As a Photographer creating imagery for online platforms, and e-commerce, it’s a must that I know about each platforms E-Commerce Photography Guidelines. With previous valuable experience in a leading edge studio, whose clients included many Not On The High Street makers and creators, I’ve gone on to create a product photography studio with cutting edge styling, editing and core photography packages. And now, I’m sharing some insight tips on photography guidelines with my clients & you, if you’ve chosen to read this blog!
There are so many different photography guidelines to follow when you’re selling your products online so I thought I’d run down the ins and outs of what you need to know about your photography requirements for E-commerce sites like Not On The Highstreet, Etsy and Shopify.
Why you need product photos on Etsy
Etsy is the largest online marketplace allowing creatives and makers to sell their handmade products globally with the click of a button to millions of shoppers around the world.
In Etsy’s customer research, shoppers have told them that product photos are critical to their purchase decision. It’s their most important factor when they’re deciding to buy – even more important than the postage cost, customer reviews, or even the price of the item itself. For anyone who crafts products with care, Etsy is a great platform for reaching new customers. Did you know that the site attracts over 89 million buyers a year?
With thousands of products to browse through, people are only likely to click on something that looks interesting. What makes you stand out in this world of online sales? Yep, your quality product photos. It’s the first thing a potential customer is going to see after all!
Having great product images will make your online shop look more professional, resulting in more clicks and more sales. If you’ve spent lots of your precious time and effort creating an amazing product, don’t undersell it with product photos that don’t do it justice!
Etsy’s photo requirements
Etsy has clear photo requirements to be on their platform, and with any of my product shoots, these are considered when I’m photographing for a brand who will be selling on Etsy!
- Etsy’s product images need to clearly show the size of the product, the colours, and what it’s made from.
- The photos need to demonstrate the purpose of the product, helping the customer to imagine the product in their life.
- The first thumbnail image needs to be eye catching, helping to grab the attention of a potential customer while they’re scrolling through Etsy.
We know one of your main goals with your Etsy business is to grab buyers and convince them to browse your lovely product. But it is not something that will happen overnight. It is a long-term process, and to do this thing in the perfect way, gaining accurate knowledge about the requirements of Etsy photos is important. You’re one step ahead with this handy blog, so give it a read before the listing your images! You get to upload up to 10 photos to your Etsy listing, so make them count.
Top tip: Etsy product photos should be 3000px wide by 24000px tall for maximum quality and size, but a minimum of 1500px by 800x to meet their photography guidelines.
Now onto Not On The Highstreet! If you’re lucky enough to have made it through their process and be chosen to sell your products on their highly esteemed online platform, then you need to have your product photography spot on. Not On The High Street is a large online marketplace for thousands of small creative businesses.
They very carefully select the sellers they work with, so in order to create a strong brand identity and pitch, you need to make sure your product photos are one step ahead and meet their photography guidelines first time.
Not On The High Street aim for consistency. This applies throughout all the sellers on the platform. Their goal is to give customer a sense of comfort and familiarity; this is the reason all of their imagery is natural, light and clean – and why they have guidelines to meet. The vast majority of the images on their website are shot in a lifestyle manner which lets the customer get an idea and feel for the product.
Top tip: Images that perfectly sit within the NOTHS photography guidelines (little secret, a seasonal brief is provided to sellers for their photography) can be selected for use alongside any other similarly photographed products in social media and marketing campaigns. So, using a professional photographer to get that effortless look can get you even more marketing via the NOTHS social media. I’m here when you need me!
NOTH’s photo requirements
Not On The Highstreet also has strict photo requirements to be on their platform, and I’ve worked with hundreds of brands over the years who have managed to snag a spot on this wonderful market place using my product photos!
In a nut shell, your product needs to fill 80% of the frame, and any personalisation details must be clearly in focus.
Photography is vital to the overall success of a NOTHS store so it’s a no brainer to outsource your product photos to someone who can ace it for you (hint, hint!) It’s important that your products are presented clearly, and that the images inspire potential customers to find out more and hopefully make a purchase!
Now you’re set to get selling online! The photography guidelines are explained and out of the way so get your product photoshoot booked in with me and expand your lovely products across all platforms!
And when booking a photoshoot with me, simply let me know what you platform require your product images for and I can work my magic to capture photos to help you succeed online, hooray!
