Ecommerce

Product photography standards that reduce returns

Updated 2026-04-11 · Practical guide for NZ small businesses

Short answer: Accurate photos and size context cut “not as described” returns—lighting and scale references beat artsy blur for ecommerce.

NZ online shops competing with in-store touch need honest colour, texture, and dimension cues.

Standards

  • Consistent background or lifestyle shots—pick a system.
  • Multiple angles; zoom on details that drive purchase decisions.
  • Include a common object or diagram for scale where sizes confuse.

Accessibility

Meaningful alt text describing material and colour—not keyword spam.

Workflow

Batch shoots; name files to map to SKUs; compress for web without muddying detail.

Frequently asked questions

Are supplier photos enough?

Often not—add your own shots for variants you actually stock.

Video?

Short clips help apparel and machinery—keep files lean or stream.