Product Photo Guide

Generate platform-specific product photography shot lists and creative direction briefs covering hero images, lifestyle shots, infographics, and video thumbn...

Most ecommerce product photos fail not because of camera quality but because sellers shoot without a plan. They miss mandatory marketplace image requirements, skip the lifestyle context shots that drive emotional buying decisions, and forget the infographic overlays that answer sizing and feature questions before the customer scrolls away. This skill generates a complete, platform-aware photography shot list and creative direction brief so every image in your listing earns its slot by either meeting compliance requirements or driving conversion.

Use when

• You are preparing a product photography shoot and need a detailed shot list tailored to Amazon, TikTok Shop, Shopee, or your own Shopify storefront
• A listing manager asks "what images do we need for this new SKU launch to maximize conversion and meet platform guidelines?"
• You want creative direction briefs for a photographer or content team that specify angles, props, backgrounds, and text overlay content for each required image slot
• Your current listings have high impressions but low click-through or add-to-cart rates and you suspect the image stack is underperforming

What this skill does

This skill takes your product details, target platform, and listing goals, then generates a structured shot list covering every image slot the platform supports. For each shot, it specifies the image type (hero, lifestyle, scale reference, infographic, comparison, video thumbnail), the creative direction (camera angle, lighting style, background, props, model requirements), text overlay content if applicable, and the technical specifications required by the platform (dimensions, file format, file size limits, white background rules). The skill cross-references current marketplace image policies to ensure compliance and prioritizes shots based on conversion impact research — putting the highest-impact images in the slots shoppers see first. It also flags common photography mistakes specific to your product category, such as reflections on glossy electronics or color accuracy issues with fabric products.

Inputs required

• Product name and category (required): The product you are photographing and its category. Example: "Stainless steel insulated water bottle, 32oz — Outdoor & Sports"
• Target platform (required): The marketplace or storefront where images will be used. Example: "Amazon US main listing" or "TikTok Shop" or "Shopify product page"
• Number of image slots available (required): How many images the platform allows or you want to fill. Example: "7 images + 1 video thumbnail for Amazon" or "5 images for TikTok Shop"
• Key selling points (required): The top 3–5 features or benefits you want the images to communicate. Example: "double-wall vacuum insulation, leak-proof lid, fits standard cup holders, BPA-free, comes in 8 colors"
• Available resources (optional): Whether you have access to models, lifestyle locations, or studio equipment. This helps the skill adjust recommendations between DIY and professional setups.
• Competitor listing URLs or notes (optional): If provided, the skill will suggest differentiation angles to make your images stand out from top competitors in the category.

Output format

The output is organized as a Production-Ready Shot List document with multiple sections. The first section is a Platform Compliance Checklist summarizing mandatory image requirements (dimensions, backgrounds, restricted content) for your target platform. The second section is the Shot List Table with one row per image slot, containing columns for slot number, image type, subject description, camera angle and framing notes, lighting direction, background specification, props needed, text overlay copy (if infographic), and the specific conversion goal that image serves. The third section provides Detailed Creative Direction Cards for each shot, expanding on mood, styling references, and common mistakes to avoid for that product category. The fourth section is a Technical Specs Summary listing export format, resolution, color profile, and file size targets per platform. If a video thumbnail was requested, a separate thumbnail storyboard section describes the freeze-frame composition and text overlay. The entire brief is designed to be handed directly to a photographer or content studio as a working production document.

Scope

• Designed for: ecommerce sellers, listing managers, product photographers, and creative teams
• Platform context: Amazon, TikTok Shop, Shopee, Lazada, Shopify, WooCommerce, and other major marketplaces
• Language: English

Limitations

• Does not generate or edit actual photographs — this skill produces the planning documents and creative direction, not the images themselves
• Platform image policies change periodically; while the skill references current known requirements, always verify against the latest seller guidelines before your shoot
• Creative direction suggestions are based on general ecommerce conversion best practices and category norms, not A/B test data from your specific listings