and increases conversion rates by 19%, helping you make a greater impact with every image.

From compelling product photos to customizable lifestyle shots and group images, Omi provides endless creative options to showcase your brand at its best.

Want to find out if Omi’s Virtual Studio can help you create eCommerce visuals that convert? Then…