5 PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY STYLES FOR YOUR ECOMMERCE SHOP PAGE (AND HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE)

Mandy — MNDY Photography
Nov 12, 2025
3 min read

ECOMMERCE SERIES PART ONE:

The feature image on your shop or category page is doing a lot of heavy lifting, it's the first visual impression of your product and your brand in one. Before you brief your photographer, it's worth understanding the different styles available so you can make a deliberate choice that aligns with your brand positioning, not just what looks nice.

For now, we start with the different styles you could consider as the feature image for your product page, that appears on the main shop page.

PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY STYLES FOR ECOMMERCE

DEEP ETCHED

The background is removed in post editing leaving a true white infinite background that blends seamlessly with a white computer screen. This requires more time in the editing process as the product needs to be cut out, the more shapely the product is or the more items in the shot, the longer this will take. This style creates a really clean, seamless look to the page overall and makes it super easy to spot the product you're looking for.

Beauty product page photo deep etched — Deep etched without shadow

SOLID BRAND COLOUR

Your brand hex colour digitally applied as the background in post editing.

An outstretched arm with a lavender tanning mit on, against a purple background.

INFINITE BACKGROUND

Your product is shot on a coloured or textured backdrop set up with a curve to create a seamless background. This style will get some small variations in shadow and light. Or shooting against a textured backdrop like linen or a muslim wrap will give a bit more depth to the shot.

A brown jar of tea, labelled Kintonik on a cream background.

REFLECTION

For those wanting a more editorial feel in the hero shot, this option has your product set up on a white base that creates a subtle reflection effect. The backdrop could be white or coloured or post edited to match a brand colour. I'd recommend this style if you only have a few products on your shop page. It can become a little busy if you have a heap of products listed on the main shop or category page.

Two packets of Dawn supplements featuring pink and white branding on a white reflective background.

SUNLIGHT SHADOWS

A soft line where the background and the base meet, shot in natural light to create shadows. Another option that is a bit more striking, perfect for boxed packaging and simple products. But as this style relies on direct sunlight, it can be harder to get consistency across a large range of products (as the sunlight will dull and brighten depending on the day) I wouldn't recommend this style if you are on a tight timeline, as the weather impacts the ability to shoot. As a product photographer on the Gold Coast I am pretty fortunate with sunny days, but this isn't always the case.

A pink serum bottle and box sitting against a white wall with a hard shadow on a white background.

If you're now asking yourself - "How do I choose the right product photography style for my ecommerce brand?" - Your choice should be guided by three things: your brand's visual identity, the complexity of your product range and where your product photography will be used beyond your website. A brand running paid social ads, for example, may need more versatile backgrounds than one focused purely on organic search. If you're unsure, briefing your photographer with examples of brands you admire is always a good starting point.

The right style isn't just an aesthetic decision, it's a brand one. If you'd like help identifying which approach suits your product range and brand direction, get in touch and we can work through it together.

Check out the next blog in this ecommerce business series, where I'll be sharing the important things your estore photos must have to set you up for success.