How to photograph board games for your online store

A board game is a product with two lives. On the shelf it is a box, and on the table it is a world of boards, cards and pieces. Buyers want to see both. A single box photo says almost nothing, so plan a short set of pictures that lets them imagine opening it.

The box first, in good light

Photograph the front of the box straight on, with the phone parallel to it so the edges do not slope. Then shoot the back, where the player count, age and play time are printed, and the sides if they carry information. Check that the text is readable when zoomed. Watch for glare on glossy boxes, and tilt slightly or move the light to the side until the reflection goes. The method in photographing shiny products helps.

The contents laid out

Open the box and lay out the board, cards, tokens, dice and rulebook in a tidy flat lay, from directly above. Leave space between items so each can be seen, and arrange them in the order a player would use them. Count the pieces against the list on the box. See how to do a flat lay for the technique.

A mid-play scene

This is the photo that sells the game. Set up the board as though a game is under way, with tokens placed, cards fanned and a few hands in the frame if you wish. Keep the arrangement clean so buyers can see the mechanics. Shoot at a slight angle from above, so the board and the pieces both read. Do not stage elements that are not in the box, or you will create disappointed customers.

Close-ups of quality

Buyers like to see the board texture, the card finish and the detail on the pieces. Take a close-up of a card, one of a token, and one of the board art. If any piece is wooden, metal or has unique sculpting, show it. Light from the side makes the surface visible.

Scale and size

Boxes vary a lot. Put a hand or a familiar object beside the box so size is clear. State box dimensions and weight in the description, as in writing a weight and dimensions section. Include the number of players, age range and play time in words.

The rulebook

Photograph one page of the rulebook to show that it is clearly written and in which language. This matters to customers who are buying for family, children or a language group. If the game is in a particular language, say so.

Background and props

Use a plain wooden or neutral table and avoid clutter. Add one or two props that fit, such as a cup of chai or snacks at the edge, but keep them away from the game pieces. For general ideas, see how to choose props for product photos.

Shot list

• Box front, straight on
• Box back, readable text
• Flat lay of all contents
• Mid-play scene
• Close-ups of cards, board and pieces
• Scale shot with a hand
• One rulebook page

Compare the final images to the product and your listing before you publish, using the product photography checklist. A buyer who can see everything is more likely to buy with confidence.