A Guide to Hiring a Photographer for Your E-Commerce Brand

You’ve spent months perfecting your products, setting up your website, and getting everything just right. But when it comes to product photos, something isn’t clicking.

You’ve tried taking pictures yourself—maybe even invested in a ring light or a new camera—but the results still don’t look as professional as the brands you admire. The lighting is off, the colors aren’t quite right, and somehow, your products just don’t pop.

Then you start noticing a pattern. Brands with stunning product images seem to get more engagement, more shares, and most importantly, more sales. Meanwhile, your website visitors aren’t converting into customers as often as you’d like. Could it really be the photos?

The answer is a resounding yes. High-quality product photography isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a game-changer for your e-commerce success.

But hiring the right photographer isn’t as simple as picking someone with a camera. If you don’t know what to look for, you could end up wasting money, dealing with ownership disputes, or getting images that don’t actually help you sell.

Let’s break down exactly how to find and hire the best photographer for your e-commerce brand... without the headaches!

Why Good E-Commerce Photography is So Important

Professional product photography isn’t just about making your website look pretty—it directly impacts your bottom line. Here’s why:

1. First Impressions Sell

Your product images are often the first thing potential customers see. If they look low-quality, blurry, or unprofessional, people assume your product is, too. Great photography builds trust, and trust is the secret to consistent sales $$$ and customer loyalty.

2. Better Photos = More Sales

High-quality images can increase conversion rates. Customers want to see clear, well-lit images that showcase details before they buy. Also, professional photographers will know what angles, perspectives, and qualities to capture to best position your products for the consumer eye. 

3. Consistent Branding Builds Recognition

Strong, cohesive visuals make your brand stand out and feel premium. Whether you’re selling handmade jewelry, clothing, or tech gadgets, high-quality images create a polished, professional look. Cloudy, unclear, and unfocused imagery may ruin potential sales!

4. Great Product Images Reduce Returns

Customers return products when they don’t match expectations. Detailed, accurate product photos—showing size, texture, and color—help prevent misunderstandings and reduce costly returns.

What to Look for in an E-Commerce Photographer

Not all photographers specialize in e-commerce photography. Here’s what to look for when hiring one:

1. A Strong Portfolio

Never hire a photographer without reviewing their past work. Their portfolio should:

• Match the style and quality you want for your brand.
• Show consistency in lighting, editing, and composition.
• Demonstrate their ability to make products look appealing and desirable.

2. Experience with Your Type of Product

Shooting jewelry is very different from shooting clothing, skincare products, or electronics. Ask if they have experience photographing products like yours. If your products have unique challenges—like reflective surfaces or intricate details—you need someone who knows how to handle them.

3. Understanding of E-Commerce Image Requirements

A good e-commerce photographer should:

• Provide images optimized for websites, social media, and online marketplaces.
• Understand Amazon, Shopify, or Etsy image guidelines.
• Deliver both white-background product shots and lifestyle images.

4. Editing & Retouching Skills

Great photography doesn’t end with the shoot. Ask about post-production services, including:

• Color correction
• Background removal
• Retouching (especially for fashion or beauty products)

5. Professionalism & Communication

• Are they responsive and clear about their process?
• Do they provide a contract outlining deliverables, timelines, and image rights?
• Can they meet deadlines without compromising quality?

Where to Find a Great E-Commerce Photographer

If you don’t already have someone in mind, start your search here:

1. Google & Local Directories

Search “e-commerce photographer near me” or “product photography services” to find local professionals. Check their reviews, website, and portfolio.

2. Instagram & Social Media

Many photographers showcase their work on Instagram. Search hashtags like #productphotography, #ecommercephotography, or #[your product type]photography to find specialists in your niche.

3. Freelance Platforms & Marketplaces

Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Thumbtack list freelance photographers with ratings and sample work. Compare rates and reviews before hiring.

4. Competitor Websites

Look at brands with great product images. Some credit their photographers—reach out to see if they’re available for hire.

Protecting Your Business: Intellectual Property, Contracts & Work-for-Hire

Before hiring a photographer, understand your rights. Many e-commerce brands make costly legal mistakes when it comes to image ownership. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Who Owns the Photos?

• By default, photographers own the copyright to their work—even if you paid for the shoot.
• You may not have full rights to use the images however you want unless your contract specifies it.

2. Usage Rights & Licensing

• If the contract isn’t clear, you might only have limited usage rights (e.g., website use but not for ads).
• Get exclusive rights to avoid legal issues down the road.

3. Work-for-Hire Clauses

• To fully own your product images, include a work-for-hire clause in your contract.
• This transfers copyright from the photographer to your business.
  

4. Independent Contractor Agreement

Protect yourself with a legally sound contract covering:

• Ownership & usage rights
• Payment terms & deadlines
• Revisions & retouching policies
• Confidentiality (if necessary)

Without a proper contract, you could end up in a costly legal dispute or find yourself needing to repurchase images you already paid for

Secure Your Rights Before You Hire

Hiring a professional photographer can seriously level up your e-commerce brand, but if you don’t handle the legal side properly, you could end up paying for photos you don’t fully own.

Before you book a photographer, make sure you have a solid independent contractor agreement that protects your business.

Need a contract that ensures you own your product images? Grab our lawyer-crafted independent contractor agreement template today and collaborate with confidence!