The Difference Between Product Photos and Lifestyle Product Photos
When it comes to showcasing your products, product photos and lifestyle product photos serve different purposes. While both highlight your product, one focuses on clarity and detail, while the other tells a story. Let’s break them down so you can decide what works best for your brand.
Product Photos: Clean, Simple, and Focused on the Product
Product photos are straightforward and designed to showcase your product in its best light—literally. These are the polished, professional images you see on e-commerce sites, catalogs, and packaging. The goal is to present a clear, distraction-free view of the product so customers can see all the details before making a purchase.
Set Up
Shot against a clean, neutral background (typically white, grey, or a brand colour).
Crisp lighting to highlight details, textures, and colours accurately.
No unnecessary distractions—just the product itself.
When to Use It
E-commerce websites (Amazon, Shopify, etc.).
Product pages where customers need a clear, professional look at what they’re buying.
Marketing materials that require polished, high-resolution image
Can Hands Be Included in Product Photos?
Yes! Hands can be included in product photos, but the focus still needs to stay on the product itself. Hands might be used to:
Show scale (holding a bottle or cup).
Demonstrate texture (pouring, squeezing, or scooping a product).
Enhance composition in a clean, styled shot.
Unlike lifestyle photography, hands in product photos should feel intentional and polished rather than overly natural or candid.
Lifestyle Product Photos: Bringing Your Product to Life
While product photos focus on the item itself, lifestyle product photos focus on how the product fits into someone’s life. These images create an emotional connection by helping customers visualize how they would use or experience the product.
Set Up
Shot in natural environments (homes, studios, outdoor spaces) that fit the brand’s aesthetic.
Focus on storytelling—showing the product being used rather than just displayed.
Often include people interacting with the product, using it in a way that feels authentic.
Behind-the-Scenes Photos
Another great way to showcase your brand is through behind-the-scenes lifestyle photos. These capture the process of bringing your product to market—whether it’s:
The business owner packaging orders or creating the product.
A glimpse into the workspace where ideas come to life.
Moments of craftsmanship, design, or testing before launch.
These images help potential customers connect not just with the product, but with the people behind it.
Styling Considerations for Lifestyle Photos
Unlike product photography, where the setup is minimal, lifestyle shots require more time for styling and composition. Elements like props, lighting adjustments, and scene setup all play a role in creating a cohesive, natural-looking image.
When to Use Lifestyle Product Photos
Social media & brand storytelling to create engagement.
Website banners & marketing campaigns where storytelling is key.
Advertising & promotional materials that need to connect emotionally with an audience.
Behind-the-scenes content that showcases the brand’s process.
Notes About Planning
If you have a full list of products to be captured for lifestyle and e-commerce: I offer half day and full date shoots to cover all your needs.
If you're including styling: Whether for product or lifestyle photos, styling takes more time. Flat lays, hand placement, and scene setups require extra attention, so we plan accordingly.
My Specialty: I focus on lifestyle product photography, but if you need product photos for e-commerce, we can incorporate them into your session with extra time or I can capture them separately in my home studio for web-based needs.
We always plan accordingly so we make the most of our time!
Hey! I’m Alana, your Ottawa brand photographer who loves hyping up women in business with fun photoshoot experiences and beautiful, on-brand photos that make showing up online feel a whole lot easier!
I’ve worked with dozens of local brands in the Ottawa area to curate consistent, authentic imagery that they’ve used to stand out online and gain more trust from their audience.
When we work together, I’ll be your creative collaborator and personal cheerleader every step of the way. Because I know that when you feel comfortable and confident, you’ll have photos that you literally can’t wait to share.
