Top Tips to Photograph Your Items

Taking a high-quality photograph of handmade items is crucial for attracting potential buyers on platforms like Etsy. Great photos can make your products stand out and convey their unique qualities. Here are some valuable tips to consider before you take photos of your gorgeous handmade items:

1. Use Natural Lighting: Natural light is your best friend when it comes to photography. Position your items near a window or outside during the day to capture soft, even lighting. Avoid harsh sunlight as it can create strong shadows and overexposed areas.

The image below shows some gorgeous bunting from Maisy and Flo on Etsy.

If you don’t have good or consistent natural light, consider getting some decent lighting equipment. You don’t need to spend a fortune, and if you are going to be photographing lots of items, it can be a worthwhile investment. Something like this simple light box would be ideal for smaller items.

2. Choose the Right Background: Opt for a clean and simple background that won’t distract from the item in your photograph. A plain white or neutral backdrop works well to highlight your handmade creation. You can buy a white backdrop relatively cheaply if you don’t have a plain white surface or wall in your home already. Consider using textured surfaces if you need a bit of character.

Alternatively, photograph your item in the environment in which it would be used. For example, put your mug on a desk or table like the one below by London Mug Factory. This also helps with giving context about its size.

3. Steady the Camera: Whether you’re using a smartphone or a DSLR, use a tripod or stable surface to eliminate shaky shots. This helps maintain focus and sharpness. Something inexpensive, like this one from Amazon, will be absolutely fine.

4. Focus and Composition: Ensure your item is in focus. Most cameras and smartphones allow you to tap the screen to set the focus point. Use the rule of thirds to compose your shots – imagine a grid of nine squares and place the key elements along the lines or intersections. Use this image from LollyrocketCandleCo as an example

5. Capture Multiple Angles: Provide a comprehensive view of your item by taking a different photograph from different angles. This helps customers better understand the product’s size, shape, and details.

6. Show Scale: If your handmade item comes in various sizes, include a prop in the photo that helps viewers understand the dimensions. For example, place a common object like a coin or ruler next to the item, or show someone using or holding the item, like Safe4you have done here

7. Detail Shots: Highlight the intricate details of your creation. Use portrait mode or get close to showcase the craftsmanship that sets your item apart. If you have a particularly interesting or intricate element on your item, be sure to have a close-up photograph of that part. If you’ve put effort into making it, make sure people can see it – just like this necklace from SilkPurseSowsEar

8. Consistent Style: Establish a consistent visual style for your photos. This helps your shop look professional and cohesive. Use similar lighting, backgrounds, and editing techniques throughout your photos. This will help your customers easily identify your items over someone else’s.

9. Editing: Basic photo editing can enhance your images. Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation to make your item pop. There are many easy-to-use photo editing apps available for smartphones, and a lot of phones even have this built in. We suggest spending some time to understand exactly what your phone can do.

10. Consistent Sizing: For product listings on Etsy, ensure that your images are of consistent size and quality. Etsy recommends images at least 2000 pixels wide to enable zooming. You can adjust sizing on Canva or on many phone photo editors.

11. Test and Iterate: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different approaches. Take test shots and review them to see what works best for your particular item.

Remember that your photos are the first impression potential buyers will have of your handmade items. Investing time and effort into high-quality photography can significantly impact your shop’s success on platforms like Etsy and Bookastall.