If you’re DIY-ing your product photos and wondering why they aren’t quite poppin’, don’t stress. You’re definitely not alone—and the good news? Most product photo mistakes are easy to fix with just a few simple tweaks.
Here are 3 common product photography mistakes I see all the time, along with quick fixes you can try today to level up your visuals.
1. Bad Lighting (or No Lighting Plan at All) | Product Photo Mistakes
One of the biggest giveaways of a DIY photo is poor lighting. Harsh shadows, uneven light, or yellow tones can make even the most amazing product look dull or unprofessional.
✨ Fix it: Use natural window light whenever possible! Position your product near a window with a white curtain to diffuse the light. Or, invest in a softbox light setup if you’re shooting indoors regularly. Consistent lighting makes your product look polished and trustworthy.
2. Busy or Distracting Backgrounds | Product Photo Mistakes
A cluttered or chaotic background can pull all the attention away from your product. If your props are taking center stage—or if there’s too much going on—it’s time to simplify.
✨ Fix it: Choose clean, neutral backgrounds that highlight your product, not compete with it. Use a plain backdrop, textured paper, or simple styling boards. Less really is more when it comes to creating scroll-stopping product shots.
3. Inconsistent Styling and Editing | Product Photo Mistakes
Inconsistent color tones, mismatched props, or random angles can confuse your audience. You want your photos to feel cohesive—like they belong together on your feed and your website.
✨ Fix it: Create a visual style guide for your brand. Stick with the same lighting setup, editing presets, and color palette across all your photos. This builds brand recognition and makes your products look more professional instantly.
Real Talk: Your Photos = Your First Impression
High-quality product photography builds trust, boosts clicks, and encourages people to actually buy. Even small improvements can make a huge difference in how your products are perceived online.
Want custom product photos without the guesswork?
Let’s create brand visuals that actually help you sell. Head over to my product photography services page, or reach out through my contact form here to get started!
