Specialized skill for AI product photography. Use when you need professional product shots, hero images, lifestyle photography, or e-commerce visuals. Triggers on: product shot, hero image, e-commerce photo. Outputs production-ready product photography.
Generate professional product photography that sells. Not generic AI images — strategic visual assets that highlight product value, create desire, and convert viewers to buyers.
Use this skill when: You need product shots for e-commerce, hero banners, marketing campaigns, or catalogs. Route here from: ai-creative-workflow when product imagery is needed.
The problem: Most AI product photos fail because they:
The solution: A systematic approach that:
ALWAYS use Nano Banana Pro via Glif.
| Model | Glif ID | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Nano Banana Pro Text 2 Image | cmi7ne4p40000kz04yup2nxgh | ~20sec |
Do NOT use: imagen-3, DALL-E, Flux, or direct Replicate API calls unless specifically requested.
Why Glif: Faster (~20sec vs ~3min), consistent quality, no async polling.
Critical principle: Don't lock into one visual approach. Product photography has many valid styles — the right one depends on brand, platform, and competitive landscape.
The same product photographed differently can feel:
One style = hope. Multiple styles = strategic choice.
For any new product photography project:
Style 1 - Clean E-commerce:
[Product] on pure white background, professional studio lighting,
sharp commercial photography, Amazon listing optimized,
clean minimal, product hero shot
Style 2 - Lifestyle Context:
[Product] in real-world [setting], natural lighting,
lifestyle product photography, human context,
aspirational but relatable
Style 3 - Dark Premium:
[Product] against dark gradient background, dramatic spotlight,
luxury product photography, premium positioning,
sophisticated mood, high-end commercial
Style 4 - Editorial Magazine:
[Product] editorial photography style, artistic composition,
magazine quality, creative angles, fashion-adjacent aesthetic
Style 5 - Warm Natural:
[Product] in warm natural setting, soft window light,
organic styling, [wood/linen/natural materials],
approachable premium feel
| Brand Positioning | Best Style Direction |
|---|---|
| Premium/Luxury | Dark Premium or Editorial Magazine |
| Accessible/Friendly | Lifestyle Context or Warm Natural |
| Tech/Innovation | Clean E-commerce or Dark Premium |
| Natural/Organic | Warm Natural or Lifestyle Context |
| Fashion/Beauty | Editorial Magazine or Dark Premium |
| Utility/Practical | Clean E-commerce or Lifestyle Context |
Once style is chosen, document:
## Winning Style: [Name]
**Visual Principles:**
- Background: [specific approach]
- Lighting: [mood and direction]
- Color palette: [tones]
- Composition: [approach]
- Props/styling: [elements]
**Apply across:**
- Hero shot: [how]
- Secondary angles: [how]
- Lifestyle variants: [how]
- Detail shots: [how]
The main product image. Highest stakes, most important.
[Product name] hero shot, professional product photography,
[lighting setup], [background], product as focal point,
commercial advertising quality, ultra-detailed, sharp focus,
space for text on [left/right] if needed
What makes hero shots work:
Highlights specific product features.
Close-up detail shot of [specific feature] on [product],
macro product photography, [feature] clearly visible,
shallow depth of field on [feature], professional lighting,
technical detail showcase
Product in use or realistic setting.
[Product] in [specific setting], lifestyle product photography,
[person using/product on surface/in environment],
natural lighting, authentic scene, editorial quality,
aspirational but believable context
Multiple products or variants together.
Product collection shot, [multiple products] arranged together,
professional studio photography, cohesive styling,
group composition, clear hierarchy with [hero product] prominent,
commercial catalog quality
Top-down arrangement, popular for social media.
Flat lay photography, [product] arranged with [complementary items],
top-down view, [surface material], organized aesthetic,
styled composition, editorial product photography
Shows product size with familiar objects.
[Product] with scale reference, shown next to [familiar object],
size comparison photography, clear proportion,
professional lighting, clean background
Challenges: Reflective surfaces, screens, small details Opportunities: Premium tech aesthetic, innovation positioning
[Electronic product] professional tech photography,
controlled reflections on metallic/glass surfaces,
screen displaying [content or off], subtle rim lighting on edges,
dark gradient background, premium technology aesthetic,
clean minimal composition, commercial advertising quality
Lighting for tech:
+ subtle rim lighting on edges for dimension
+ controlled reflections (not eliminated, controlled)
+ gradient lighting on screens
+ separation light from background
Common tech products:
Challenges: Fabric texture, accurate colors, shape/drape Opportunities: Lifestyle aspiration, styling context
[Apparel item] fashion product photography,
visible fabric texture, accurate [color] reproduction,
natural draping/structure, [styled flat/on model/on hanger],
professional fashion lighting, editorial quality
Key considerations:
Fabric-specific additions:
+ subtle sheen, controlled highlights, luxurious drape+ visible texture and weave, authentic blue tones+ rich material quality, subtle surface texture+ visible knit pattern, cozy texture, soft lightingChallenges: Appetite appeal, freshness, color accuracy Opportunities: Sensory triggers, desire creation
[Food/beverage product] professional food photography,
appetizing presentation, [steam/condensation/freshness cues],
natural daylight aesthetic, [surface/props],
editorial food styling, commercial quality
Food photography essentials:
Lighting for food:
soft overhead natural daylight feel,
backlit for steam visibility,
side lighting for texture,
warm tones for appetite appeal
Challenges: Color accuracy, texture rendering, premium feel Opportunities: Aspirational beauty, sensory luxury
[Beauty product] professional cosmetic photography,
clean premium aesthetic, [product details visible],
soft diffused beauty lighting, [color] accurate rendering,
luxury cosmetic branding, commercial advertising quality
Product-specific approaches:
Textures to showcase:
+ visible product texture (cream, gel, powder, liquid)
+ packaging material quality
+ applicator/closure details
Challenges: Reflections, sparkle, small scale Opportunities: Ultimate luxury positioning
[Jewelry/watch] luxury product photography,
controlled reflections with intentional sparkle,
[metal type] surface quality, premium black/gradient background,
rim lighting on metal edges, macro detail visible,
high-end commercial jewelry photography
Jewelry lighting formula:
+ main light for overall exposure
+ rim/edge light for metal definition
+ small accent light for sparkle on stones
+ gradient background for depth
Watch-specific:
Challenges: Scale, context, room integration Opportunities: Lifestyle aspiration, room transformation
[Furniture/home item] interior product photography,
shown in [styled room setting], professional interior photography,
natural window lighting, lifestyle context,
aspirational home aesthetic, editorial interiors quality
Key considerations:
Lighting is the difference between amateur and professional product photography.
Three-Point (Classic):
three-point lighting setup:
- key light from upper left (main illumination)
- fill light from right (soften shadows)
- rim light from behind (edge separation)
Single Source (Dramatic):
single dramatic spotlight from [direction],
deep shadows, high contrast, gradient falloff,
premium moody aesthetic
Soft Diffused (Beauty):
soft diffused overhead lighting,
large soft box, minimal shadows,
even illumination, beauty product aesthetic
Rim/Edge (Definition):
strong rim lighting from behind,
edge definition on product silhouette,
glowing outline effect, dark background
Window Light (Lifestyle):
natural window lighting from [side],
soft diffused daylight, organic shadows,
lifestyle photography aesthetic
Golden Hour (Warm):
golden hour lighting quality,
warm directional light, long soft shadows,
aspirational warmth
Overcast (Even):
soft overcast natural light,
even illumination, no harsh shadows,
diffused daylight aesthetic
| Direction | Effect | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Front | Flat, even, safe | E-commerce basics |
| 45° side | Depth, dimension | Most products |
| Side (90°) | Dramatic texture | Textured items |
| Back | Silhouette, glow | Drama, beverages |
| Top (overhead) | Food, flat lay | Food, accessories |
| Under | Dramatic, unusual | Creative/artistic |
Pure White (#FFFFFF):
on pure white background, seamless backdrop,
no shadows (or: soft drop shadow),
e-commerce clean aesthetic
Best for: Amazon, Shopify, catalog, transparent backgrounds
Light Gray Gradient:
on light gray gradient background,
subtle depth, soft shadow beneath product,
professional studio aesthetic
Best for: Website heroes, professional presentations
Dark Gradient:
against dark charcoal gradient background,
dramatic studio lighting, premium aesthetic,
product highlighted against dark
Best for: Premium/luxury positioning, tech products
Colored Backdrop:
against [color] background,
complementary or brand-aligned color,
bold product presentation
Best for: Brand campaigns, social media
Marble:
on white marble surface, elegant staging,
luxury product photography, subtle veining
Wood:
on [oak/walnut/rustic] wood surface,
warm organic aesthetic, natural grain visible
Concrete:
on concrete surface, industrial aesthetic,
modern minimal, textured background
Fabric/Linen:
on [white/neutral] linen fabric,
soft organic texture, lifestyle aesthetic
Rule: Props enhance, never compete.
Good props:
Bad props:
product positioned at rule of thirds intersection,
not centered, dynamic composition,
visual interest through placement
product centered in frame,
symmetrical composition, hero positioning,
commanding central presence
product positioned [left/right/lower],
negative space on [opposite side] for text overlay,
marketing composition, headline room
| Angle | Effect | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Eye level | Relatable, natural | Most products |
| Slightly above | Overview, context | Collections, scenes |
| Slightly below | Powerful, imposing | Premium, hero |
| 45° | Classic product shot | E-commerce |
| Top-down | Flat lay, pattern | Food, accessories |
| Macro/close | Detail, texture | Features, quality |
Requirements:
- Main image: Pure white background
- 85%+ frame fill
- No text, graphics, or watermarks
- 1000×1000 minimum (1500×1500 preferred)
- RGB color
Prompt addition:
+ Amazon product listing optimized, pure white background,
product fills 85% of frame, no props or text,
e-commerce compliant, commercial product photography
More creative freedom than Amazon.
- Hero images can have context
- Lifestyle images encouraged
- Brand aesthetic consistent
Prompt addition:
+ e-commerce hero shot, [brand aesthetic] style,
website product page optimized, commercial quality
- 1:1 or 4:5 aspect ratio
- Scroll-stopping visuals
- Lifestyle context often better
- Bold colors perform
Prompt addition:
+ Instagram product photography, [1:1/4:5] composition,
scroll-stopping visual, social media optimized,
lifestyle context, bold engaging aesthetic
- 16:9 or wider aspect ratio
- Space for text overlay
- Product as hero element
- Brand-aligned styling
Prompt addition:
+ hero banner product shot, 16:9 landscape composition,
product as hero element, space for headline on [side],
website banner optimized, marketing asset
- 2:3 vertical (1000×1500)
- Aspirational lifestyle
- Text overlays work here
- Save-worthy aesthetic
Prompt addition:
+ Pinterest product pin, vertical 2:3 composition,
aspirational lifestyle photography, save-worthy visual,
space for text overlay, editorial product aesthetic
□ What product? (specific details, materials, features)
□ What use case? (Amazon, hero banner, social, etc.)
□ What style? (or need style exploration?)
□ What aspect ratio?
□ Text space needed?
□ Brand colors/aesthetic?
Generate 5 different visual approaches, pick winner, extract principles.
Use the formula:
[Product specific description] + [Shot type] + [Lighting] +
[Background/staging] + [Composition] + [Quality boosters] +
[Platform optimization]
Glif: Nano Banana Pro Text 2 Image
ID: cmi7ne4p40000kz04yup2nxgh
Inputs: ["[constructed prompt]"]
Check against requirements:
Common iteration adjustments:
Too dark → add "bright, well-lit, high key"
Too cluttered → add "minimal, clean, simple"
Wrong angle → specify angle explicitly
Reflections wrong → add "controlled reflections"
Not premium enough → add "luxury, premium, high-end"
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Looks obviously AI | Generic prompt | Add specific commercial photography terms |
| Wrong reflections | Not controlled | Add "controlled reflections, professional lighting" |
| Flat lighting | No direction | Specify lighting direction and type |
| Product unclear | Too much context | Simplify, focus on product |
| Wrong scale | No reference | Add scale context or familiar objects |
| Colors off | Model interpretation | Be very specific about colors |
| Too perfect | Hyperreal rendering | Add subtle imperfection cues if needed |
| Wrong background | Default used | Explicitly specify background |
| Not commercial | Missing quality terms | Add "commercial, advertising, professional" |
| Competing elements | Props too prominent | Simplify staging, props should be subtle |
## Product Photo Generated
**Product:** [name]
**Shot Type:** [hero/detail/lifestyle/etc.]
**Style:** [visual approach]
**Aspect Ratio:** [ratio]
**Image URL:** [URL]
**Prompt Used:**
> [full prompt for reference]
**Quality Check:**
- [ ] Product accurate
- [ ] Lighting effective
- [ ] Background appropriate
- [ ] Platform requirements met
**Feedback?**
- Product representation accurate?
- Lighting/mood right?
- Background works?
- Ready to approve or iterate?
**Options:**
- [ ] Approve this shot
- [ ] Iterate (specify changes)
- [ ] Generate different angle
- [ ] Try different style approach
PRODUCT PHOTO PIPELINE
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Request arrives │
│ → Direct or from ai-creative-workflow │
│ → Clarify product and requirements │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
│
▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Style Exploration (if needed) │
│ → Generate 5 different approaches │
│ → User selects winner │
│ → Extract principles for consistency │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
│
▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ai-product-photo (THIS SKILL) │
│ → Construct platform-optimized prompt │
│ → Generate with Nano Banana Pro/Glif │
│ → Review against quality checklist │
│ → Iterate as needed │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
│
┌───────────┴───────────┐
▼ ▼
┌──────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────┐
│ Static Delivery │ │ Route to Video │
│ → Final product │ │ → ai-product- │
│ images │ │ video │
└──────────────────┘ └──────────────────┘
Receive:
product: "[what product]"
category: "[electronics/fashion/food/etc.]"
shot_type: "[hero/detail/lifestyle/etc.]"
platform: "[Amazon/Instagram/hero banner/etc.]"
style: "[if established]"
brand_colors: "[if specified]"
text_space: true/false
Return:
status: "complete" | "needs_iteration" | "needs_different_approach"
deliverables:
- url: "[image URL]"
shot_type: "[type]"
aspect_ratio: "[ratio]"
prompt_used: "[prompt]"
additional_shots_available: true/false
Route to ai-product-video:
image_url: "[approved product image URL]"
product: "[product name]"
animation_type: "[reveal/360/floating/etc.]"
platform: "[destination platform]"
80% of results come from:
Get these four right and you'll outperform most AI product photos.
Premium wireless over-ear headphones hero shot,
silver and black colorway, soft padding visible,
floating against dark charcoal gradient background,
dramatic single spotlight from upper left,
subtle rim lighting on edges, metallic surface reflections controlled,
negative space on right for headline,
commercial technology advertising photography,
ultra-detailed, professional quality, 16:9 composition
Luxury skincare serum bottle product photography,
glass bottle with dropper, golden serum visible,
on pure white background, Amazon listing optimized,
soft diffused studio lighting, product fills 85% of frame,
clean minimal composition, accurate color rendering,
commercial beauty product photography, 1:1 square
Artisan coffee bag product in lifestyle setting,
kraft paper bag with window showing beans,
on rustic wooden kitchen counter, morning light through window,
fresh coffee beans scattered, ceramic mug nearby,
lifestyle food photography, warm inviting tones,
editorial quality, aspirational home aesthetic
Diamond engagement ring luxury photography,
platinum band, brilliant cut center stone,
extreme detail macro shot, sparkle on facets,
black gradient background, controlled reflections,
rim lighting on metal edges, jeweler quality detail,
high-end commercial jewelry photography
Premium leather wallet flat lay photography,
brown full-grain leather, visible stitching detail,
on white marble surface, minimalist styling,
styled with brass key holder and pen,
top-down composition, editorial menswear aesthetic,
soft even lighting, luxury accessories photography