Getting your product photos wrong on Amazon can do more than look a bit off. A main image that breaks the rules can get a listing suppressed. On Shopify, mismatched sizes make your whole store look messy. The good news: the rules are clear, and once your images are shot to them, you can use the same set almost everywhere.
I shoot ecommerce product photography in Liverpool for Amazon, Shopify and Etsy sellers. Here is a plain English summary of what each platform asks for, as of 2026. Platforms do update their rules, so always check the latest guidance before you upload.
The short version
- Amazon main image: pure white background, product filling about 85 percent of the frame.
- No extras on the main image: no text, logos, watermarks or props.
- Size for zoom: at least 1,000 pixels on the longest side, ideally 2,000 or more.
- Shopify: square images around 2,048 by 2,048 pixels usually display best.
- Everywhere: keep one consistent aspect ratio across your range.
Amazon: the main image
The main image is the one shoppers see in search results, and it has the strictest rules. It needs a pure white background (RGB 255, 255, 255), the product should fill around 85 percent of the frame, and it must show only the product you are selling. No text, logos, watermarks, inset images, props that are not included, or mockups.
For the zoom feature to work, the image needs to be at least 1,000 pixels on the longest side, and 2,000 pixels or more gives a much better zoom. JPEG is the usual choice, and PNG, TIFF and non animated GIF are also accepted.
Amazon: the supporting images
Most listings allow up to nine images, with around seven showing on desktop. This is where you sell: detail shots, the product in use, scale shots showing size, packaging, what is in the box, and lifestyle images. These can include props, settings and some text, as long as they stay accurate to the product.
Shopify: size and consistency
Shopify says square product images around 2,048 by 2,048 pixels usually display best. Images can be up to 5,000 by 5,000 pixels (25 megapixels) and must be under 20 MB. PNG and JPEG are the most common formats.
The biggest Shopify tip is consistency. Use the same aspect ratio and the same framing across your range, so your collection pages line up neatly instead of jumping around.
Etsy and other marketplaces
The same principles apply: a clean, bright first image, then detail, scale and lifestyle shots. A square or 4:5 crop works well on most marketplaces and on social media too.
One shoot, every platform
I shoot so one session covers everything: compliant white background hero images, supporting detail and scale shots, and lifestyle images. Files are delivered as high resolution JPEGs in sRGB, web optimised versions, transparent PNG cut outs where needed, and crops at 1:1, 4:5 and 9:16. Every file is named by product or SKU, not camera numbers, so uploading is quick.
Your marketplace image checklist
Main image
- Pure white background
- Product fills about 85 percent of the frame
- Only the product you are selling
- No text, logos or watermarks
- At least 1,000 pixels on the longest side, ideally 2,000 or more
Supporting images
- Detail and texture shots
- Product in use
- Scale or size shot
- Packaging and what is in the box
- One consistent aspect ratio across the range
Questions sellers ask
Can one set of photos work for Amazon, Shopify and my own website?
Yes, if it is planned that way. I shoot to the strictest rules first, then deliver the crops and sizes each platform needs.
Can I edit a white background onto a photo later?
It is possible, but shooting on a properly lit white background gives cleaner edges, truer colour and natural shadows. It is quicker and looks better.
How many products can you shoot in a day?
Once a white background set is lit, similar products can be shot at volume. Styled lifestyle, food and jewellery shots take longer. I confirm a realistic number when I quote.
More guides for product sellers: Packshot, flat lay or lifestyle photos? and How to prepare your products for a photoshoot.
Got products to shoot?
Send me your product list and let’s make them shine
Tell me what you sell, how many products and where the images will be used, and I will come back with a plan and a clear quote.