Out with the old and in with the new!

A few weeks ago, a new client reached out to me in a bit of a panic. His Amazon product—a rugged hiking backpack—wasn’t selling nearly as well as he’d hoped. He was proud of the design, confident in its quality, but something wasn’t clicking. His hunch? The product photos were letting him down.

He wasn’t wrong.

As a professional product photographer, I know how critical visuals are for online sales—especially on platforms like Amazon, where buyers rely heavily on photos to make purchase decisions. When I reviewed his existing listing, a few things stood out immediately:

The backpack, advertised as jet black, looked washed out and dull—almost gray—in the photos.

The lifestyle shots, though conceptually fine, felt lifeless. They were taken in a forest, but the trees were bare, likely shot in late fall or winter, which made everything look a bit bleak.

Most importantly, the listing lacked detail. You couldn’t see all the key features: the multiple compartments, the hydro pouch (or water bladder), and the compact first aid kit that comes standard with the bag.

It was clear my client’s product had more to offer than the photos were showing. And that’s where my job—creating compelling Amazon product photography that sells—came in.

A Fresh Approach to Amazon Product Photography

First, we tackled the basics: clean, high-quality product photos on a pure white background, in line with Amazon’s requirements. But these weren’t just any white-background shots. Using precise studio lighting and careful adjustments, I made sure the backpack’s true black color was captured accurately—rich, deep, and sharp. I photographed it from multiple angles and ensured it was fully stuffed so the bag looked substantial and well-formed, not limp or saggy.

These seemingly small details matter. In product photography, especially for something like a backpack, showing texture, structure, and true color can make a huge difference in consumer trust and buying decisions.

Bringing the Backpack to Life: Lifestyle Photography

Next came the lifestyle shots—arguably the heart of any successful Amazon listing. This time, I did things differently. Instead of random woods, I chose a scenic location near the mountains, with plenty of greenery and a touch of wildness to reflect the backpack’s outdoor purpose.

I also brought in a professional model who came fully prepped in the right wardrobe: a light blue top and pale gray pants that made the black backpack pop. This step is crucial—when you’re photographing dark products, everything from the outfit to the background needs to contrast just enough to keep the focus on the product itself.

Timing was everything. We scheduled the shoot to catch golden hour, letting the warm, late-day sunlight cast a gorgeous glow over the scene. The result? Inviting, high-quality lifestyle photos showing the model wearing the backpack, opening its many compartments, and demonstrating key features like the water bladder and first aid kit.

The Takeaway: Why Quality Amazon Product Photography Matters

In the end, my client’s refreshed Amazon listing told a much stronger story: not just what the product is, but why it’s valuable and how it fits into the customer’s life. That’s the power of thoughtful, professional product photography.

Whether you’re selling on Amazon, your own website, or another online platform, your photos are your storefront. And if they don’t accurately and beautifully represent your product, you’re leaving money on the table.

Need a Utah Product Photographer? Let’s Work Together.

I’m Laurence Boswell, an Amazon product photographer based in Draper, Utah, serving businesses across the greater Salt Lake area and beyond. I regularly work with local and out-of-state clients to create high-quality, polished product photos that help listings stand out and convert. Whether you need new Amazon product photography, lifestyle images, or detailed e-commerce shots, I’m here to bring your vision to life.

Get in touch today to schedule your shoot or learn more about my commercial product photography services—no matter where you’re located.

Contact me here to get more info and set up your next photoshoot!