The Economics Have Finally Shifted
Let's talk numbers. A traditional product photography session—with a photographer, studio rental, lighting equipment, and post-processing—typically costs $50-100 per image. For a small e-commerce business with 200 SKUs, that's $10,000-$20,000 just for basic product shots.
AI photography tools like Foca AI now deliver comparable quality at $0.30-$1.00 per image. That same 200-SKU catalog? Under $200. The math isn't even close anymore.
Quality Has Reached "Good Enough" (And Often Better)
I used to be skeptical. Early AI tools produced images that looked... artificial. The lighting was flat, the shadows were wrong, and the backgrounds had telltale artifacts that screamed "this was made by a computer."
That's no longer the case. The latest generation of AI photography tools can produce pure RGB 255 white backgrounds that pass Amazon's strict requirements, natural-looking shadows that add depth, and consistent lighting across hundreds of products.
In fact, AI often produces more consistent results than traditional photography. No more variations between shooting days. No more "the morning light was different" excuses. Every image looks like it came from the same professional studio.
Speed Is the Hidden Advantage
Here's something that doesn't get talked about enough: time. A traditional product shoot requires scheduling, setup, shooting, editing, and delivery. That process takes days or weeks.
With AI photography, you can go from phone snapshot to marketplace-ready image in under a minute. Got a new product that just arrived? It can be listed with professional photos the same day. That speed advantage compounds—faster listings mean faster sales mean faster growth.
When Traditional Photography Still Makes Sense
I'm not saying AI photography is right for everyone. Luxury brands selling $5,000 handbags might still want the prestige of a human photographer. Complex products requiring multiple angles with human interaction—like furniture or apparel on models—still benefit from traditional shoots.
But for the vast majority of e-commerce sellers—those selling everyday products on Amazon, Etsy, eBay, or Shopify—AI photography has become the smart choice.
My Recommendation for 2026
If you're still paying $50+ per product image, 2026 is absolutely the year to switch. Start with a small batch of products. Compare the results. I'm confident you'll be surprised—not just by the quality, but by how much time and money you save.
The technology has matured. The economics make sense. The only question left is: what are you waiting for?