Remove the background from shoe photos

At a glance

How to do it

1. Upload a shot at shoe heightStuff the shoes with paper so they hold their shape, lace them neatly and shoot from the height of the shoe, not from above. Keep the camera in the same spot for every pair.
2. Remove the floor and check the gapsThe tool starts on white. Zoom in between the laces, inside the heel pull loop and under the arch, where bits of floor can survive the cutout.
3. Download and keep the toe directionDownload HD or full size as a JPG. Crop every listing to the same ratio and point the toe the same way in every main photo so your catalogue reads as one set.

Tips and common mistakes

• Pick pair or single, then stick to itA pair shows the outer and inner side in one photo; a single shoe fills the frame better. Many catalogues lead with a single shoe at a three-quarter angle. Whatever you choose, use it on every product.
• White sneakers on whiteA white shoe on #ffffff loses its outline. Light it from the side so the midsole casts a little shading, or use light grey for the secondary photos where the platform allows it.
• Shoot the sole honestlyThe sole shows wear first. eBay asks you to show all defects and flaws, so photograph the tread in sharp light and don't retouch scuffs.
• Only show what's includedeBay's guide says to show only items the buyer will receive. Photograph the box and spare laces only if they come with the shoes.
• Keep colourways trueGoogle asks for an image that matches the exact colour, material and finish being sold. Shoot each colourway; don't recolour one photo into another.