Make sure your listing stands out from the crowd by adding quality pictures, and avoiding some common photography missteps. Not a professional photographer? No problem. You can still ensure your listing has outstanding pictures by following our photography guidelines below.
This article contains the following sections:
- Photo Requirements
- Capture Multiple Angles
- Don’t Obscure Your Item
- Use Good Lighting
- Capture the Entire Item
- Avoid Blurriness
- Document Damage
- Don’t Add Watermarks
- Don’t Use Photo Filters or Effects
- Don’t Use Manufacturer’s Photos
- Show Context and Scale
- Show Texture and Details
- Show Maker’s Marks, Labels, Artist Signatures
- Show Complete Sets
Photo Requirements
The width or height of each photo must be at least 575 pixels, in JPEG or PNG format. If you encounter issues when attempting to upload your images, resize any images outside this range and try uploading again.
Two photos are the minimum requirement, but up to 18 photos can be uploaded to each listing.
Capture Multiple Angles
Our shoppers love pictures – listings with more photos usually sell quicker than those with just a few. It’s a good idea to include photos of your item from several different angles and positions. For items such as upholstered furniture, please include a closeup shot of the upholstery.
Front Side
Angle
Back
Bottom
Don’t Obscure Your Item
For your Primary Image (main product photo), make sure you’ve cleared all accessories that are on or around the item you’re trying to sell. A simple, neutral, uncluttered background will also help your item stand out and look professional.
For transparent or acrylic/glass items, place a white background behind the piece to improve clarity and reduce distracting reflections.
Entire Item is Visible
Item is Partially Covered
Use Good Lighting
Don’t let poor lighting downplay your products! Your listings will shine if they include photos that are clear and well lit. Shoot your items in natural light, but avoid direct sunlight.
Good Lighting
Too Dark
Good Lighting
Too Light
Capture the Entire Item
The Primary Image (main product photo) for your item should include the entire item in frame. Please take care not to cut off corners or any other parts of your item in your shot. It’s okay if the additional photos in your listing do not include the entire item.
Entire Item in Frame
Product is Cropped
Pro tip: Optimize your listing for our View in Your Space tool by photographing your item in a fully assembled state, exactly as it would display when in use.
Avoid Blurriness
Blurry photos do not show your item in its best light. Make sure the item you’re selling is in focus and well-lit in all your photos.
Item is In Focus
Item is Out of Focus
Document Damage
To avoid an unnecessary return, it’s important to document any visible scratches, stains, marks or other damage to your items. All wear and tear should be photographed and detailed in your item description.
Pro Tip: Use a coin or a ruler to help shoppers understand the scale of any damaged areas.
Item Damage is Documented
Item Damage is Documented
Don’t Add Watermarks
All of your photos should be original, unaltered images. Please do not add any text, logos, watermarks or other alterations to your images.
Photo Without Watermarks
Photo With Watermarks
Don’t Use Photo Filters or Effects
Your photos should display the color, texture, and condition of your item as accurately as possible. Do not add effects/filters to your photos that may misrepresent your item.
Clear Photo
Photo Effects Filters
Clear Photo
Photo Effects Filters
Don’t Use Manufacturer’s Photos
Please do not include any photos from your item’s manufacturer. We do not own the rights to these photos and cannot publish them with your listing.
© Jonathan Adler
© Design Within Reach
© DwellStudio
© Modernica
Show Context and Scale
To help shoppers get a sense of the size of your item, it can be helpful to include photographs of your item next to other objects.
Photos of your item in use – for example, a cabinet displaying beautiful objects and books – may also help shoppers imagine how they might use your item in their own space.
Context & Scale
Context & Scale
Context & Scale
Context & Scale
Show Texture and Details
Does your item have any pattern detail, texture, or other markings that make it unique?
Make sure to include close-up photos of any special details your item may have, to give shoppers a clearer idea of what your item looks and feels like.
Item Detail
Item Detail
Item Detail
Item Detail
Show Maker’s Marks, Labels, Artist Signatures
If your item includes any tags, branding, labels, or signatures, be sure to include it in your photos. Shoppers will feel more comfortable spending more on a branded item if it has a visible, documented maker’s mark.
Maker’s Tag
Artist Signature
Maker’s Stamp
Show Complete Sets
If your listing includes multiple items (a pair or a set), be sure to include a photograph that shows all the items together. This will help shoppers searching for pairs or sets to find your item quickly in search results or gallery pages.
Both Items in Pair
Photo shows only one item from the pair