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Footwear photos - what to look out for?
Photos of footwear play a key role in e-commerce and promotional materials for fashion brands. Unlike shopping in physical stores, where customers can pick up, touch, and try on shoes, online everything relies on images and descriptions. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that product photos reflect their true appearance, spark interest, and encourage purchases. In the following article, we’ll explain the most important aspects to consider in order to create professional and attractive footwear photos that will help you stand out from the competition.
Why are good footwear photos so important?
Well-thought-out footwear photos can significantly influence customers' purchasing decisions. Shoes are a part of the wardrobe that combines aesthetics and functionality. Customers want to be sure that the product they order will look exactly like it does in the photos. Therefore, good footwear photos:
Why are good footwear photos so important?
Well-thought-out footwear photos can significantly influence customers' purchasing decisions. Shoes are a part of the wardrobe that combines aesthetics and functionality. Customers want to be sure that the product they order will look exactly like it does in the photos. Therefore, good footwear photos:
- increase trust in the online store or brand,
- minimize the number of returns by presenting the product as it truly looks,
- enhance the prestige and professionalism of the online store by showing attention to detail,
- encourage interaction on social media (likes, comments, shares)
Whether you're selling athletic shoes, elegant high heels, or trekking boots, remember that product photography is often the first point of contact a potential customer has with your offer. That’s why it’s worth investing time and resources to ensure your footwear photos are of the highest quality.
Preparation for a photo shoot
Lighting
One of the most important issues in product photography is light. It is worth using:
Preparation for a photo shoot
Lighting
One of the most important issues in product photography is light. It is worth using:
- Natural daylight – preferably diffused, for example near a window but without direct sunlight.
- Studio lights with softboxes – if you want full control over lighting and consistent conditions.
- A photography reflector – to brighten shadows and balance the exposure.
Avoid harsh shadows and overexposure. The best results are achieved with even, soft lighting.
Background and styling
Footwear is most often photographed against a neutral background, which helps focus the viewer’s attention on the product itself. However, for variety, you can add a subtle context, such as a fragment of a stylish setting that matches the character of the shoes.
Footwear photography - key information
Perspectives
Footwear photos should present the product from multiple angles. The standard includes showing:
Background and styling
Footwear is most often photographed against a neutral background, which helps focus the viewer’s attention on the product itself. However, for variety, you can add a subtle context, such as a fragment of a stylish setting that matches the character of the shoes.
Footwear photography - key information
Perspectives
Footwear photos should present the product from multiple angles. The standard includes showing:
Side view – the most classic and universal angle.
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Top view – shows the interior and the shoe’s shape.
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Front view – allows assessment of the toe shape and width.
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Back view – important for customers who pay attention to the heel and back construction.
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Details – close-ups of key elements such as material texture, stitching, or embellishments.
This gives potential customers a complete picture of the product and reduces the need for additional questions.
Shots with a model
In addition to classic packshots (the product alone on a neutral background), it’s worth considering photos that show the shoes worn by a model. These allow customers to better imagine how the footwear will look in everyday use.
Creative outdoor shots
If your footwear is intended for active leisure or sports, there’s no reason not to organize a photoshoot outdoors – for example, in the forest, mountains, or on a sports field. Such images can showcase the functionality and purpose of the product in an appealing way.
How do you optimise footwear images for e-commerce?
Footwear images - first and foremost high quality
Professional footwear photography is the foundation of effective marketing and sales in the fashion industry. Investing in quality equipment, proper lighting, and careful preparation of both the products and the photoshoot setup leads to higher conversion rates, fewer returns, and better brand perception.
Proper presentation of footwear photos on the product page – with multiple angles and zoom options – helps users thoroughly evaluate the product.
Although competition in this industry is high, standing out with high-quality images, a consistent style, and original presentation ideas gives you a significant advantage.
Well-prepared footwear photos are a long-term investment that pays off by building a professional brand image and attracting loyal customers.
- File size and format - For most online stores, an optimal resolution is around 1000–1500 px on the longer side, and the preferred format is JPEG.
- File naming and ALT attributes - To make footwear images more visible in search results, avoid names like “IMG_001.jpg” and use something like “black-leather-shoes-model123.jpg” instead. Add a short description, e.g.
alt="Footwear photo – black leather shoes". - Different angles and color variations - If a shoe model comes in several colors, it’s worth showing all of them. This positively influences purchase decisions and reduces the number of questions and returns.
Footwear images - first and foremost high quality
Professional footwear photography is the foundation of effective marketing and sales in the fashion industry. Investing in quality equipment, proper lighting, and careful preparation of both the products and the photoshoot setup leads to higher conversion rates, fewer returns, and better brand perception.
Proper presentation of footwear photos on the product page – with multiple angles and zoom options – helps users thoroughly evaluate the product.
Although competition in this industry is high, standing out with high-quality images, a consistent style, and original presentation ideas gives you a significant advantage.
Well-prepared footwear photos are a long-term investment that pays off by building a professional brand image and attracting loyal customers.
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Rafał
Specjalista ds. marketingowo-handlowych