Packaging Photos That Sell: Tips for Food & Beverage Brands in Ontario

Your packaging is often the first — and sometimes only — impression a potential buyer gets. Whether you're launching your product in stores, on Amazon, or through your own website, clear and professional packaging photography helps drive conversions and builds trust with your audience.

If you’re a food or beverage brand in Ontario, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to create packaging photos that actually sell.

Why Packaging Photography Matters

Customers buy with their eyes. Great packaging design is crucial, but it won’t matter if the product is poorly photographed. Whether you’re showcasing your product on Instagram, Shopify, or a grocery store listing, your photo needs to:

• Clearly show what the product is

• Reflect your brand personality

• Look professional and polished

• Stand out in crowded feeds or listings

1. Use Natural or Soft Studio Light

Lighting is everything. Use diffused daylight or professional softboxes to eliminate harsh shadows and bring out the texture and finish of your packaging. Avoid yellow indoor lighting at all costs — it flattens the product and dulls your brand colours.

2. Keep the Setup Clean

Less is more. Let the packaging be the hero — use a neutral or complementary background, and make sure there are no distractions in the frame. Dust off the packaging, smooth out wrinkles, and remove fingerprints before shooting.

3. Shoot Front, Back & 3/4 Angles

Retailers and online shoppers want to see the full story:

• Front shot for branding

• Back shot for ingredients, info

• 3/4 angle to give it dimension

Include close-ups of key features or textures (e.g., foil stamping, embossed elements) to elevate perceived value

4. Match Platform Standards

Whether you're submitting to Amazon, Shopify, Whole Foods, or independent retailers, your photos should meet their technical requirements:

• White or clean background (for e-commerce)

• High resolution (2000px minimum)

• No overlays or drop shadows unless brand-approved

Platform-specific shots improve your chance of getting featured or approved for wholesale.

5. Style for the Audience, Not Just the Product

Your packaging should look good in context. Lifestyle photos of the product on a counter, in a kitchen, or next to its ingredients help consumers visualize using it. For example:

• Juice beside a fresh pour

• Rice package surrounded by ingredients

• Chocolate bar unwrapped next to a serving suggestion

This helps shoppers emotionally connect to the product.

6. Consistency Builds Brand Trust

If you're launching multiple SKUs (e.g. different flavours, sizes, or product lines), make sure your packaging photos:

• Use the same lighting and angles

• Are edited with the same colour balance

• Are framed consistently

This shows polish and reinforces visual trust across all platforms.

7. Hire a Professional When It Matters Most

If you’re investing in packaging design, don’t undercut it with DIY photos. A professional photographer will:

• Capture the product in its best light

• Understand brand positioning and target market

• Provide multiple assets for different platforms

• Save you time and boost sales potential

If you're based in Toronto or anywhere in Ontario, ALXEATS provides custom product and packaging photography designed to help your brand grow.

Summary: What to Remember

Professional packaging photos should:

• Be clean, well-lit, and high resolution

• Highlight all important brand and product details

• Be styled for your audience

• Align with your brand identity and marketing goals

Whether you're selling at your local Whole Foods or launching an online campaign, quality packaging photos are essential for standing out and making sales.

Related Blog Posts:

• Why Styled Product Photography Is Essential for Food Brands

• How to Take Better Food Photos for Uber Eats & Delivery Apps