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Product Images

High-quality images are essential for selling art online. This guide covers photography tips, image requirements, and optimization best practices.

Image Requirements​

Technical Specifications​

RequirementSpecification
Minimum size800 × 800 pixels
Recommended size2000 × 2000 pixels
Maximum file size5 MB per image
Supported formatsJPG, PNG, WebP, GIF
Color spacesRGB (for web display)

Images Per Product​

  • Minimum: 1 image (primary)
  • Recommended: 3-5 images
  • Maximum: 10 images

Image Types to Include​

1. Primary Image​

The main photo shown in product listings.

  • Clean, well-lit shot
  • White or neutral background
  • Product fills most of the frame
  • Accurate colors

2. Detail Shots​

Close-up views showing:

  • Texture and brushwork
  • Fine details
  • Material quality
  • Craftsmanship

3. Scale Reference​

Help customers understand size:

  • Product in a room setting
  • Next to common objects
  • With measurements overlay
  • Person holding artwork

4. Lifestyle Images​

Show the product in context:

  • Framed on a wall
  • In a home environment
  • Styled vignettes
  • Real customer photos

5. Process/Story Images​

Connect with buyers:

  • Work in progress
  • Artist at work
  • Materials used
  • Packaging

Photography Tips​

Lighting​

Natural Light (Recommended)

  • Shoot near large windows
  • Use during midday (overcast ideal)
  • Avoid direct sunlight (harsh shadows)
  • Use white reflectors to fill shadows

Artificial Light

  • Use daylight-balanced bulbs (5500K)
  • Softboxes reduce harsh shadows
  • Multiple light sources for even coverage
  • Consistent setup for batch shooting

Background​

For Product Shots

  • Clean white background
  • Neutral gray for contrast
  • Seamless paper or fabric
  • Consistent across products

For Lifestyle Shots

  • Complementary home settings
  • Avoid distracting elements
  • Match your brand aesthetic
  • Show scale naturally

Camera Settings​

For Sharp Images

  • Use a tripod for stability
  • Aperture: f/8-f/11 (sharp, good depth)
  • ISO: As low as possible (100-400)
  • Timer or remote to avoid shake

Smartphone Photography

  • Clean your lens
  • Use portrait mode for depth
  • Tap to focus on product
  • Avoid digital zoom

Post-Processing​

Basic Edits​

  1. Color correction - Match actual artwork colors
  2. Exposure adjustment - Bright, well-lit appearance
  3. Cropping - Center product, remove distractions
  4. Sharpening - Light sharpening for web

Consistency​

Keep images consistent:

  • Same white balance across products
  • Similar cropping and framing
  • Matching background color
  • Uniform style and mood
ToolBest ForCost
Adobe LightroomProfessional editing$10/mo
PhotoshopAdvanced editing$21/mo
CanvaQuick edits, graphicsFree/Pro
SnapseedMobile editingFree
GIMPFull editing, freeFree

Uploading Images​

Using the Image Uploader​

The Product Images section appears when creating or editing a product. It features a drag-and-drop interface for easy uploads.

How to Upload​

  1. Navigate to Products → Create new or edit existing
  2. Find the Product Images section
  3. Either:
    • Drag and drop images directly onto the upload area
    • Click the upload area to open file browser
  4. Select one or more images (up to 10 per product)
  5. Wait for upload to complete
  6. Images appear in a grid below

Managing Images​

Once uploaded, you can:

  • Reorder: Hover over an image, use the left/right arrows to move it
  • Set Primary: The first image (top-left) is automatically the primary image
  • Delete: Hover and click the red X button to remove
Primary Image

The primary image (first position) appears in:

  • Product listings
  • Search results
  • Cart and checkout
  • Order confirmations

Make sure your best photo is first!

Bulk Upload​

Upload multiple images at once:

  1. Select multiple files in the file browser (Ctrl/Cmd + click)
  2. Or drag multiple files onto the upload area
  3. All selected images upload simultaneously
  4. Reorder after upload completes

Image Optimization​

Artbase automatically optimizes images:

  • Generates multiple sizes
  • Converts to WebP where supported
  • Lazy loading for performance
  • CDN delivery for speed

Manual Optimization​

Before uploading:

  1. Resize to ~2000px on longest side
  2. Save as JPG at 80-85% quality
  3. Use "Save for Web" in Photoshop
  4. Strip unnecessary metadata

Common Issues​

Colors Look Different​

Problem: Screen colors don't match physical art

Solutions:

  • Calibrate your monitor
  • Edit in controlled lighting
  • Compare printout to screen
  • Mention in description if colors vary

Blurry Images​

Problem: Images aren't sharp

Solutions:

  • Use tripod
  • Check focus point
  • Increase shutter speed
  • Don't over-enlarge

File Too Large​

Problem: Upload fails due to size

Solutions:

  • Resize image dimensions
  • Reduce JPG quality slightly
  • Use compression tools
  • Avoid PNG for photos

Inconsistent White Background​

Problem: Backgrounds look different

Solutions:

  • Shoot with same setup
  • Batch edit with same settings
  • Use "pure white" as reference
  • Consider auto-removal tools

Mobile Photography​

Smartphone tips for quality images:

  1. Clean your lens - Wipe before every shot
  2. Use natural light - Near windows, overcast
  3. Stabilize - Prop phone or use tripod
  4. Tap to focus - On the artwork
  5. Avoid flash - Creates harsh lighting
  6. Edit after - Adjust in apps

Checklist​

Before uploading, verify:

  • Image is at least 800×800 pixels
  • Colors accurately represent artwork
  • Background is clean/appropriate
  • Product is in focus
  • File size under 10MB
  • Multiple angles included
  • Scale reference provided

Next Steps​