Table of Contents
- The Do's and Don'ts of Shoe Product Photography
- Shoe Product Photography: Quick Tips
- eCommerce Product Photo Editing Service by Pixel by Hand
- FAQ
Shoe Product Photography: The Do's and Don'ts
The value of product photography in online marketing is significant, especially when selling shoes. Shoppers can't try on shoes before purchasing, so high-quality pictures are vital. These photos must show exactly how the shoes look in real life.
Shoes are a fun item to shoot but can be challenging at the same time. You need to highlight the details and features that make the shoes unique, while also making sure that the photos are well-composed and flattering.
High-quality images also improve the shopping experience for customers. According to BigCommerce, 78% of online customers want images to help them visualise items more clearly. Customers want to see the item as though it's a part of their daily lives. Your product images have the power to narrate a story: what your brand is about, what it means to customers, and why they should care about it.
Blurred and darkened product pictures can confuse customers. You'll only sell your items effectively when you include clarity, correct lighting, and other important components in your footwear product images. This is where experts like Pixel by Hand come in. eCommerce product photo editing services allow you to get the best out of your shoe product photos and help you increase sales significantly.
But before we explain the benefits of post-production, let's go over the guidelines to great shoe product photography.
Start your free trial — Send us your product images and we'll show you what professional editing can do. All sample edits are completely free.
The Do's and Don'ts of Shoe Product Photography
Shoe product photography is all about showing off the details that make your shoes unique. It's important to use a high-quality camera and take close-up shots that highlight the features of the shoes.
DO use a plain background When it comes to taking photos of shoes, a plain background is key. This helps the shoes stand out and makes them the focal point of the photo. Avoid busy patterns or textures that can be distracting.
If you're shooting on a white background, you can use a white reflector to bounce light back onto the shoes and create a bright, clean look. For a more natural look, try shooting on a wood floor or outside on grass. Just make sure the background complements the shoes and doesn't take away from them.
DON'T use flash Using a flash can often create a harsh, unnatural look that can be unflattering for shoes. If you must use flash, try diffusing it with a white sheet or using a flash diffuser.
Bounce flash is another option that can create a more natural look. To do this, point the flash towards a white ceiling or wall and allow the light to bounce off of it and onto the shoes.
DO use natural light Natural light is always your best option when shooting photos. It creates a softer, more flattering light that is less likely to cause shadows or reflections.
If you're shooting inside, try to find a room with large windows that let in plenty of light. You can also shoot outside in an open shade area to avoid direct sunlight.
DON'T lay footwear flat Laying shoes flat on the surface can often make them look boring and uninteresting. Instead, try shooting them at an angle or propping them up on a stool or chair. This gives the photo more dimension and makes the shoes look more dynamic.
DO use props Props are a great way to add interesting elements to your photos and help tell a story about the shoes. Common props for shoe photography include plants, rocks, and vintage items.
Try to use props that complement the style of the shoes and add to the overall aesthetic of the photo.
DON'T clutter the frame When shooting shoes, it's important to keep the photo clean and simple. This means avoiding clutter and distractions that can take away from the shoes.
Keep the focus on the shoes by keeping the background clean and free of any unnecessary elements. If you're using props, make sure they are placed in a way that doesn't clutter the photo.
DO shoot from multiple angles When shooting shoes, be sure to take photos from multiple angles. This gives viewers a better idea of the shape and design of the shoes. Try to shoot from above, below, and at eye level. You should also shoot close-ups of any unique details like stitching or patterns.
DON'T use blurry or soft focus Your photos should be sharp and in focus. This means avoiding any blurry or soft images that can be difficult to see.
If you're having trouble getting sharp images, try using a tripod or stabilising your camera on a solid surface. You can also adjust the shutter speed to help reduce any blurriness.
DO use editing Editing your photos is a great way to enhance them and make them look their best. There are a number of editing software programmes that can help you improve the quality of your photos.
We recommend using Photoshop, which is a powerful programme that offers a wide range of features. With Photoshop, you can make basic edits like exposure and colour correction, as well as more advanced edits like adding graphics or removing background elements.
When editing your photos, it's important to avoid going overboard. Don't make drastic changes that alter the look of the photo too much. It's also important to keep the original version so you can always go back to it if needed.
DON'T forget the details When shooting shoes, it's important to remember the small details. This includes things like laces, stitching, and any unique embellishments. These details can often be what makes a pair of shoes special, so be sure to capture them in your photos.
DO use a tripod Using a tripod will help you get sharp, in-focus photos. It will also allow you to shoot in lower light conditions without having to use a flash. If you don't have a tripod, try stabilising your camera on a solid surface like a table or countertop. You can also use a self-timer or remote shutter release to avoid shake.
Now that you know the do's and don'ts, put these tips into practice and see how they can improve your shoe photography.
Shoe Product Photography: Quick Tips
When it comes to shoe product photography, take as many photos as you can from different angles. Customers want to see the product well before they purchase, so they know exactly what they are getting.
Here are our recommended footwear angles:
- At least one angled shot of the complete shoe set
- Two close-up side shots: left and right
- Left and right angled side shots
- A shot of the shoe's front
- A shot of the back of the shoe
- A top view shot of the shoe
- A "detail" shot showing texture, quality, and other elements up close
Props are important in shoe product photography because they help show off the shoes in the best light possible. The most common props used are items like a stool, a chair, or even a table. Make sure the props you use are appropriately sized for the shoes you are photographing.
Styling matters too. Arrange your subject in a way that looks natural and not too staged. One approach is to place them on the ground and photograph from above — this helps show off the shoes effectively.
Background should be clean and simple. You want the focus on the shoes, not the background. A plain white background is always a good option because it's clean and classic.
Lighting is also critical. The shoes should be well lit so that people can see them clearly. One way to achieve this is to use a lightbox, which helps diffuse the light and make it softer.
eCommerce Product Photo Editing Service by Pixel by Hand
Even the best raw image needs a little retouching to reach its full potential. This is especially true for product photos, as they need to be polished in order to sell the product.
At Pixel by Hand, we offer eCommerce product photo editing services that will take your photos to the next level. With over 10 years' experience and 380+ clients, we know what it takes to make footwear images perform.
Our team of professional editors has years of experience in retouching product photos. We offer a wide range of services, including:
- Clipping path
- Background removal
- Image masking
- Photo retouching
- Colour correction
- Image optimisation
Send us your images for a free sample edit — We'll show you exactly how we can improve your shoe product photography. No obligation, no cost. Get started today.
FAQ
What is the best camera setting for shoe photography? Use a low ISO (100-200) for minimal noise, a narrow aperture (f/8-f/11) for sharpness across the entire shoe, and adjust your shutter speed accordingly. Always shoot in RAW format for maximum flexibility during post-production.
How do I photograph reflective or patent leather shoes? Reflective surfaces are one of the trickiest challenges in shoe photography. Use diffused lighting, avoid direct flash, and consider surrounding the shoes with white diffusion paper or using polarising filters to control reflections.
Should I stuff shoes for product photography? Yes. Stuffing shoes with tissue paper or shoe trees helps them maintain their natural shape during the shoot. This is especially important for soft materials like suede or canvas that can look flat or shapeless without support.
What's the difference between product-only and lifestyle shoe photography? Product-only shots (typically on a white background) are standard for marketplace listings and focus purely on the shoe's details. Lifestyle shots show the shoes being worn or in a styled setting, which helps customers visualise how they'll look and builds brand identity. Most successful footwear brands use both.
Can Pixel by Hand fix shoe photos that were taken with poor lighting? Yes. Our editing team can correct exposure, adjust white balance, and improve lighting issues during post-production. While we can significantly improve poorly lit photos, getting the lighting right during the shoot will always produce the best results.