Product Photos That Sell, Taken With Just Your Phone

In your shop, a customer can pick something up, turn it over and feel its weight. Online, they can't. The photo has to do all of that work, and it's usually the difference between "add to cart" and scrolling past.

The good news: your phone is more than enough. What matters is light, background and a few habits.

1. Use a window, not a flash

Set up next to a large window during the day, with the light coming from the side. Soft daylight makes almost anything look good. Turn your phone's flash off; it flattens colors and creates harsh shine.

If the sun is shining straight in and making hard shadows, tape a sheet of white paper or a thin white curtain over the window. Instant softbox.

2. Keep the background simple

• A large sheet of white or light gray poster board, curved up behind the product, gives a clean, seamless look.
• A wooden table or a linen cloth works well for food, candles and handmade goods.
• Whatever you choose, use the same background for every product. Your store will instantly look more professional and consistent.

3. Take the same set of shots for everything

1. The hero shot: the whole product, straight on, centered. This is your main photo.
2. The angle: a three-quarter view that shows its shape.
3. The detail: a close-up of the texture, stitching, label or finish.
4. The scale shot: in a hand, on a shelf, or being worn, so people understand the size.
5. The in-use shot: the candle lit, the mug with coffee, the necklace being worn.

4. Hold steady and tap to focus

Lean your phone on a stack of books or use a cheap phone stand. Tap the screen on the product to focus, then slide your finger down slightly to make it a touch darker if the white background looks blown out. Take a few, then pick the sharpest.

5. Edit lightly, and honestly

A little brightening and straightening is all you need. Don't change the product's real color: if a customer receives something that looks different from the photo, you'll get a return and maybe an unhappy review.

Check them where customers will see them: on a phone

Nearly half of US web visits now come from phones and tablets, and for shoppers arriving from social media it's almost everyone. Look at your photos on your own phone, at small size. Can you tell what the product is in a second? Is it bright and sharp?

Your job for this week

1. Pick a spot by your best window and a background you'll reuse.
2. Photograph your five best sellers with the five-shot set above.
3. Replace the weakest photo in your store with your new hero shot.
4. Look at your store on your phone and swap any photo that doesn't pass the one-second test.