Let’s cut to it — you’re running a business, your product needs to look good, and your phone camera’s getting a workout. But is it actually doing the job?
This guide breaks down the difference between DIY and professional product photography in Adelaide — from lighting to lenses, editing to eCommerce standards. Whether you’re selling handmade soap or high-end gadgets, here’s what you need to know before slapping more phone pics on your website.
Lighting isn’t just important — it is the photo.
Smartphone sensors struggle with harsh shadows, blown-out highlights, and flat overhead lighting. And no, that dodgy ring light from eBay isn’t fixing it. Professionals don’t just own better lights — they know how to shape them.
Why lighting matters:
Shows texture (without looking gritty)
Keeps colours accurate
Reduces the need for heavy editing later
Want your skincare jars to look glossy, not greasy? That’s light control, not a better phone.
👉 Tip: If you’re doing it yourself, shoot near a large window with white curtains. Bounce light with a foam board. Avoid downlights like the plague.
iPhones can fake “depth” with portrait mode, but it’s no match for real glass. Smartphone lenses distort close-ups, making straight edges curve and products look warped — not ideal if you’re trying to sell something square.
Professional setups use:
50mm or 100mm macro lenses
Sharp optics with shallow depth of field (for natural background blur)
Zero warping, zero guesswork
Smartphone product photography can work okay for wide shots or flatlays, but not for clean, close detail — especially on reflective or textured surfaces.
Got a question about product photography, pricing, or what actually works for your brand? Drop a message — no pressure, no spam, just straight answers.
No shot is perfect straight out of the camera — but there’s a big difference between editing and saving a photo.
DIY photo editing usually means:
Slapping on a filter
Overexposing to hide flaws
Colour shifts that make your product look nothing like it does in real life
Professional editing involves:
Colour grading to match brand palettes
Retouching imperfections without making the product look fake
Cleaning dust, fingerprints, and light reflections
Sharpening, resizing, and prepping for web
Want to see what proper retouching looks like? Check out this commercial photography work — clean, consistent, and true to the product.
A plain white background might look “simple,” but try cutting your product out of a busy surface or messy kitchen bench. Even with apps like Remove.bg, edges end up jagged or blurry. Goodbye clean look, hello dodgy eBay store.
Professionals use:
Studio backdrops or flat-lay surfaces
Clean cutouts with natural shadows preserved
Transparent PNGs, colour-matched JPGs, or lifestyle sets depending on platform
This matters more than you think — especially on Amazon, Etsy, and online shops where visual consistency equals buyer trust.
Let’s say you’re selling artwork or clothing. The customer buys it online, it arrives, and it’s… the wrong shade of blue. That’s a refund waiting to happen.
Professional photographers calibrate for colour — literally. They use colour charts and editing monitors to make sure your product looks exactly how it should.
iPhones can be hit-and-miss, especially under warm lighting. White turns yellow. Greens go neon. It’s not a dealbreaker for socials, but for serious product pages? Not worth the gamble.
Shoot near a large window with soft, natural light. Use a clean background, avoid digital zoom, and edit with apps like Lightroom Mobile to fix exposure and colour.
Rates typically start from $400–$600 depending on quantity, styling, and location. Larger commercial jobs will be quoted individually. Get in touch for a quote.
Not always. A white background is great for online stores and listings, but lifestyle images work better on socials and marketing materials. Use both when possible.
A hero shot is the main photo used to sell your product — usually front-facing, well-lit, and styled to show the product clearly. It’s what buyers see first.
Use consistent lighting, a tripod, a plain background, and frame the product straight on. Shoot wide and crop later. Edit carefully for clean colour and detail.
It can be — especially for casual posts or behind-the-scenes content. But for polished grids or paid ads, professional images hold attention and build trust faster.
Definitely. Poor photos make products look cheap. Clean, consistent shots boost perceived value and make your brand look professional.
Only as a last resort. Portrait mode often blurs edges unnaturally. Use natural light and step back to frame the product cleanly instead.
Yes. What works for Shopify might not suit Amazon or Instagram. A mix of white background, lifestyle, and close-up images covers all your bases.
Here’s the catch with DIY: even if you nail one shot, chances are the next few won’t match. Lighting shifts. Angles change. Backgrounds vary.
Consistency isn’t about being boring — it’s about branding.
Whether it’s 5 photos or 500, the pro difference is repeatability. That’s how you build trust on your website, socials, and ads.
DIY product photography might save money upfront, but long-term? It could be costing you sales.
Buyers judge your brand before they read a single word.
If your images look amateur, they assume your product is too. Simple as that.
For Adelaide businesses competing in crowded markets (hello skincare, boutique fashion, and homewares), a professional first impression makes a difference.
If you’re already investing in branding, web design, packaging — why leave your photography to chance?
Different platforms have different rules. Here’s a quick rundown:
| Platform | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Shopify | Square crop, white or neutral backdrop |
| Amazon | 1000x1000px+, pure white background |
| Etsy | Lifestyle or styled product shots |
| Punchy colour, lifestyle focus |
Pros shoot for multiple uses: one image works on your homepage, your ad campaign, and your product listing — cropped, clean, and ready to go.
Ready to stop mucking around with phone pics? Fill out the form to book your product shoot or get a custom quote — fast turnaround, no dramas.
This article was written by Corey M — the bloke behind Shameless Visuals, based right here in Adelaide. Whether it’s chasing the Southern Lights through a frosty paddock or setting up lights in a boardroom, the job’s the same: find the shot that actually means something.
When Corey’s not editing until his eyeballs hurt, he’s out shooting everything from commercial campaigns to birthday chaos to full-scale conference coverage. No fluff, no gimmicks — just real work that makes people take notice.
If you’re here reading this, chances are you’re after more than just a pretty picture. Here’s what Shameless Visuals actually does:
Professional headshot photography for teams, creatives, and anyone who’s sick of cropping themselves out of group shots.
Commercial photography in Adelaide that shows products and brands at their best — not in some soulless stock style.
Real estate and drone photography that makes listings stand out, even in a flooded market.
Event and corporate photography that captures energy, moments, and actual people (not just blurry backs of heads).
Portrait photography that brings out character without making it awkward.
Boudoir photography that’s more about confidence than clichés — completely private, entirely on your terms.
Explore the full range at the Shameless Visuals homepage or get in touch here to book something real.
Ready to campture amazing moments?
Lets make things simple!
Your project is unique, let’s make sure it’s given the attention it deserves. Hit the button below to head over to our contact page. I’d love to know more about what you’re wanting to achieve and how I can help you make that dream a reality!