How to Take Great Photos of Your Homemade Products

Use What You Have

The first step in budget-friendly product photography is to make the most of the equipment you already own. Many modern smartphones are equipped with excellent cameras that are more than capable of capturing high-quality images.

• Smartphone Camera: Ensure your smartphone camera lens is clean and free of smudges. Most smartphones today have advanced camera features, including adjustable focus and exposure settings.
• Household Items: Common household items can be repurposed to aid in your photography. A white sheet or poster board can serve as a background, and lamps can be used for lighting.

Optimise Natural Light

Natural light is your best friend when it comes to budget photography. It’s free, readily available, and can produce beautiful, soft lighting for your photos.

• Find the Best Light: Shoot near a window where natural light floods in. The best times to shoot are during the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and diffused.
• Diffuse Harsh Light: If the sunlight is too harsh, you can soften it by hanging a sheer curtain or a white sheet over the window. This helps to eliminate harsh shadows and create a more even light.

Create a Simple Setup

A clean and simple setup helps keep the focus on your product. You don’t need an elaborate studio; a small, well-lit space will do.

• Background: Use a plain, neutral background to avoid distractions. White poster boards, sheets, or pieces of fabric work well. If you want to add a bit of interest, you can use textured surfaces like wooden planks or marble tiles.
• Tabletop Studio: Set up your product on a table or a flat surface. Make sure the surface is clean and free of clutter.

Stabilise Your Camera

Shaky hands can result in blurry photos. Stabilizing your camera ensures sharp and clear images.

• DIY Tripod: If you don’t have a tripod, you can create one using household items. Stack books or use a sturdy box to prop up your camera or smartphone.
• Self-Timer: Use the self-timer feature on your camera or smartphone to avoid camera shake caused by pressing the shutter button.

Master Basic Composition

Good composition is key to creating visually appealing photos. Follow these simple guidelines to improve your shots:

• Rule of Thirds: Imagine your image is divided into a 3×3 grid. Position your product along these lines or at their intersections to create a balanced composition.
• Fill the Frame: Make sure your product is the main focus of the image by filling the frame with it. This helps to eliminate distracting elements.
• Variety of Angles: Take multiple shots from different angles to find the most flattering perspective. Overhead shots work well for flat items, while a 45-degree angle can showcase depth for three-dimensional objects.

Highlight Product Details

Your photos should clearly showcase the unique features and details of your product.

• Close-Ups: Capture close-up shots to highlight textures, patterns, and intricate details. For example, if you’re photographing a handmade necklace, get a close-up of the clasp and beads.
• In Use: Show your product in use to give potential buyers a sense of scale and function. For example, photograph a handmade mug filled with coffee or a knitted scarf being worn.

Use Free or Inexpensive Editing Tools

Editing can enhance your photos and make them look more professional. You don’t need expensive software; there are plenty of free or inexpensive options available.

• Smartphone Apps: Apps like Snapseed, VSCO, and Lightroom Mobile offer powerful editing tools for free or at a low cost.
• Basic Adjustments: Focus on basic adjustments like brightness, contrast, and colour correction. Cropping and straightening your photos can also improve their composition.

DIY Reflectors and Diffusers

Reflectors and diffusers help control lighting and eliminate harsh shadows. You can make your own using simple materials.

• Reflectors: Use white foam boards, aluminium foil, or a large white sheet to reflect light back onto your product. Position the reflector opposite your light source to fill in shadows.
• Diffusers: Soften harsh light by placing a white shower curtain, bed sheet, or translucent plastic panel between your light source and your product.

Experiment and Practice

Great photography comes with practice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different setups, lighting conditions, and compositions.

• Trial and Error: Take multiple shots and review them to see what works best. Adjust your setup as needed and try again.
• Learning Resources: There are plenty of free online resources, including tutorials and courses, that can help you improve your photography skills.

Happy Shooting !!

You don’t need to break the bank to take professional photos of your homemade products. By making the most of natural light, using simple household items, and mastering basic photography principles, you can create professional-looking images that showcase your products beautifully. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep experimenting and honing your skills. With a little creativity and effort, you can elevate your product photography and attract more customers to your handmade creations.