Boosting Your Handmade Business with Product Photography Tips That Work

Create Eye-Catching Photos Without Fancy Equipment

When it comes to selling handmade products online, photos are everything. Your customers can’t pick up, touch, or smell your items, so quality images are the next best thing. Great product photos help customers imagine your products in their own lives, and let’s face it—eye-catching visuals make all the difference in standing out online. But don’t worry, you don’t need a fancy camera or expensive equipment to create photos that sell.

I’ve learned a lot from my own product photography journey, trying out different setups, lighting tricks, and backgrounds.

Here are my go-to tips for creating scroll-stopping images that showcase your handmade products in the best light.

1. Use Natural Light Whenever Possible

Natural light is your best friend in product photography. It brings out the true colors of your products, makes textures pop, and saves you from the hassle of setting up artificial lighting. Place your items near a large window, or shoot outside on a cloudy day for soft, even lighting.

Example from Me: I set up a small “studio” by a big window in my warehouse. I usually shoot around late morning when the sunlight is bright but not too harsh, which helps keep shadows soft. It’s amazing how much natural light can elevate your photos!

2. Choose Simple Backgrounds to Keep the Focus on Your Product

A cluttered background can distract from your product, so opt for clean, simple settings. Neutral backdrops, like a plain white board or a soft pastel, keep the focus where it should be—on your product. If you want a bit of personality, add subtle props that match your brand aesthetic but don’t steal the spotlight.

Pro Tip: For a cohesive look, pick a few background colors or textures that fit your brand and use them consistently.

3. Show Your Product in Action

Lifestyle shots, or images showing your product in use, help customers visualize how they’d enjoy it in their own lives. For instance, if you sell handmade candles, take photos of them lit on a cozy coffee table setup. These images add warmth and give customers a feel for how your products fit into everyday moments.

Example from Me: I like to include a mix of lifestyle photos and close-ups. For my natural soaps, I’ll often stage them on a bathroom counter with a few sprigs of greenery. It not only shows the product but also gives customers a sense of the experience they’re buying.

4. Play with Angles and Close-Ups

Capturing different angles helps showcase all aspects of your product, from the design to the details. Close-ups are particularly effective for handmade items because they highlight craftsmanship and quality. For jewelry or textured pieces, close-ups can capture the intricate details that make your products unique.

Tip: Shoot at eye level with your product for a balanced view, then try some close-ups and even overhead shots for variety.

5. Edit Lightly to Enhance Without Overdoing It

Once you have your photos, a little editing can go a long way. Adjust brightness, contrast, and sharpness to bring out the colors and details, but avoid heavy filters that make the product look different from real life. Editing apps like Lightroom or Snapseed make it easy to tweak photos on your phone.

Example from Me: I stick to light edits—usually just a touch of brightness and contrast to make the colors pop. This keeps my photos natural and true-to-life, which is so important when customers are buying without seeing the product in person.

6. Keep Practicing!

If you’re new to product photography, don’t stress—practice makes perfect. Experiment with different setups, angles, and props until you find a style that fits your brand. Every shot is a learning opportunity, and the more you practice, the better you’ll get at capturing your products’ unique appeal.

Great photos don’t have to be complicated or costly. By focusing on natural light, clean backgrounds, and a few simple techniques, you can create visuals that connect with customers and help your handmade products stand out online. Remember, the goal is to give customers a clear, appealing look at what makes your products special—and with a little practice, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

Ready to level up your product photography? Try these tips and watch your photos transform! Share your own photography challenges or successes in the comments—I’d love to see your work!