How Long Does It Take to Edit Product Photos

In the competitive world of eCommerce, professionally edited product photos are no longer optional—they’re essential. But one of the most common questions business owners, photographers, and marketers ask is: “How long does it take to edit product photos?”

The short answer? Anywhere from a few minutes to several hours per image, depending on the type of editing, photo quality, and final usage.

In this guide, we’ll break down the exact factors that influence photo editing time, the different types of edits, and tips for speeding up the process. We’ll also include frequently asked questions (FAQs) and optimize for voice search and featured snippets.

Why Product Photo Editing Matters

Before we dive into timelines, it’s important to understand why editing product photos is so crucial for online success:

• 📈 Boosts conversion rates
• 🛒 Builds trust and professionalism
• 🔍 Enhances product details and textures
• 📷 Improves consistency across your brand
• 💡 Makes your products stand out in crowded marketplaces

A well-edited image can dramatically increase perceived value and customer confidence.

So, How Long Does It Take to Edit Product Photos?

Here’s a general time range based on the type of photo editing involved:

Voice search optimized snippet:
“On average, it takes about 5 to 15 minutes to edit one product photo, depending on the complexity of the edits.”

Factors That Affect Product Photo Editing Time

🛠️ 1. Type of Product

• Transparent items like glass require more intricate editing.
• Reflective surfaces need glare removal and extra cleanup.

📸 2. Original Photo Quality

• Well-lit, high-resolution images are quicker to edit.
• Blurry or underexposed photos take longer to fix.

🧰 3. Level of Editing Required

• Cropping and alignment = fast.
• Retouching, color correction, and background replacement = longer.

👥 4. Editor’s Skill Level

• Experienced editors are much faster and more precise.
• Beginners may take longer but can improve with practice.

📦 5. Batch vs. Single Edits

• Editing one-off hero images can take longer.
• Bulk edits (same lighting/angle) are more efficient.

🧠 6. Software and Tools Used

• Advanced tools like Photoshop or Lightroom have shortcuts.
• AI-powered tools (like Luminar, Pixelcut, or Photoroom) can reduce manual time.

Types of Product Photo Editing

Understanding what kind of edits you need will help you estimate how long it takes to edit product photos:

1. Basic Editing

• Cropping
• Straightening
• White balance adjustment
• Exposure & contrast tweaks

🕒 Time Estimate: 2–5 minutes per image

2. Background Removal

• Removing clutter or setting a white/transparent background
• Commonly used for Amazon or Shopify listings

🕒 Time Estimate: 3–10 minutes per image
(Pro tip: Use AI tools to speed this up.)

3. Shadow & Reflection Creation

• Natural or drop shadows add realism
• Ideal for fashion, furniture, and electronics

🕒 Time Estimate: 4–8 minutes per image

4. Color Correction & Matching

• Essential for clothing, accessories, and anything where color accuracy matters
• Involves hue, saturation, and tone adjustments

🕒 Time Estimate: 5–10 minutes per image

5. Retouching and Spot Removal

• Removing dust, scratches, wrinkles, or imperfections
• Often used in beauty and luxury photography

🕒 Time Estimate: 10–30 minutes depending on complexity

6. Advanced Composite Editing

• Combining multiple shots into one (e.g., changing background, adding props digitally)
• Used in high-end campaigns

🕒 Time Estimate: 30 minutes to several hours

How to Speed Up Product Photo Editing

If you’re looking to save time without sacrificing quality, here are a few smart tips:

• ✅ Use batch processing in Lightroom or Capture One
• ✅ Create presets for color and exposure
• ✅ Invest in AI editing tools for background removal
• ✅ Outsource editing to a professional retouching service
• ✅ Use a consistent setup to reduce variability

Optimized Snippet Q&A (Voice Search Friendly)

Q: How long should it take to edit a product photo?
A: Editing a product photo usually takes between 5 to 15 minutes, depending on complexity and editing type.

Q: What’s the fastest way to edit product photos?
A: Use AI-powered tools, batch processing, and presets to significantly reduce editing time.

Q: Is background removal time-consuming?
A: Yes, background removal can take 3 to 10 minutes per photo manually—but less than a minute with AI.

FAQs: How Long Does It Take to Edit Product Photos?

❓ Can I edit product photos myself, or should I hire someone?

You can absolutely edit them yourself using tools like Lightroom, Photoshop, or Canva. But if you have hundreds of SKUs or want high-end results, outsourcing to a professional is faster and often more cost-effective.

❓ How long does it take to edit 100 product photos?

If each photo takes 5–10 minutes on average, expect to spend 8–15 hours manually. Using batch editing or AI tools can cut that time in half.

❓ Does using templates or presets really save time?

Yes. Presets and editing templates are major time-savers, especially for batch editing. They maintain consistency and reduce repetitive tasks.

❓ Should I use AI or manual editing?

AI is great for basic tasks like background removal and color correction. For detailed retouching, manual editing or a hybrid approach is best.

❓ What software is best for product photo editing?

Top options include:

• Adobe Photoshop (best for precision work)
• Lightroom (great for batch editing)
• Canva Pro (user-friendly for beginners)
• Pixelcut / Photoroom / Remove.bg (fast AI background tools)

Final Thoughts

So, how long does it take to edit product photos? The answer depends on your needs, skills, and tools. A simple background removal might take just 3 minutes, while a full-blown editorial image could take over an hour.

The key is to match your editing approach to your product goals. For everyday listings, speed and consistency matter most. For campaign visuals, high-quality editing is worth the time investment.

This page was last edited on 8 April 2025, at 2:51 pm