diff --git a/backend/routers/items.py b/backend/routers/items.py
index 3d269230..ff38c3a7 100644
--- a/backend/routers/items.py
+++ b/backend/routers/items.py
@@ -161,6 +161,10 @@ def create_item(
             image_bytes = base64.b64decode(item.extracted_image_bytes)
             log.info(f"[CREATE_ITEM] Received {len(image_bytes)} bytes for photo processing (base64 decoded)")
 
+            # Strip EXIF orientation to match what Gemini analyzed
+            image_bytes = strip_exif_orientation(image_bytes)
+            log.info(f"[CREATE_ITEM] After EXIF strip: {len(image_bytes)} bytes")
+
             photo_result = _auto_save_photo_from_extraction(
                 item_id=db_item.id,
                 image_bytes=image_bytes,