Here’s the harsh truth, your product could be amazing, but if your photos look like they were taken in a dimly lit shed, no one’s clicking “add to basket.”

Etsy is a visual platform first. Your thumbnail photo is the difference between a scroll-past and a sale. But that doesn’t mean you need a DSLR camera or an expensive lightbox setup. You just need to know what actually makes people stop scrolling.

Here are my go-to photography hacks that will make your listings look pro without a single photography course.

Step 1: Nail the First Photo

Your main listing image is like your shop window, if it’s not enticing, people won’t even click to see more.

• Use bright, natural light where possible (morning light is your friend).

• Keep the background clean and uncluttered so the product stands out.

• Avoid overloading the image with props, one or two is plenty to give context.

If you’re not sure which image works best, swap it out weekly and check your Etsy stats to see which gets more clicks. I break down how to read these stats in my BLUEPRINT LINK PLEASE.

Step 2: Show Your Product in Action

Lifestyle images tell buyers how your product fits into their life.

• Jewellery? Show it being worn.

• Home decor? Show it in a styled room.

• Prints? Show them framed on a wall with other decor.

Not only does this help buyers imagine owning it, but it also increases your chances of being featured in Etsy’s gift guides or social channels.

Step 3: Capture Multiple Angles

Buyers can’t physically pick up your product, so your photos need to do the job for them.

Include:

• Close-ups of textures/details

• Side and back angles

• A scale shot (e.g., next to a hand or coin)

Step 4: Use Seasonal Styling (Strategically)

If it’s Christmas, add a touch of festive styling, think a sprig of holly or a ribbon. For summer, you might go for lighter, airy props.

The trick? Keep it subtle. You don’t want seasonal props to dominate the image or make it unusable after that season ends.

Step 5: Keep Your Editing Simple

You’re not trying to win a Photoshop award. You just want your product to look true to life and appealing.

• Adjust brightness and contrast if needed.

• Keep colours accurate, nothing worse than a customer ordering “sage green” and getting neon lime.

• Use free tools like Canva or Lightroom Mobile to make small adjustments.

Step 6: Test, Track, Repeat

Good product photography isn’t a one-and-done task. Keep an eye on your Etsy stats to see which images convert best and refresh your listings accordingly.

Not sure what else to tweak? My ETSY QUIZ LINK can help you pinpoint the next changes that will have the biggest impact.

Why This Works

Better photos get more clicks. More clicks tell Etsy your listing is what buyers want. More clicks + more sales = higher ranking in search. It’s a snowball effect that starts with one good photo.

You don’t need to spend thousands on equipment, you just need to make small, smart tweaks that make your product irresistible at first glance. And if you want to pair scroll-stopping images with the right keywords to get more views in the first place, my ETSY PROFIT BLUEPRINT shows you exactly how.