Whether you're launching your first online store or updating an existing product line, one of the most important marketing decisions you'll make is how your products are photographed. High-quality product images do more than display your offerings—they shape buyer perception, build trust, and drive conversions.

When working with a professional photographer, one of the first questions you’ll be asked is: *What types of product shots do you need?*

There are two key types of eCommerce product photos every business should understand:

• Hero Shots
  • Composite (Styled or Lifestyle) Shots

1. Hero Shots: The Straightforward Product View

A hero shot features your product clearly and simply, usually on a clean white background. This type of photo is essential for eCommerce platforms like Amazon, where strict guidelines apply to main product images.

The goal of a hero shot is to present exactly what is being sold—no distractions, no embellishments.

Key Characteristics of a Hero Shot:

• Product is centered and fills most of the frame
  • Background is pure white (RGB 255,255,255 for Amazon)
  • No props, no text overlays, no logos or watermarks
  • Product appears clearly and in full—nothing cropped off
  • Color and shape are accurately represented
  • Shot angle (frontal, top-down, side, or angled) is chosen based on how best to showcase the item

Hero shots are ideal for:

✔ Amazon and other eCommerce marketplaces
✔ Product listings on your own website
✔ Catalogs where clarity is key

Examples of Hero Shots:

Product shots (hero shot) of two knives. One produced against a pure white (255,255,255) background (Think Amazon style) and the second produced a black (0,0,0) background.

2. Composite or Styled Shots: Setting the Scene

While hero shots show the product, composite or lifestyle shots tell a story. These images place your product in context—being used, paired with complementary items, or situated in an environment that reflects your brand identity.

Why choose styled shots? They capture attention, evoke emotion, and help potential customers imagine themselves using the product.

Common Uses of Styled Images:

• Website banners and promotional pages
  • Social media posts and ads
  • Email campaigns
  • Secondary images on product pages

Examples of Composite Shots Might Include:

• A bottle of olive oil on a rustic kitchen counter with herbs and bread
  • A pair of hiking boots worn in a natural outdoor setting
  • A kitchen knife in action, slicing a ripe tomato
  • A beverage can splashing in a pool of cold water to show refreshment

Composite shot/lifestyle shot of product (knife)

In a simulated slicing set. (Note brand on knife)

Composite shot/styled image of a menu item at a restaurant

Showing menu item in the context of ingredients or side dishes.

Why the Type of Shot Matters

The type of shot you need impacts every part of a photographer’s process, including:
• Equipment and lighting setup
• Studio or on-location shooting
• Time required per image
• Complexity of editing and post-processing
• Use of props, sets, or models

For example, a series of similar products that all require the same hero-style photo can be done efficiently in one studio session. However, products of different sizes or those requiring multiple angles or styled settings will require a more tailored approach.

Getting the Best Value from Your Shoot

When planning a product photography session, be ready to discuss:
• How many products do you need photographed
• What kind of usage the images are intended for (e.g., Amazon listings, social media, website banners)
• The number and type of shots you need for each product
• Whether you want any styled or composite images

Having these details upfront helps your photographer give you an accurate estimate and deliver photos that align with your marketing goals.

Final Thoughts

Great product photos do more than display a product—they build trust and influence buying decisions. Understanding the difference between hero shots and styled images enables you to plan your photo shoot effectively and maximize your investment.

Need help with your eCommerce product images? I specialize in both hero and lifestyle product photography tailored to your business needs. Feel free to reach out to discuss your project. https://www.rcmimaging.com

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