AI for E-commerce: Product Photography Guide
Professional product photos, virtual model try-ons, lifestyle shots, and packaging mockups - all generated with AI.
Professional product photography typically costs $50-500 per image. AI can generate unlimited variations for a fraction of the cost - and you can create lifestyle shots, model try-ons, and seasonal themes without scheduling photoshoots.
In This Guide
Isolated Product Photography
Clean product shots on white or transparent backgrounds - the foundation of any e-commerce store.
Pure White Background
Product photography of [your product] on pure white background (RGB 255,255,255). Three-quarter angle showing front and side details. Professional studio lighting - large softbox from top-right creating soft shadows, fill light eliminating harsh shadows. Crisp focus throughout entire product. Clean e-commerce isolation style ready for any background. High resolution, every detail sharp.
Multiple Angle Template
Generate a consistent set of angles for every product:
// Front view
Product photography, front view straight-on of [product]. Centred in frame, pure white background. Even studio lighting, no harsh shadows. E-commerce standard product shot.
// 45-degree angle
Product photography, 45-degree angle view of [product] showing front and right side. Pure white background. Studio lighting revealing form and dimension. E-commerce hero shot angle.
// Side profile
Product photography, side profile view of [product]. Pure white background. Shows depth and profile shape. Clean studio lighting. E-commerce detail shot.
// Top-down / flat lay
Product photography, top-down flat lay view of [product]. Bird's eye perspective, pure white background. Even overhead lighting. E-commerce flat lay style.
// Detail close-up
Macro close-up product photography of [specific detail - zipper, stitching, texture, etc.]. Shallow depth of field, extreme detail visible. Pure white background. Shows craftsmanship and quality.
Category-Specific Prompts
| Category | Key Details to Include |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Fabric texture, drape, colour accuracy, stitching detail |
| Shoes | Sole detail, material texture, lacing, brand placement |
| Electronics | Screen reflections (controlled), ports visible, sleek finish |
| Jewellery | Sparkle, reflections, clasp detail, scale reference |
| Food | Texture, moisture, steam if hot, fresh appearance |
| Cosmetics | Packaging shine, texture swatches, colour accuracy |
| Furniture | Material texture, wood grain, fabric detail, proportions |
| Watches | Dial detail, reflections on glass, strap texture, hands position |
// Watch product shot
Luxury watch product photography on pure white background. Three-quarter angle showing dial face and side profile. Time set to 10:10. Crisp reflections on sapphire crystal, brushed metal case catching light. Leather strap texture visible. Focus stacked for complete sharpness. High-end watch advertising style, dramatic single side light creating metallic highlights.
Lifestyle Product Shots
Show products in context - how they're used in real life. These convert better than isolated shots alone.
Using Reference Images
Upload your product image and place it into lifestyle scenes:
// Product placement from reference
Using the provided product image of the ceramic coffee mug, place it in a lifestyle scene: Morning kitchen setting, the mug on a marble countertop with steam rising. Soft morning light from window camera left. Blurred breakfast items in background (croissant, newspaper). Warm, inviting atmosphere. Preserve exact mug design, proportions, colour, and glaze finish from reference. Shot on full-frame camera with 50mm lens, shallow depth of field focusing on the mug.
Scene Templates by Product Type
Home & Kitchen
Fashion Accessories
Tech & Electronics
Fitness & Outdoors
Skincare & Beauty
Virtual Model Try-On
Show clothing, accessories, and wearables on diverse models without booking photoshoots.
Clothing Try-On
// Basic clothing try-on
Using the provided product image of the blue silk blouse, show it worn by a model. Preserve exact fabric texture, colour (#2E5984), button placement, collar style, and fit from the product photo. Model: South Asian woman, 25-30, natural makeup, professional appearance. Clean white studio background, soft even lighting showing fabric drape and sheen. E-commerce model photography style, full garment visible from waist up.
Model Diversity Template
Generate the same product on multiple models for inclusive representation:
| Model Description | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Model A | East Asian woman, early 20s, petite build, natural makeup |
| Model B | Black woman, late 20s, athletic build, natural hair |
| Model C | White woman, mid 30s, curvy build, professional look |
| Model D | South Asian woman, late 30s, tall build, elegant styling |
| Model E | Latina woman, mid 40s, average build, sophisticated look |
| Model F | Middle Eastern woman, early 30s, athletic build, minimal makeup |
Accessories Try-On
// Jewellery on model
Using the provided necklace product image, show it worn on a model. Preserve exact pendant design, chain length, and metal finish. Model: Woman with bare décolletage, hair pulled back to show neckline. Soft beauty lighting, clean background. Focus on necklace with face partially visible. Jewellery e-commerce style.
// Sunglasses on model
Using the provided sunglasses product image, show them worn by a model. Preserve exact frame shape, lens tint, and arm design. Model: Diverse model facing camera, slight smile. Outdoor bright daylight setting suggesting summer. Clean background with bokeh. Eyewear lifestyle photography.
// Watch on wrist
Using the provided watch product image, show it worn on a wrist. Preserve exact dial design, case shape, and strap. Wrist of professionally-dressed person, shirt cuff visible. Business setting implied. Natural pose, arm slightly raised to check time. Lifestyle watch photography.
Key Principle: Fabric Preservation
Always explicitly state "preserve exact fabric texture, colour, and details from reference" when doing try-ons. Without this, the AI may change the product appearance.
Packaging & Mockups
Product Packaging
// Luxury packaging shot
Product with premium packaging. [Product] emerging from a matte black box with gold foil logo. Tissue paper, ribbon details visible. Gift-worthy presentation. Soft dramatic lighting, dark gradient background. Luxury unboxing experience photography. High-end brand aesthetic.
Bundle & Kit Photography
// Product kit flat lay
Flat lay product photography of skincare kit. Five products arranged symmetrically on marble surface: cleanser, toner, serum, moisturiser, eye cream. Each product clearly visible with labels facing camera. Clean, organised layout with small space between items. Soft overhead lighting, no harsh shadows. Premium beauty brand aesthetic.
Scale & Size Reference
// Product with scale reference
Product photography showing scale. [Product] held in a person's hand to demonstrate size. Clean studio lighting, neutral background. Focus on product with hand slightly soft. Clear size context for online shoppers. Product dimensions clearly understood from image.
Seasonal Variations
Generate seasonal lifestyle shots without expensive reshoots.
Spring
"[Product] in spring setting. Fresh flowers, soft pastel colours, natural daylight, cherry blossoms or tulips visible. Light and airy atmosphere, renewal theme."
Summer
"[Product] in summer setting. Bright sunlight, beach or outdoor scene, vibrant colours, tropical plants. Energetic, vacation mood, golden hour warmth."
Autumn
"[Product] in autumn setting. Warm orange and red leaves, cosy atmosphere, soft golden light, wood textures, pumpkins or harvest elements."
Winter / Holiday
"[Product] in winter holiday setting. Cosy interior, fairy lights, pine branches, gift wrapping nearby, warm candlelight, festive but elegant."
// Holiday gift guide shot
Using the provided product image, create a holiday gift guide photograph. Product elegantly placed among wrapped gifts with ribbon, pine branches, and twinkling fairy lights. Warm, cosy interior setting, fireplace glow in background. Premium gift-giving atmosphere. Rich, warm colour palette. Holiday e-commerce hero image style.
Maintaining Brand Consistency
Keep your product images cohesive across your entire catalogue.
Brand Style Guide Prompt
Create a base prompt template for your brand:
Brand Style Guide for [BRAND NAME]: - Background: Pure white (RGB 255,255,255) - Lighting: Soft two-light setup, key light camera-left - Shadow: Minimal, soft drop shadow - Angle: 45-degree hero shot primary, front and side secondaries - Props: None, product only - Colour Temperature: 5500K neutral daylight - Post-processing look: Clean, bright, slightly lifted blacks
Using Brand Reference Images
// Match existing brand photography
Using the provided brand reference images, create product photography of [new product] that exactly matches the existing visual style. Match the lighting setup, background colour, angle, shadow style, and overall aesthetic from the references. Seamless integration with existing product catalogue.
Colour Accuracy
Include Hex Codes
For colour-accurate products, include hex codes: "The dress is exactly #E63946 red, not orange-red or pink-red, but this specific shade." This is especially important for fashion, cosmetics, and home decor where colour matching matters.
Quick Reference: E-commerce Prompt Checklist
Include in every e-commerce prompt:
- Background: Specify exactly (pure white, lifestyle setting, etc.)
- Lighting: Studio softbox, natural, dramatic - be specific
- Angle: Front, 45-degree, flat lay, etc.
- Product details: "Preserve exact [colour/texture/design] from reference"
- Focus: Sharp throughout or shallow depth of field
- Style reference: "E-commerce product photography" or "lifestyle brand photography"
- Technical: High resolution, no watermarks, clean edges
Generate product photos
Create professional e-commerce photography with AI in ChilledSites.
Start Creating