Quality product imagery isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for online sales.
The global photography services market hit $55.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $81.8 billion by 2032, signaling an industry that’s becoming more critical and competitive each year.
Using high-quality product photos can increase conversions by up to 30% and reduce returns by showcasing products more accurately.
Table Contents
- 1 Core Product Photography Tools to Build Your Kit
- 2 Can Professional Image Editing Help?
- 3 Emerging and Must-Watch Trends in 2025
- 4 Must-Have Product Photography Tools
- 4.1 What are the essential tools for product photography in 2025?
- 4.2 Can I use my smartphone for professional product photography?
- 4.3 How important is editing in product photography?
- 4.4 What is the role of AI in product photography?
- 4.5 How much does professional image editing cost?
- 4.6 What are the benefits of 360° product photography?
- 5 Final Takeaway
Core Product Photography Tools to Build Your Kit
Professional product photography requires several tools and gear. But there are some major gears without them you can’t even start, such as camera, lenses, lighting colors and etc.
1. Camera & Lens Setup
Cameras: DSLR or mirrorless systems like the Sony A7 series, Canon R-series, or Nikon Z-series offer superior manual control and RAW file output—vital for high-end product shots.
Lenses:
A 50mm f/1.8 lens for affordable, sharp shots.
A 100mm macro lens for jewellery or small-item photography.
A 24–70mm zoom for flexible frame composition
2. Tripods & Remote Triggers
A reliable tripod ensures stability, especially for flat-lay or macro photography. Pair it with a remote shutter or a smartphone app to avoid camera shake and ensure tack-sharp images every time.
3. Backdrop & Light Control
Use seamless paper backdrops in white, grey, or custom brand colours for a clean background. A light tent or soft-box can diffuse harsh shadows, ideal for shiny objects. You should add reflectors or white foam boards to bounce light and fill in shadows.
4. Lighting Systems
Whether you’re shooting in natural light or a studio, proper lighting makes or breaks the photo:
- LED panels or continuous soft lighting kits like Neewer or Godox
- Three-point lighting setup: Key light, fill light, and background light
- For portable setups, invest in battery-powered flash systems like Profoto B10 or B2
Can Professional Image Editing Help?
Yes, even with the finest gears and flawless setup, you can’t capture the perfect photo. Professional setups are for capturing a perfect scenario and frame. After that, in the post-production, you make your subject look perfect.
For businesses that want studio-quality images without hiring an in-house team, The Living Colors Studio offers comprehensive image editing solutions. Whether you’re an Amazon seller, fashion brand, or product photographer, their team provides:
- Background removal & replacement
- Color correction & grading
- Shadow, reflection, and ghost mannequin editing
- High-volume image processing
- Amazon and Shopify-ready formatting
Their services are not just fast and affordable—they’re tailored to eCommerce success. With a global client base and a reputation for precision, The Living Colors helps businesses consistently produce scroll-stopping product images. You can try our free trial feature for a couple of images and decide for yourself.
Emerging and Must-Watch Trends in 2025
With innovative latest technology, people are looking for more unique and immersive experiences in their online shopping. So new age photography techniques such as 3D product photo, AR/VR modelling, and motion product visualisation are becoming popular trends.
360° Product Photography & Interactive Visuals
But static spins are evolving. While typical single-row spins (36+ images) perform well, multi-row (3D spin) and twin-axis rotations are gaining traction for more realistic views. Automated turntables or robotic setups drive this shift and reduce per-item cost to $20–$40 at scale with professional rigs.
Integrating AR/VR now improves trust and conversion—retailers using these features see up to a 94% boost in conversions, and shoppers spend significantly more time on product pages.
Hyper-Realistic CGI Rendering
Hybrid workflows use CGI to generate photorealistic product images from CAD or prototypes. These lose no quality and cut photography costs by up to 50%. They also support instant edits, material changes, and AR readiness.
Visual Storytelling & Lifestyle Integration
Brands are leveraging storytelling and product-in-use visuals to emotionally engage. For instance, coffee in a cozy morning setup or yoga gear in an active scene adds narrative context
Minimalism & Eco-Centric Styling
Minimalist composition is back, now combined with natural textures like wood, stone, or recycled materials to convey authenticity and sustainability. Clean frames, soft shadows, and bold brand-focused color contrast are common catalysts for trust and elegance
Bold Color Gradients & Dynamic Styling
2025 sees vibrant gradients and contrast-loaded backdrops (think neon vignettes or geometric shapes) used to grab attention, especially on social media or mobile feeds.
Motion, Cinema graphs & Short Video Formats
Subtle animation within images (steam rising, fabric fluttering) and short video snippets boost engagement and dwell time, key for dynamic e-commerce listings and ads.
Sustainability in Photography Practices
E-commerce brands increasingly stage shoots with eco-friendly materials, minimal lighting or natural light, and recyclable props, reinforcing sustainability as a brand value and visual language.
Must-Have Product Photography Tools
| Tool Category | Must-Have Examples | Why It Matters |
| Camera & Lens | Sony A7, Canon R, Nikon Z,50mm or 100mm macro | High-res, sharp image capture |
| Tripod & Remote Trigger | Manfrotto, Joby tripods, wireless shutter | Stable, blur-free shots |
| Lighting Equipment | Neewer LED panels, Godox softboxes, Profoto B10 | Even, soft lighting |
| Backdrops & Tents | Seamless paper, foldable light tent | Clean, controlled background |
| Reflectors / Whiteboards | 5-in-1 reflectors or DIY foam boards | Shadow control |
| AI Tools for Editing | Remove.bg, Adobe Firefly,Claid.ai | Quick, automated postprocessing |
What are the essential tools for product photography in 2025?
The basics include a quality camera (mirrorless or DSLR), a versatile lens (50 mm or macro), a sturdy tripod, proper lighting (LED panels or softboxes), a clean backdrop, and post-production software or services.
Can I use my smartphone for professional product photography?
Yes, newer smartphones support RAW shooting, manual settings, and advanced editing apps. While they can produce excellent results for small-scale projects, investing in a dedicated camera system is still better for high-volume, high-resolution eCommerce work.
How important is editing in product photography?
Editing is just as important as the shoot itself. Even well-lit photos often need background removal, colour correction, and shadow enhancement to meet platform guidelines and brand standards. Outsourcing to The Living Colors Studio ensures your product images meet eCommerce quality requirements while saving you time.
What is the role of AI in product photography?
AI tools like Remove.bg, Adobe Firefly, and Claid.ai help with background removal, resizing, and batch processing. They’re great for speeding up workflows, but for brand consistency and detailed retouching, human editors still play a crucial role.
How much does professional image editing cost?
Costs vary based on volume, complexity, and turnaround time. The Living Colors Studio offers competitive pricing for both small batches and bulk editing, making professional retouching accessible to startups and established brands alike.
What are the benefits of 360° product photography?
360° images enable customers to interact with your product online, enhancing trust and increasing conversions by up to 35%. They’re especially effective for fashion, electronics, and home goods.
Final Takeaway
A strong product photo requires more than just a camera and lights; it demands a full ecosystem of photography tools and professional editing solutions. Whether you’re an in-house team or a solo entrepreneur, pairing your product shots with expert editing from The Living Colours Studio can be the difference between just another listing and a high-converting product page.
Ready to take your product photography to the next level? Start with the right tools and let The Living Colours Studio perfect the final touch.
