April 07, 2025

Lifestyle Photography vs. White Background Photos: What's Better for Your Amazon Listing?

If you're selling a product on Amazon, your images are your first impression. Before anyone reads your title, bullets, or description, they’re looking at your pictures. That’s why choosing the right type of photo is a huge deal.

Two popular styles of images are white background photography and lifestyle photography. Each one plays a different role in Amazon Product Photography, and knowing when to use each type can seriously boost your sales.

Let’s break down the difference, what each one is good for, and how both styles work together in smart Amazon Listing Images Design.

What is White Background Photography?

White background photography is exactly what it sounds like—your product is photographed on a plain white background. No props, no models, no distractions.

These photos are simple, clean, and professional-looking. More importantly, they meet Amazon’s image guidelines. Amazon requires your main image to be on a pure white background (RGB 255,255,255), so this type of photo isn’t just nice to have—it’s a must.

Why It’s Used:

• Puts 100% focus on the product
• Shows the exact shape, size, and color
• Looks professional and polished
• Meets Amazon’s technical requirements

When to Use It:

• For your main image (this is non-negotiable)
• For additional angles (front, back, side)
• Looks professional and polished
• When you want to highlight product details, such as features, design, or packaging

If you’re selling something like a kitchen gadget, yoga mat, or pair of headphones, the white background image is your hero shot. It gives shoppers a clear, distraction-free view of exactly what they’re getting

What is Lifestyle Photography?

Lifestyle photography shows your product in use, in a real-life setting. It tells a story.

Instead of just seeing a coffee mug floating on a white background, lifestyle photography might show someone holding it while reading a book, or sipping from it on a cozy couch. These kinds of images help people visualize how the product fits into their daily life.

Why It’s Used:

• Shows the product in context
• Helps customers imagine owning and using it
• Builds trust by making the product feel real
• Adds emotion and storytelling to your listing
• Sets your brand apart with creativity and style

When to Use It:

• As secondary images (not the main image)
• To highlight benefits, not just features
• To show scale or size comparisons (a water bottle in someone’s hand, for example)
• For lifestyle-focused categories like fashion, beauty, fitness, or home decor

Lifestyle photos can also include infographics—images that blend photography with text, callouts, or illustrations to explain key features or benefits. This adds even more value to your Amazon Listing Images Design.

How the Two Work Together in a Great Amazon Listing

If you're wondering which one is better—white background or lifestyle—the real answer is: you need both.

Each type serves a different purpose. Here’s how they work together in a smart, high-converting Amazon listing:

1. Main Image = White Background
This image stops the scroll. It must be sharp, bright, and clean. No extra props. Amazon will reject images that don’t follow their white background rule for the main image. So white background shots are not just useful—they’re required.

2. Secondary Images = Lifestyle
After your main image pulls the customer in, your lifestyle photos tell the story. These images build trust, show off your product in action, and help answer common customer questions visually.

Think of it like this:

• White background images answer: What is it?
• Lifestyle images answer: Why should I care?

Combining both creates a complete, professional look that builds trust and increases your chances of getting the sale.

Real Examples

Let’s say you’re selling a resistance band set:

• Main image: The full set laid out neatly on a white background.
• Second image: A person using the bands during a workout.
• Third image: Close-up shot of the handles or clips (also on white).
• Fourth image: Lifestyle photo showing someone stretching post-workout.
• Fifth image: Infographic showing all the items that come in the set.
• Sixth image: Another lifestyle shot, maybe someone using it outdoors or traveling with it.

This variety helps you showcase all the product features while also connecting with different types of buyers (home fitness lovers, travelers, athletes, etc.).

Why This Matters for Sales

Amazon is crowded. Every listing you compete with has 5 to 7 image slots—and most sellers are using them all.

If you only use white background shots, your listing can feel cold or basic. If you only use lifestyle shots, people may not see the full details or may not trust the listing.

Using a balance of both helps your Amazon Product Photography stand out. It also makes your brand feel more real, more professional, and more thoughtful.

Buyers often decide within seconds if they’re interested. Photos that are clear, clean, and emotional get attention—and get clicks.

Bonus: Tips for Better Amazon Listing Images Design

Here are a few extra tips to take your photo game to the next level:

• Use all 7 image slots: Give shoppers as much helpful info as possible
• Keep branding consistent: Use the same tone and colors across all images
• Add infographics: Use lifestyle shots to highlight benefits with text or icons.
• Show size: Help buyers understand scale by comparing your product to familiar items or by showing it in someone’s hand.
• Think mobile-first: Most Amazon shoppers are on their phones. Make sure the text is big and the images are sharp.

Final Thoughts

White background photos and lifestyle images aren’t competing styles—they’re two halves of a strong product listing. One builds clarity, the other builds connection.

If you're serious about growing your sales on Amazon, don’t choose one or the other. Use both.

Great Amazon Listing Images Design starts with understanding your customer. What do they need to see to trust you? What makes them feel confident to buy?

Once you know that, design your photos to answer those questions—clearly, visually, and emotionally.

Your images do more than just show off your product—they sell it.

Recent Blogs