How to create perfect Amazon product images without a big budget

TL;DR

• Stunning Amazon images don’t need a massive budget—just smart strategies.

• Focus on hero images, as they can make or break first impressions.

• Simple props and lighting can elevate images without costly setups.

• DIY some support images; leave key shots to professionals.

• High-quality, optimized images boost visibility, clicks, and sales.

Want to know the secret to creating perfect Amazon product images without blowing your budget?

Most sellers assume that stunning images require a massive budget.

But here’s the reality:

It’s all about strategy.

With the right approach, you can achieve professional-quality images without stretching your resources too thin. It's about focusing on what truly matters—highlighting your product’s best features, using effective lighting, and ensuring every shot resonates with your target audience.

With the tips highlighted in our blog, you can create images that not only catch attention but also drive conversions.

Let’s find out how to make that happen. But before, that, we’ll go over Amazon’s image guidelines.

Quick guide

• Amazon product image guidelines

• Why is investing in product images important?

• But you don't need a big budget to create great images

  • Work with a professional, but be strategic

  • Make use of simple props

  • Focus on your hero image

  • DIY support images

  • Optimize what you already have

  • Invest in a few lifestyle shots

  • Tell the photographer exactly what you need

• What are the top sellers doing with their product images that you aren’t?

  • They pay extra attention to their main image

  • They test, tweak, and find the winning image

  • They optimize their image for mobile

  • They invest in creating 3D-rendered images

  • They team up with the pros

Amazon product image guidelines

All images must:

• Be 500 px to 10,000 px on their longest side.

• Be provided in JPEG (.jpg or .jpeg), TIFF (.tif), PNG (.png), or non-animated GIF (.gif) file formats.

• Be clear, unpixellated, and free of jagged edges.

• Accurately represent the product being sold and match the product’s title.

• Not contain nudity or be sexually suggestive (this applies to both models and drawings).

• Display children’s clothing flat without a model.

• Avoid including customer reviews, five-star imagery, claims (e.g., "free shipping"), or seller-specific information.

• Not include text or pricing details (except for swatch images).

• Not use Amazon logos or trademarks, or anything similar, including terms like "Amazon," "Prime," "Alexa," or the Amazon Smile design.

• Not feature badges used on Amazon, like "Amazon's Choice," "Best Seller," or "Top Seller." For trademark guidelines, see the Intellectual Property Policy for Sellers.

Your main product image must:

• Accurately represent the product with a realistic, professional quality image—not a placeholder.

• Have a pure white background (RGB color values: 255, 255, 255) to ensure consistency across search and product detail pages.

• Show the product as 85% of the image.

• Not include text, logos, borders, color blocks, watermarks, or any other graphics.

• Ensure products with multiple pieces are shown relative in size—no part should be enlarged.

• Display the entire product within the frame, with no parts cut off.

• Avoid showing accessories not included with the purchase or props that might mislead customers.

• Show only the product itself—do not show multiple angles in one image (e.g., front and back).

• Display a single unit of the product, including accessories that come with the purchase.

• Avoid showing packaging unless it’s a crucial feature, like a carrying case or gift basket.

• Not show any part of a mannequin, including clear, solid-color, flesh-toned, or framework types.

• Show a single shoe, facing left, at a 45-degree angle for all footwear.

• Show clothing accessories or multipacks flat without a model.

• Be on a model if it is clothing in adult sizes, with the model standing (not sitting, kneeling, leaning, or lying down). Models using assistive technology, such as wheelchairs, are encouraged.

Why is investing in product images important?

If your product is invisible on Amazon, it could be your photography.

It’s simple: compromised photos drive customers away.

Blurry shots. Overexposed images. Amateur Photoshop edits. They don’t just look bad—they hurt your bottom line.

Think about it: would you buy a product that looks poorly presented? Neither would most shoppers. They move on, fast.

Shoppers who arrive at your detail page have the attention span of a goldfish.

You’ve got mere seconds—seconds—to keep them from bouncing away.

If you don’t stop them in their tracks, they’ll scroll on to the next option. That’s why you need to wow them.

How? With your images.

Your listing images are what we call “above the fold.”

What does that mean? It means they’re the first thing shoppers see when they land on your page—before they ever scroll down. Your photos are right there, front and center, above the “fold” of the webpage, just like a headline on a newspaper.

And being above the fold is everything. Because your images get the first look. They won’t read the title. And I’m damn sure they won’t read the bullet points—at least not at first.

When a shopper arrives, they skim. They look at a few key things:

Reviews.

Price.

Images.

Not necessarily in that order.

Those three things help them decide whether to stay or go. And while reviews and price matter, they’re not always under your control. Maybe your competitor slashes their price, or maybe you get that one-star review from an unreasonable customer.

But you know what is in your control?

Your images.

Here’s why investing in quality product images is crucial:

1) Your photos are your first impression

When customers scroll through Amazon, they see your image before anything else. It’s what stops them—or doesn’t. According to a study by MDG Advertising, 67% of consumers consider image quality "very important" when making a purchase online.

2) Bad images mean bad trust

Blurry or poorly lit images make your product look cheap. And if your product looks cheap, customers will assume it is cheap. They’ll move on, thinking, "If they can’t invest in good photos, can I trust their product’s quality?"

3) Good images = more clicks

High-quality photos and Amazon product infographic images don’t just attract eyeballs—they convert them into clicks. In a marketplace full of choices, a bright, clear, and professionally-shot image can mean the difference between a click to your page or your competitor’s.

4) They tell your story

Images aren’t just visuals; they’re storytelling tools. An Amazon product infographic design showing your product in use can instantly tell customers how it fits into their lives. For example, a beautifully-shot kitchen gadget in action can make a buyer imagine themselves cooking with it.

5) It impacts your Amazon ranking

Higher conversions from better images mean a higher ranking in Amazon’s search results. More visibility. More sales. It’s a cycle. According to Amazon’s A9 algorithm, click-through rates (CTR) and conversion rates are major factors for search ranking. Good photos boost both.

6) Visuals create an emotional connection

Customers often buy based on emotion, not logic. A vibrant, well-lit image of a cozy blanket on a rainy day doesn’t just show a product—it makes a customer feel warmth, comfort, and a desire to hit “Add to Cart.”

7) Compare it to physical retail

Imagine walking into a brick-and-mortar store. Would you buy a product if it was hidden behind a blurry glass display? On Amazon, your images are your display. They need to be clear, enticing, and professional.

Your images are the one thing you can control.

And that’s where you can make a difference. Your photos can captivate, persuade, and convert a curious shopper into a paying customer.

Your images can make them stop. Can make them click. And can make them buy.

But you don't need a big budget to create great images

But you don’t need a big budget to create great images.

Investing in visuals is never a bad idea. It’s what makes your product stand out and makes shoppers click “Buy Now.”

But I get it—budgets are tight.

You’ve already spent on PPC campaigns, stocked up inventory, paid Amazon fees, and invested in the little extras that make your product special. Now, the idea of pouring more money into images feels like a stretch.

You don’t want to spend more.

I get it.

But here’s the thing:

Compromising on your images is like shooting yourself in the foot. You might as well list your product with plain, boring white-background shots.

You can do better than that without emptying your wallet.

If you’re going to invest in images—and you absolutely should—here’s how to do it smartly:

1) Work with a professional, but be strategic

Not all professional photography packages are sky-high in price.

Hire Amazon image editing services who understand Amazon’s image requirements and your budget constraints.

Discuss a package for just a few hero shots—those main images that stop a customer mid-scroll.

Leave the rest of the images to simpler, less costly options. Focus on quality over quantity.

2. Make use of simple props

You don’t need a whole set. Simple, everyday props can add context and lifestyle appeal to your images.

For example, if you sell coffee mugs, add a book, a cozy blanket, and a steaming kettle in the background.

Keep it clean, don’t overcrowd the shot—just enough to show the product in a relatable setting.

A professional can help you style these shots without the need for high-end setups.

3. Focus on your hero image

If your budget is tight, put the majority of your focus on the hero image (your main product shot).

This is the image that will appear in search results, that grabs attention first.

Ensure it’s sharp, clear, and truly represents your product. This is where you want to spend a bit extra for that professional touch.

4. DIY support images

While you shouldn’t DIY everything, you can still capture a few simple shots under the guidance of a professional.

Get feedback from your photographer on angles or styles for additional images that you can shoot yourself.

This way, you get professional-quality advice without the professional price tag for every image.

5. Optimize what you already have

If you have existing images, consider getting them enhanced. Professional editing can breathe new life into photos that aren’t quite there yet.

Brightening, color correction, or background touch-ups can turn a good image into a great one—at a fraction of the cost of a new photoshoot.

6. Invest in a few lifestyle shots

Lifestyle images help customers imagine your product in their lives. They tell a story.

You don’t need a dozen—just two or three strong lifestyle images that show your product being used in a real-world scenario.

This single image can be the difference between a “maybe” and a “yes.” And it’s worth the investment.

7. Tell the photographer exactly what you need

Be clear about your vision before photography for Amazon products begins.

Do you need white-background shots? Lifestyle images? Close-ups of specific features?

Provide a shot list—angles, props, and details that are must-haves. This avoids any surprises and eliminates the need for costly reshoots.

It’s simple: The more specific you are upfront, the less you pay for changes later.

You don’t have to go all out. But you can’t go cheap, either.

Find that middle ground.

Invest where it counts.

Focus on what matters.

Make your product shine, without breaking the bank.

Because when you balance quality with budget, you create images that not only look professional but feel professional.

And that’s how you get the sale.

What are the top sellers doing with their product images that you aren’t?

1) They pay extra attention to their main image

Top sellers know that their main image has to do more than just look good—it has to sell. 

It has to communicate the unique selling point (USP) of the product in a split second. And they know that just writing it out isn’t an option. 

Amazon is strict about text in main images, and breaking the rules can leave your listing stranded. But smart sellers have found ways to bend the rules without breaking them.

Here’s how they do it:

Integrating info into the packaging

• Say you’re selling a protein powder that’s 100% vegan. Top sellers might tweak the packaging design itself to prominently display “100% Vegan” right on the label. It looks like it was part of the original design, but really, it’s a strategic update for the image. To Amazon, it’s just part of the packaging, but to customers, it’s a quick and clear benefit.

• Example: A skincare brand showcases “Fragrance-Free” right on the jar’s label, not as extra text floating over the product. It’s visible, it’s appealing, and it stays within Amazon’s guidelines.

Visually showing benefits

• Words aren’t always necessary. Sometimes, you can show the benefit through the image itself. For example, if you’re selling a super absorbent towel, you might show it soaking up a puddle of water. No text needed—customers instantly see what makes your product better.

• Example: A memory foam pillow shown next to a hand pressing down into it, highlighting the softness and contouring support. The image says, “this pillow is soft,” without saying a word.

Highlighting product features

• Let’s say you’re selling a durable phone case that’s shockproof. Instead of adding a badge that says “shockproof,” you might have an image of the phone case being dropped, with a slight blur to show motion. The message is clear: this case protects your phone from drops.

• Example: A stainless-steel water bottle shown with ice cubes and droplets of condensation around it, visually emphasizing that it keeps drinks cold for hours.

Using clever angles to show what’s inside

• For products that come with multiple parts or unique features inside, sellers use see-through or angled images that reveal what’s included. It’s all about giving customers a sneak peek of what makes the product special.

• Example: A blender that highlights its powerful blades and multi-speed settings with a cutaway view, letting customers see the tech inside that makes smoothies smoother.

Showing the product in action

• Sometimes, the best way to communicate a benefit is to show the product being used. This can make a huge difference, especially for products with lifestyle appeal. It’s not just about showing the product—it’s about showing the experience.

• Example: A yoga mat rolled out on a serene beach, hinting at its perfect thickness and non-slip surface. The image invites the customer to imagine themselves using it, making the product feel more desirable.

Top sellers understand that their main image has to work hard. 

It needs to grab attention, make an impact, and convey why their product is the best choice—all without saying a word. 

And when they master that art, their images do more than just catch eyes—they drive sales.

2) They test, tweak, and find the winning image

Top sellers don’t just settle for “good enough.” They’re always looking for better. They know that sometimes, the difference between a best-seller and a dud is just one image away. And they’re not afraid to experiment until they find it.

Amazon’s Manage Your Experiments allows you to test different versions of your product images (and even titles and A+ content) to see what really works. 

Here’s how it works:

• You upload two versions of your image (or any other content you want to test).

• Amazon shows each version to a different group of customers.

• Over time, Amazon measures which version drives more clicks, conversions, and engagement.

• You get detailed data on which image makes people click, buy, and stay on your page.

What can you test? A lot more than you think:

• Try out different angles, lighting, or setups. Does a close-up shot of your product’s texture get more clicks? Or maybe a slightly zoomed-out version with more context?

• Is your product better shown standing straight up or angled slightly? Do customers respond better to the product by itself or with a subtle shadow beneath?

Why bother testing?

Because even the smallest changes can have a massive impact. Let’s say you have two versions of your main image. Version A is a basic white background shot. Version B is the same, but with a slightly angled shot that shows more depth. A split test could reveal that Version B drives 15% more clicks.

That’s 15% more people clicking through to your listing. And those extra clicks can mean extra sales.

3) They optimize their image for mobile

Top sellers know that most shoppers aren’t browsing Amazon from a desktop anymore. 

They’re on their phones, scrolling through listings while waiting in line, sitting on the train, or lounging on the couch.

In fact, over 60% of Amazon shoppers are browsing on mobile devices. And those tiny screens mean one thing: your images need to pop on mobile.

Why does mobile matter so much?

Because on a small screen, shoppers see less text, fewer images, and they’re making decisions faster than ever. Your images need to grab attention, even when they’re reduced to a fraction of their original size.

Here’s how to make sure your images shine on mobile:

• Check readability: If you use infographics, make sure any text is crystal clear on a smaller screen. That means bold fonts, large text, and simple, direct language. If they can’t read it, they won’t care about it.

• Focus on your main image: On mobile, the first image takes up most of the screen. It’s the first thing they see—make sure it’s your best shot. A clear, high-resolution main image will look sharp and professional, even when scaled down.

• Add zoomable images: Amazon lets mobile users zoom in on images to see the details. Make sure your photos are high-resolution so that when they pinch and zoom, they get to see the texture, the craftsmanship, the quality. 

• Simple backgrounds work best: A cluttered image might look okay on a desktop but will become a confusing mess on mobile. Use clean, white backgrounds or minimalistic lifestyle setups. Let the product be the star.

But don’t just take their word for it—test it yourself.

Pull up your listing on a smartphone, tablet, and desktop. How does it look? Is the main image still sharp? Is the text on infographics readable?

Split test different versions of your main image on mobile. Try a close-up versus a full product shot. See which one gets more clicks, more conversions.

Optimizing for mobile isn’t optional anymore. It’s crucial.

When your images look great on mobile, you make it easy for customers to fall in love with your product—whether they’re browsing on a break or scrolling before bed.

Don’t lose out on sales just because your images don’t translate well to a small screen. Make them work on mobile, and watch your conversions climb.

4) They invest in creating 3D-rendered images

I know—I’m asking you to spend a bit more here. But hear me out.

If you have just a little more room in your budget, investing in 3D-rendered images is absolutely worth it. 

3D rendering takes your product images to a whole new level. It lets you show your product from every angle, giving customers a virtual experience that standard photos just can’t match. 

Why should you consider 3D-rendered images?

• They show your product in the best possible light: With 3D rendering, you can control every aspect of the image—lighting, shadows, reflections. It’s always your product at its best, with no bad angles.

• Perfect for complex products: If your product has intricate features, like an ergonomic chair or a tech gadget, a 3D render can highlight those details far better than a flat photo. Think of a customer seeing the smooth swivel mechanism of a chair or the precision parts of a kitchen appliance. They see, they believe, they buy.

• You can create multiple variations without reshooting: Need to show the product in different colors or configurations? 3D rendering makes it easy to adjust without setting up another photoshoot. A quick tweak, and you’ve got images for every variation, ready to go.

Examples of 3D-rendered images in action:

A tech brand selling Bluetooth speakers created a 3D render that allowed customers to see the speaker from every angle, even the inner components. Their sales went up by 20% because shoppers could see the premium build quality, not just read about it.

A beauty brand launched a new serum and used 3D rendering to show the product’s texture and consistency up close. They showed how the liquid looked in the bottle, the way it dispensed, even the glow of the serum in different lights. Customers felt like they knew the product before they ever held it.

But here’s the best part: You’ll save money in the long run.

• No need for costly reshoots: Did Amazon update their image guidelines? Or maybe you realized your product needs a new angle? No problem. With 3D renders, you can adjust the perspective or background without booking another photoshoot.

• Future-proof your listings: 3D renders look high-end. They give your listing that professional edge, making your brand appear bigger and more trustworthy. And as more sellers adopt this technology, 3D images will become the new standard. Getting ahead now means you’ll stay competitive as the market shifts.

• You’ll convert more visual buyers: Some shoppers need to see it to believe it. They want to inspect the fabric, the stitching, the buttons on a jacket. With 3D images, you cater to these detail-oriented customers, giving them every reason to hit “Buy Now.”

Tips for making 3D rendering work on a budget:

• Start with a hero shot:  If you don’t have the budget for a full set of 3D images, focus on getting a few key shots. Your main image, a lifestyle image, and one detailed close-up. These can give your listing a premium feel without blowing your budget.

• Repurpose for other platforms: Use those stunning 3D renders on social media ads, your website, and even in email marketing. One investment—multiple uses.

Yes, 3D renders cost a bit more upfront. But they’re not just an expense—they’re an investment. They make your product look polished, professional, and premium.

And in a marketplace where shoppers can’t touch or feel your product, that’s priceless.

5) They team up with the pros

Top sellers know when it’s time to call in the experts. They know that while DIY is great for some things, when it comes to creating standout product images, there’s no substitute for professional help.

Look, I get it. Hiring a professional might sound like a luxury, especially when you’re already stretching your budget thin. But teaming up with the right expert can make the difference between an average listing and one that makes people stop and click.

And the best part? It doesn’t have to break the bank.

Why team up with the pros?

• They understand the technical side: Professionals know how to use lighting, angles, and backdrops to bring out the best in your product. They know Amazon’s image requirements inside and out, so you won’t waste time fixing photos that get rejected.

• They bring the right equipment: Forget about renting expensive cameras or figuring out how to set up a lightbox. Professionals come equipped with the gear to capture those crisp, clean images that make your product look irresistible. They have the tools and know how to use them.

• They can create consistency across your brand: When you work with a pro, all your product photos will have a consistent look and feel. Whether it’s the same lighting style, background color, or angle, consistency makes your brand look polished. And a polished brand means trust—trust means sales.

What to ask your pro before you hire them:

Can they shoot with Amazon requirements in mind?

You want someone who knows the rules about white backgrounds, image resolution, and sizing, so you don’t end up with unusable photos.

Can they help with lifestyle shots?

Find a pro who can help stage lifestyle images, even if it’s just in a simple home setting. These images add context and help customers see themselves using your product.

What’s their turnaround time?

Speed matters in e-commerce. Make sure they can deliver the final images in a time frame that matches your needs, especially if you’re launching a new product or running a seasonal promotion.

When should you team up with a professional Amazon seller consultant?

• Launching a new product? First impressions matter most at launch. Invest in professional photos to make sure your listing gets off to a strong start.

• Seasonal promotions coming up? Holiday shoppers expect quality. Hiring professional Amazon product infographic design services can help you capture the magic of your product just in time for those busy sales seasons.

• Struggling with low conversions? If your product has great reviews but isn’t selling, it could be your photos. A pro can help you revamp your listing with fresh, high-quality images that drive sales.