How to Prepare Your Products for an E-commerce Photoshoot

Camp shirt product flat with leather collar and flap pockets on a clean background

In short

Decide whether you need flats, on-model images or both, get every item clean and labeled, write a shot list, share your guidelines or moodboard, and plan for retouching ($40-$60/image) and turnaround (Standard 8 or Rush 4 business days).

Good product images start before the camera comes out. A little preparation helps your shoot run smoothly and makes sure every image shows your product's best features and details. Here is a simple checklist we recommend for brands planning standard product flats or on-model e-commerce images.

1. Decide what kind of images you need

Start with how the images will be used. Vidd Studios offers two core e-commerce options:

Many online stores use both: flats for consistent catalog grids, and on-model images to show fit and scale.

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2. Get the products ready

  • Have each item clean, steamed or pressed, and free of loose threads, stickers and dust.
  • Remove or decide on tags and packaging ahead of time, so every product in a set is treated the same way.
  • Bring every color and size you want shown, and label them so nothing is missed.
  • If you have a hero sample, flag it. The best-condition piece should be the one photographed up close.

3. Write a shot list

A shot list keeps the day focused. For each product, note the angles (front, back, side, detail), any close-ups of materials, hardware or labels, and which items need on-model framing. Group similar items together so lighting and setup changes are kept to a minimum.

4. Share references and guidelines

If your brand has asset guidelines, an existing store look, or a moodboard, share it. Our request form includes a field for an asset guidelines / moodboard / shot list link, such as a Google Drive, Dropbox or WeTransfer link.

5. Plan for retouching and turnaround

Think about how polished the final files need to be. Photo retouching, image editing and color grading are available at $40-$60 / Image, and the request form lets you choose a volume range. You can also pick a Standard turnaround (8 business days) or Rush turnaround (4 business days, rush fee applies). Leave room in your launch timeline for review.

Ready to plan your shoot?

Fill out the request form with your items and a preferred date and time, and we will send a full quote, which might include an estimate of production shoot, raw images and final deliverables. Learn more about our product photography in Los Angeles.

Frequently asked questions

What types of e-commerce images does Vidd Studios offer?

Standard product photography (clean product flats of apparel, accessories and more) and on-model e-commerce photography (full-body, half-body, hands or headshot).

How should products be prepared before the shoot?

Clean, steam or press each item, remove loose threads, stickers and dust, decide on tags and packaging ahead of time, and bring and label every color and size you want shown.

Can I share a moodboard or shot list?

Yes. The request form has a field for an asset guidelines / moodboard / shot list link, such as a Google Drive, Dropbox or WeTransfer link.

How long does retouching take?

You can choose Standard turnaround (8 business days) or Rush turnaround (4 business days, rush fee applies). Retouching is $40-$60 per image.

Get a quote for your shoot

See the full Product Photography service, or request a shoot and we'll send a full quote.

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