ONLINE SELLING
How to Photograph Clothes for Online Listings
Listing photos have one job: show the buyer exactly what they will receive. Accuracy and consistency matter more than creativity here.
For creative and portfolio shoots, see our thrift clothing photography ideas. This guide is about photos that sell items online.
THE SHOT LIST
Six photos per item.
Front
The whole garment, straight on, filling most of the frame.
Back
Same framing as the front.
Label
Size, brand and fabric labels, readable.
Detail
Fabric texture, print or a notable feature.
Flaws
Any fault, clearly visible, with something for scale.
Measurement
A tape measure across chest or waist, or length.
SETUP
A repeatable station.
Set it up once and reuse it.
- A plain, neutral background: a wall, board or sheet.
- Daylight from a window, or two matching lights, never mixed.
- The same camera position and distance for every item.
- A hanger, mannequin or flat surface, used consistently.
ACCURACY
Show it as it is.
Returns and complaints often start with misleading photos.
- Avoid filters that change colour.
- Show flaws rather than hiding them, and make sure they match the grade from your quality inspection.
- Shoot in the same light every time so colours stay consistent.
WORKFLOW
Batch the work.
- Photograph items in batches after sorting.
- Name files by item ID so they match your records.
- Write the listing description straight after shooting.
NEXT STEP
Building online stock?
Online sellers often need a steady flow of stock. Tell us your categories and quantities for availability and terms.
General guidance for planning purposes. Examples are illustrative; outcomes depend on your own market, stock, prices and costs.