Last updated: 2026-02-14
How to Prepare Product Photos for AI Enhancement – Shooting & Editing Tips
The quality of your AI-enhanced product photos depends on the quality of your input. This guide covers lighting, shooting techniques, camera settings, and file format choices that produce the best results when processed through AI enhancement tools like Claid.ai.
Lighting Setup
Even, diffused lighting is essential. Use a lightbox or two softbox lights at 45-degree angles to minimize harsh shadows. Avoid mixed light sources (daylight + artificial) as they create color casts that AI must correct. For reflective products, use a light tent to eliminate hot spots. The goal is to give the AI a clean, well-lit source so it can focus on enhancement rather than correction.
Camera Settings
Shoot at your camera's native ISO (usually 100-200) to minimize noise. Use a tripod and remote shutter to eliminate blur. Shoot in RAW format for maximum editing flexibility. Set aperture to f/8-f/11 for sharp focus across the entire product. If using a smartphone, use the Pro/Manual mode and choose the lowest ISO available.
Background & Staging
Use a clean, contrasting background. White works for most products; use gray for white products. Keep the background free of wrinkles, dust, and shadows. If you plan to use AI background removal (as offered by Claid.ai), a contrasting background makes edge detection more accurate.
File Format & Export
Save in RAW for AI processing. If you must use JPEG, export at 95-100% quality. Avoid resizing or cropping before AI processing; let the AI work with the full-resolution original. After AI enhancement, export in the format required by your platform (usually JPEG at 85-95% for web).