You spend hours or even days working to create the most amazing handmade product. But when the time comes to photograph it and list it online, it doesn’t quite look right.
The lighting isn’t right, there are some weird shadows and let’s face it, the product doesn’t look as good in the photo as it does in person.
Frustrating, right?
I see so many makers and craft sellers getting fed up when it comes to taking photos. Oftentimes, they think they need to go buy a DSLR camera or download the best photo editing app.
But the truth is, you actually don’t NEED these things. What you DO need are a few tools that you probably already have and a little bit of practice.
In this post, I’ll be walking you through what you actually need (and what you don’t) to take high-quality photos of your crafts without having to spend tons of money. So let’s get into it!
What You DON’T Need To Take Great Product Photos
Taking product photos can be overwhelming and frankly, pretty intimidating especially if you don’t know much about photography. But I’m here to tell you that when it comes to the tools? You can keep it simple!
People within the maker and handmade community will talk about how you should get a pop-up light box, or the best photo editing skills to get better photos. But the truth is: you actually don’t need those things and other expensive gear to get great product photos.
In fact, when I started, I didn’t have any of that and even now, I don’t rely on a DSLR camera or have super advanced editing skills.
Here’s what I learned you don’t need to get started:
So if you don’t need that to get started, what do you need? Here’s what actually matters.
What You REALLY Need To Get Great Craft Photos
Super basic, right?
Now let’s talk about why this is all you need to get started.
Camera Or Smartphone: Use What You Have
If you only have a smartphone, use that. It doesn’t have to be new or even an iPhone (I see you Android folks!). You already have the most important tool you’ll need.
Can you get great photos with a DSLR camera? Yes, of course. You can get amazing photos with them - but only if you actually know how to use it.
Most people only know how to shoot in auto mode which if you don’t know, means the camera is selecting all the camera settings for you. You’re just pointing and shooting. That’s fine if you’re taking photos of your summer vacation, but if you’re looking to take photos to SELL and market your work online, you’ll want to know all the bells and whistles of it to maximize its potential.
For a lot of makers, using a DSLR camera is complicated which is why so many opt for using their smartphone. With the right tips and techniques, you can capture professional-looking photos that are totally perfect for selling online and without spending a dime on a new camera.
If you want some quick tips on how to make the most of your smartphone camera, grab these smartphone hacks to capture product photos that sell.
Got a point-and-shoot camera like me you want to dust off and use? Great! You can still download those smartphone hacks and apply them to your point-and-shoot camera to get started.
Pick A Simple Background
Picking a bad background can kill a product photo REAL fast.
What’s a bad background? Backgrounds that are visually too busy or textured, or worse, show off that pile of laundry that needs to be put away.
Customers don’t want to see that.
Instead, pick a background that will make your product pop and stand out:
- Keep it simple - plain colors are great options
- Steer clear of busy patterns
- Think about what colors work with your brand and the overall look you’re going for
Want more background inspiration? Check out this post to learn the do’s and don’ts when it comes to picking a product background and don’t forget to watch this to see how the background you choose can totally change how your product pops and stands out.
Natural Light Is Your Best Friend
Lighting is the second most important aspect of photographing your crafts because without it, well you won’t have a photo!
If you’re just starting out and need something free and accessible, natural light is going to be your go-to option.
Yes, it does have its drawbacks like it’s not really an option if you want to take photos at 10pm on a Monday night or the lighting can change depending on the weather.
But overall, it’s a good option if you’re looking for something inexpensive and good to practice with. It’s what I used before I invested in studio lights and to be honest, it still might be my favorite.
Setup next to a window or glass door and use these quick tips:
- Indirect light on sunny days or overcast days is perfect for soft lighting
- Avoid direct sunlight - you’ll end up with very defined shadows that can make your product look unflattering and hard to see
- Try to stick with the same type of lighting for your photos
If you think you don’t have good natural light, be sure to read this post for tips. And if you struggle a lot with lighting, click here to get tips on troubleshooting common lighting problems to help you get unstuck and get great product photos.
Grab A Tripod (Seriously, They’re Great)
A lot of makers hold their smartphones or cameras in their hands to take photos. But hear me when I say this: Get a tripod! Seriously, it’ll make taking photos so much easier.
Who wants to keep picking up and putting down their camera every time they want to change out their product or adjust something? Not me! This is where a tripod comes in handy.
Here’s why you need one:
- Keeps your camera steady and photos sharp - say goodbye to blurry photos
- Frees up your hands to style and adjust your shots without having to fiddle with your camera
- Keep your angles consistent to make your listing photos more cohesive and professional
Added bonus: Don’t forget to use the timer feature on your camera (or smartphone) to take shots so you don’t even need to touch your camera to take photos!
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a tripod. Find one second-hand online, borrow one from a friend or purchase one that fits your budget and your camera or smartphone.
Budget-Friendly Photo Tools for Crafters
This is a super basic list to get you started on photographing your crafts to sell online. But if you want to take things to the next level, there are a few other budget-friendly tools to help you.
Believe me, you don’t have to spend a lot of money (or any if you’re really scrappy) to get great photos.
Check out this blog post and video to find out what other tools I recommend every craft seller use to DIY their product photos.
Final Thoughts
Photographing your craft products to sell online can feel like a daunting task for a lot of craft sellers. But don’t get caught up in purchasing a pop-up light-box or buying equipment you’re not sure you really need.
Having the latest smartphone or DLSR camera or expensive lights isn’t going to magically create amazing photos.
The tool doesn’t make the photo - it’s you and how you use it.
If you don’t know the basics of how to use your camera or how light works, your photos aren’t going to come out the way you want. And I don’t want to you spending tons of time editing to fix your photos because that won’t make your photos better.
So instead, focus on making time to practice and improve your skills. This will make the biggest difference in how your photos look. Try different lighting setups, change up your background, and take photos from a different angle.
By experimenting, you’ll learn more about how to best highlight your work for online customers and what works best for your brand.
The more you practice and try things out, the more you’ll see your photos improve. Stay consistent and keep taking photos!
Now I want to hear from you! What’s one thing you struggle with when photographing your craft products? Comment below and let’s chat!
Want To Take Better Product Photos?
If you want to download my free Smartphone Hacks guide, check out the link below. You'll also find additional links to other resources to help you with your craft photography.