Simple Tips for Brand and Product Photos
Hey small business owners and crafters!
Want to make your products stand out online?
Great product photography can help you attract more customers and increase sales. Here are important quick tips to improve your shots and lead to more sales:
Lighting
Use Natural Light – Soft, indirect sunlight helps avoid harsh shadows and brings out true colors.
Using natural light to showcase your craft products can make a huge difference in how professional and appealing they look. Here are the best recommendations to make your product photos shine using natural light. First, set up your product near a north facing window that does not have direct sun to eliminate shadows and hot spots. Or use the ultimate best light for your products by taking your pictures in front of window on an overcast, cloudy day. Second, find a white piece of paper or form core to bounce light back onto your product. The bouncing of light will fill in the shadows and even out the light on your product.
Background
Keep Backgrounds Simple – A clean, neutral background keeps the focus on your product.
Let your product be the star. Natural wood, white, or linen fabrics pair beautifully with soft light. Think about using plain poster boards or a slightly textured paper to really make your products pop off the background.
Focus on the Details – Show off textures, packaging, and unique features with close-up shots. This is when shadow can be a great addition. A little shadow helps to show detail and dimension that may be needed to really showcase your products and bring them to life.
Consistent Style – Keep your lighting, background, and angles consistent to create a recognizable brand aesthetic. Think about keeping all your images similar in light and background. This will help to support your brand and show that your products are top quality.
Lifestyle Shots – Show your products in action! Customers connect more with images that help them imagine using your product in real life. Instead of static displays, use real-life settings and everyday moments. Like a mug on a breakfast table or a book on a cozy nightstand—to create a connection. Including hands or partial figures interacting with the item adds warmth and relatability. Highlighting different ways to use the product can spark ideas and show its versatility.
Value Pictures
Quality Over Quantity – A few well-lit, high-resolution images are far more effective than dozens of blurry, inconsistent ones. Clear, sharp images build trust and professionalism, helping customers feel confident in their purchase. Make sure each image is well-composed, uses natural light to highlight texture and detail, and reflects the true color of your product. Consistent backgrounds, lighting, and angles across your photos create a cohesive, polished look that elevates your brand and makes your shop feel more curated and intentional. Thoughtfully chosen, high-quality images not only grab attention but also convert browsers into buyers.
Great product photos don’t just show what you make—they tell the story of your craft, reflect your brand identity, and help customers feel connected to your work. By using natural light, focusing on clear, high-resolution images, and capturing your items in thoughtful, real-life scenes, you elevate your product photography and create a more engaging online shopping experience. Remember, your photos are often your first introduction—make them warm, consistent, and true to your brand style.
Now get started creating great pictures to help sell your products.
Start small: pick one or two signature items, find soft window light, and style a scene that highlights your product’s texture, color, and purpose. You don’t need expensive gear—just intention, creativity, and a bit of patience. With every image, you’re not just selling a product—you’re building your brand story and inviting people to be part of it.
If you are orwheled and feel it’s best to keep the task of creating great products photos, I can help you out with that. Please reach out and we will collaborate on how to create stunning pictures of your products.
