AI Product Photography: Place Products in Lifestyle Scenes & Context
Need professional ecommerce product photography without expensive photoshoots? This AI product photography guide shows you how to place products in realistic lifestyle scenes, generate contextual backgrounds, and create compelling product-in-use images—perfect for product mockup generator needs and transforming plain product shots into engaging lifestyle product photography.
Why Product Scene Placement Matters for E-commerce
Common E-commerce Challenges:
- Plain White Backgrounds: Product photos lack context and emotional appeal
- Expensive Photoshoots: Studio rentals, props, and photographers cost thousands
- Limited Lifestyle Shots: Can't afford multiple scene variations for A/B testing
- Slow Turnaround: Traditional photography takes days or weeks
- Seasonal Updates: Need to refresh product scenes for holidays and seasons
The Solution: With AI product photography and our product scene generator, you can transform basic product cutouts into professional lifestyle product photography in minutes. Create unlimited scene variations, test different contexts, and boost conversion rates—all without a photography studio.
How AI Product Scene Placement Works
Banana Designer's AI product photo generator uses advanced image generation to seamlessly place your products in realistic environments. Unlike basic product mockup generator tools that only overlay images, our AI product photography creates natural lighting, shadows, and perspective matching.
Two Main Approaches:
- Scene Generation: Generate realistic backgrounds around your product
- Product-in-Use: Show products being used in context with additional elements
Both methods use ecommerce product photography best practices to create compelling, conversion-focused images.
Part 1: Product Scene Placement Examples
These examples show how to place products in lifestyle scenes using AI product photography techniques.
Example 1: Phone on Modern Desk Setup
Use Case: Tech product photography, workspace aesthetics, lifestyle tech shots—perfect for ecommerce product photography that shows products in professional contexts
Before: Plain phone cutout on white background
After: Phone on modern minimalist desk with natural lighting


Lay this phone from image 1 flat onto a black wooden desk with isometric rendering view, put it next to a white hhkb keyboard from image 3 and logi mx master 4 mouse from image 2, with a monitor and other desktop items, with premium desk materials, main lighting from the monitor with dark environment. the phone is between the keyboard and the mouse. With the FOV mainly focus on the phone (with the phone occupying about 2/3 of the pooto), and the rest items are partially shown in the view. Create a photo realistic shot.
How to Do It:
- Upload your product cutout (phone with transparent or simple background)
- Select Nano Banana AI model
- Describe the elements you need in your scene
- Generate
Pro Tips for Desk Scene Photography:
- Specify lighting direction: "window light from left" for natural shadows
- Add context: "laptop in background, coffee cup, notebook" for lifestyle feel
- Use "shallow depth of field" to keep focus on product
- This product scene generator approach creates more engaging images than plain backgrounds
Best For: Electronics, tech accessories, office supplies, stationery
Example 2: Coffee Maker on Kitchen Countertop
Use Case: Kitchen appliance photography, home goods, lifestyle product shots—essential for lifestyle product photography that shows scale and context
Before: Coffee maker product shot on white background
After: Coffee maker on modern kitchen counter with morning ambiance


Place this coffee machine on a counter top against a wall, with a designer decor of the room, and the FOV is primarily focus on the product like the reference image with slightly altered angle/perspective.
How to Do It:
- Upload your coffee maker product image
- Select Nano Banana AI model
- Describe the scene with furniture setup, colour, material and lighting
- Generate
Kitchen Scene Variations:
- Modern: "white marble counter, stainless steel appliances, minimalist"
- Rustic: "wooden countertop, farmhouse kitchen, warm lighting"
- Luxury: "black granite counter, high-end kitchen, professional lighting"
- Cozy: "warm wood counter, coffee beans nearby, morning atmosphere"
Best For: Kitchen appliances, cookware, food products, home goods
Example 3: Kitchen Utensils in Organized Kitchen
Use Case: Kitchenware product photography, organizational products, home storage—great for ecommerce photography that shows products in their natural environment, and utencils might have specific ways to be placed in the kitchen, and you can prompt it with the correct format.
Before: Utensils on plain background
After: Utensils beautifully arranged in modern kitchen setting


A premium modern kitchen scene with the Joseph Joseph multicolored utensil set placed upright on a white Calacatta marble countertop, positioned 10–15 cm to the right of the stove. Camera at a 35–40° three-quarter angle, slightly above eye level, focused on the utensil set. Soft natural daylight comes from the left, creating clean highlights and gentle shadows. Under-cabinet warm LED light adds ambience. The stove has a black glass induction surface with brushed steel trim. Background includes a dark charcoal stone tile backsplash and light oak cabinets. Surroundings are minimal: a blurred stainless salt mill and a ceramic oil bottle in the distance. Shallow depth of field, premium product-placement style.
How to Do It:
- Upload your utensil product images
- Select Nano Banana AI model
- Describe the way your product is placed in the environment and the details of the environment
- Generate
Organization Scene Ideas:
- Drawer organizer: "kitchen drawer, organized compartments, top view"
- Counter display: "utensil holder, marble counter, kitchen backdrop"
- Wall mount: "hanging utensils, white tile wall, professional kitchen"
- Prep station: "cutting board, ingredients nearby, cooking scene"
Best For: Kitchen tools, organizational products, cooking accessories, storage solutions
Example 4: Diffuser on Bedside Table
Use Case: Home decor photography, wellness products, bedroom accessories—perfect for AI product photography that creates emotional, lifestyle-focused scenes
Before: Diffuser product shot
After: Diffuser on elegant bedside table with calming bedroom ambiance


A cozy bedroom evening scene with the taupe WILD BAMBOO diffuser placed on a wooden bedside table. Camera at a soft three-quarter angle, slightly above the table, focused on the diffuser. Warm ambient lighting from a bedside lamp casts gentle shadows and a subtle glow on the ceramic surface with the front of the diffuser being bright enough to see the material and text on it. Background shows blurred elements of a neatly made bed with neutral linens with premium material, a fabric headboard, and soft textures. Light falloff is warm and intimate, creating a calm, cozy nighttime atmosphere. The diffuser is the clear focal point with shallow depth of field.
How to Do It:
- Upload your diffuser product image
- Select Nano Banana AI model
- Describe the location and the placement of the product with details of the surrounding environment and mood
- Generate
Bedroom Scene Variations:
- Modern: "white bedside table, minimalist decor, clean lines"
- Cozy: "wooden nightstand, warm lamp light, soft textures"
- Luxury: "marble top table, elegant bedroom, hotel-style"
- Bohemian: "rattan table, plants, natural textures, relaxed vibe"
Pro Tips for Home Decor Photography:
- Use "soft lighting" and "warm tones" for inviting atmosphere
- Add "blurred background" to create depth
- Specify "peaceful" or "calming" for wellness products
- This product visualization ai technique boosts emotional connection
Best For: Home fragrance, wellness products, bedroom accessories, decorative items
Example 5: Backpack in Outdoor Adventure Scene
Use Case: Travel gear photography, outdoor products, lifestyle adventure shots—essential for lifestyle product photography that shows products in action contexts
Before: Backpack on white background
After: Backpack in beautiful outdoor hiking scene


A commercial outdoor scene featuring a Hyperlite Mountain Gear backpack placed on natural green grass in a mountain-trail environment. The bag is fully packed, giving it a firm, realistic shape. Position it either resting upright on the grass or leaning gently against a tree trunk, as if set down during a hike. Camera at a three-quarter outdoor gear photography angle, slightly low to emphasize form and durability. Soft natural daylight from the side, casting clean shadows and highlights on the fabric. Background shows blurred trees, rocks, or distant trail elements, but the backpack remains the sharp focal point. Clean, rugged, premium outdoor aesthetic.
How to Do It:
- Upload your backpack product image
- Select Nano Banana AI model
- Describe the environment, and for outdoor, it is hard to get it wrong, but you can still specify any details that is important to your shot, like the placement of the product, orientation or if it is in use
- Generate
Outdoor Scene Options:
- Hiking: "mountain trail, forest background, adventure atmosphere"
- Urban: "city street, urban exploration, modern cityscape"
- Beach: "sandy beach, ocean background, summer vacation vibe"
- Camping: "campsite, tent in background, wilderness setting"
- Travel: "airport, travel terminal, journey atmosphere"
Pro Tips for Outdoor Product Photography:
- Use "natural daylight" for authentic outdoor feel
- Add environmental context: "trees in background, hiking trail"
- Specify weather: "sunny day" or "golden hour lighting"
- This AI product photo approach is perfect for travel and outdoor brands
Best For: Backpacks, travel gear, outdoor equipment, sports accessories, adventure products
Part 2: Product-in-Use Examples
These advanced examples show products being actively used, creating more complex and engaging ecommerce product photography.
Example 6: Pan on Stove with Cooking Action (2-Step Process)
Use Case: Cookware in action, food photography, kitchen product demonstrations—the ultimate product photography lifestyle approach that shows functionality
This example uses a 2-step workflow to create a complete cooking scene:
Step 1: Place Pan on Stove
Before: Pan product shot
After: Pan on modern stovetop


place the pan from image 1 in the center on the stove from image 2, with well blended lighting and shadows.
How to Do It (Step 1):
- Upload your pan product image
- Select Nano Banana AI model
- Upload a reference image of the environment, it would be nice if the perspective of the environment and the product aligns, but it is not mandatory
- Generate
Step 2: Add Steak Cooking in Pan
Before: Empty pan on stove After: Sizzling steak in pan with cooking action


place a steak being heated in the pan
How to Do It (Step 2):
- Use the result from Step 1 as input
- Select Nano Banana AI model
- Describe how it is being used
- Generate
Multi-Step Product Photography Benefits:
- Shows product functionality and use case
- Creates narrative and context
- More engaging than static product shots
- Perfect for demonstrating product features
- This AI product photography technique dramatically increases engagement
Pro Tips for Cooking Action Shots:
- Step 1: Focus on product placement and environment
- Step 2: Add food/action elements with detailed prompts
- Use "sizzling," "steam," "cooking" for dynamic feel
- Specify "professional food photography" for quality results
Best For: Cookware, kitchen appliances, cooking tools, food-related products
Example 7: Colander with Water and Vegetables
Use Case: Kitchen product in action, functional product photography, dynamic product shots—shows product visualization ai at its best
Before: Colander product shot
After: Colander in sink with water flowing through and fresh vegetables


A realistic kitchen sink scene featuring the green handheld colander being held by a person’s hand at the handle. The colander is tilted slightly forward over a stainless-steel sink as water flows through the perforated bottom, rinsing fresh vegetables inside (lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices). Camera angle is a close three-quarter view, slightly above the colander, capturing water motion and droplets. Soft natural daylight from the left, subtle reflections on the metal sink, clean modern countertop, background softly blurred. No face visible, only a hand holding the handle, demonstrating usage clearly. Preserve the geometry and shape of this colander
How to Do It:
- Upload your colander product image
- Select Nano Banana AI model
- Describe the scene and how it is being used
- Generate
Action Shot Variations:
- Washing vegetables: "fresh produce, water running, clean and healthy"
- Draining pasta: "cooked pasta, steam, kitchen action"
- Rinsing berries: "fresh berries, water droplets, vibrant colors"
- Prep station: "cutting board nearby, cooking preparation scene"
Pro Tips for Water/Action Photography:
- Use "water flows through the perforated bottom" for dynamic feel
- Add fresh produce for color and context
- Specify "bright lighting" to show product clearly
- Use "action shot" to create movement and energy
- This product mockup generator approach shows real-world use
Best For: Kitchen strainers, colanders, washing products, cleaning tools, food prep items
Example 8: Travel Bag in Car Trunk with Sports Gear
Use Case: Travel gear in context, lifestyle packing shots, adventure product photography—complex ecommerce product photography that tells a story
Before: Travel bag product shot
After: Travel bag in car trunk with sports equipment and adventure gear


A realistic scene showing the quilted white travel bag placed inside the rear trunk of a MINI, positioned at the center. The trunk interior is dark charcoal fabric, creating strong contrast so the white bag stands out as the focal point. Camera uses a wide FOV from outside the open trunk, angled slightly downward, emphasizing the depth of the cargo area. Natural daylight illuminates the scene from behind and above, casting soft highlights on the bag. One pair of neutral-colored trainers sit off to the side, slightly blurred, while the bag remains in sharp focus. Clean, modern, practical travel vibe.
How to Do It:
- Upload your travel bag product image
- Select Nano Banana AI model
- Describe the environment, be creative, it doesn't have to be in a room
- Generate
Travel Context Variations:
- Road trip: "car trunk, luggage, travel essentials, adventure ready"
- Sports trip: "gym bag, sports equipment, athletic gear, active lifestyle"
- Weekend getaway: "small luggage, casual items, relaxed travel vibe"
- Airport: "luggage cart, airport terminal, travel departure scene"
- Beach trip: "beach gear, towels, sunscreen, summer vacation"
Pro Tips for Complex Scene Photography:
- List multiple items in prompt for rich context
- Use "organized" or "neatly arranged" for professional look
- Specify lighting source: "daylight from open trunk"
- Add lifestyle elements that match your target audience
- This AI product photo technique creates aspirational lifestyle imagery
Best For: Travel bags, luggage, sports gear, outdoor equipment, adventure products
Why Choose AI Product Photography?
Traditional product photography requires expensive studios ($500-$5,000+ per shoot), professional photographers, props, and days of scheduling. DIY approaches need cameras, lighting equipment, and editing expertise.
With Banana Designer:
- ✅ 2-6 credits per image (under $1 vs. hundreds)
- ✅ 30-60 seconds to generate scenes
- ✅ Unlimited variations for A/B testing
- ✅ No equipment needed - just upload and describe
- ✅ Instant revisions - regenerate with new prompts
- ✅ Seasonal updates - quickly create holiday variations
Perfect for testing multiple contexts, quick product launches, and creating lifestyle shots without studio costs.
Simple Workflow for Product Scene Placement
The Basic Process
- Upload your product image - Works best with clean product shots or transparent backgrounds
- Select Nano Banana AI model - Optimized for product placement
- Describe your scene - Environment, placement, lighting, and mood
- Generate - Get results in 30-60 seconds
Tips for Better Results
Scene Descriptions:
- Be specific about environment: "modern kitchen countertop" vs. "kitchen"
- Include lighting: "soft morning light," "natural daylight," "warm lighting"
- Add context elements: "coffee beans nearby," "hiking trail background"
- Specify mood: "clean and minimal," "cozy atmosphere," "professional setting"
Using Reference Images: For complex scenes (like the pan on stove example), upload a reference image of the environment. The AI will match perspective and lighting automatically.
Multi-Step for Product-in-Use: For action shots, break it into steps:
- Place product in environment
- Add usage elements (food in pan, water through colander)
- Refine details if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this good enough for professional e-commerce? A: Yes! Many brands use AI-generated lifestyle shots alongside traditional product photography for product pages, social media, and ads.
Q: How much does it cost? A: 2-6 credits per image (approximately $0.20-$0.60), compared to $500-$5,000+ for traditional photoshoots.
Q: Can I use these commercially? A: Yes! All generated images can be used for product listings, advertisements, social media, and marketing.
Q: How long does it take? A: 30-60 seconds per image. Create dozens of variations in the time it takes to schedule one photoshoot.
Q: What if I need seasonal variations? A: Simply describe the season in your prompt: "holiday decorations," "summer beach vibes," "autumn leaves." Perfect for quick seasonal updates.
Q: How do I keep consistent style across products? A: Save successful prompts and reuse them. Use consistent keywords for lighting, style, and atmosphere across all your product shots.
Get Started
Use the Prompt Composer below to try any example from this guide. Upload your product image, describe the scene, and generate your first lifestyle product photo in under a minute.
Related Guides
Enhance your AI product photography skills with these related tutorials:
- Advanced Product Photography Techniques: Master advanced editing and background removal
- Product Design Guide: Create product mockups and 3D visualizations
- Precision Editing: Master inpainting for perfect product placement