Top 10 FAQ About Product Photography & Finding the Right Product PhotograPher (2025 Guide)

If you sell products online, high-quality photos are essential for standing out.

To help business owners in NYC, New Jersey, and beyond, we’ve put together the top 10 FAQs about product photography in 2025. These cover everything from flat lay vs 360 photos to platform requirements, so you can hire the right local product photographer and get sales-ready images.

1. What is product photography, and how does it differ from commercial photography?

Answer: Product photography is focused on showing a product clearly for online sales, catalogs, or ads. Commercial photography is broader, often including lifestyle campaigns, branding, and models.

All product photography is commercial photography, but not all commercial photography is product photography.

For NYC and NJ e-commerce sellers, hiring a product photographer ensures your images meet Amazon, eBay, and Shopify standards.

2. How do I know if I need a product photographer or a commercial photographer?

Answer: Hire a product photographer if you need clean, sales-driven e-commerce images. Choose a commercial photographer for broader campaigns (billboards, magazine ads, branded lifestyle shoots). In NYC and NJ, many photographers offer both services so you can scale from online listings to full campaigns.

3. What’s the difference between flat lay, lifestyle, and 360 product photography?

Answer:

• Flat lay: Overhead shots of arranged products (ideal for clothing, beauty, food).

• Lifestyle: Products shown in real-world use, often with models (great for Instagram and ad campaigns).

• 360-degree: Interactive rotating views that let buyers see every angle.

A mix of lifestyle + 360 photography can help brands boost sales across Shopify and Amazon.

4. What are the product photography requirements for Amazon and Etsy in 2025?

Answer:

• Amazon (2025): Main image must be on a pure white background, with the product filling at least 85% of the frame. Images should be at least 1000px on the longest side for zoom capability. Additional lifestyle or detail shots are encouraged.

• Etsy (2025): Etsy recommends high-resolution images (ideally 2000px wide) and allows up to 10 photos. Unlike Amazon, Etsy encourages lifestyle photography, natural lighting, and creative backgrounds to tell the product’s story.

Working with a local product photographer ensures your listings meet these requirements — saving you from rejected uploads or missed sales.

5. What makes a product photo “sell” online?

Answer: A strong selling image combines clarity, accuracy, and emotional appeal. Customers should instantly understand the product and imagine using it. Consistent lighting, multiple angles, and lifestyle context all contribute to higher conversions on Amazon, Etsy, eBay, and Shopify.

6. Do I need a model for product photography?

Answer: Not always. Many products (electronics, packaged goods) don’t need models. But apparel, accessories, and beauty products often sell better when shown on people. Local photographers in NYC and NJ can also provide access to models and stylists if needed.

7. How many product images should I get per product?

Answer: Most platforms recommend 5–7 images per product:

• 1 white-background “main” image (Amazon/eBay compliant)

• 2–3 lifestyle/context images

• 1–2 close-ups

• Optional 360 or video

This mix gives customers enough views to make confident buying decisions.

8. Can I use an iPhone for product photography, or do I need a professional camera?

Answer: You can use an iPhone with good lighting, but professional cameras, controlled studio lighting, and retouching software deliver consistent, high-resolution results. This is critical for NYC and NJ sellers who need to meet strict Amazon requirements and stand out in competitive markets.

9. How do I prepare my products for a photoshoot?

Answer:

• Deliver items clean and polished (no scratches, dust, or wrinkles).

• Provide extras for fragile or multi-part products.

• Include packaging if you want “unboxing” shots.

• Share inspiration images for style consistency.

Preparation saves editing time and helps your photographer capture the best results.

10. What should I look for in a product photographer’s portfolio?

Answer: Look for:

• Clean, consistent lighting

• Sharp focus and true-to-life colors

• Experience with your type of product (clothing, jewelry, electronics, etc.)

• Both lifestyle and e-commerce images

• Attention to detail (no dust, fingerprints, or glare)

A strong portfolio demonstrates versatility and reliability.

Final Thoughts

Hiring the right product photographer in NYC or NJ ensures your images don’t just look good — they sell.

From flat lay to lifestyle photos, professional product photography helps you meet platform standards and capture buyer attention.