How to Take a Great Photo of Your Art or Handmade Products
Oct 15, 2025
Why Your Photos Matter
You could create the most stunning piece of art or the most unique handmade item—but if the photo doesn’t do it justice, people might scroll right past it.
In an online world where buyers make decisions in seconds, your photos are your first impression.
The good news? You don’t need expensive equipment or a photography degree. You just need a few key techniques—and a little intention behind them.
1. Light Is Everything
Natural light is your best friend.
-
Shoot during the day near a bright window or outside in indirect sunlight.
-
Avoid harsh light or shadows—they can distort colors or create glare.
-
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) gives your art a soft, warm glow that feels natural and inviting.
💡 Tip: If you’re shooting indoors, a simple white foam board can bounce light back onto your piece and even out shadows.
2. Keep Your Background Simple
Your artwork or product should be the focus.
A busy or cluttered background can distract from the details.
Choose neutral tones or clean surfaces—white, wood, linen, or soft gray often work beautifully.
If you’re shooting flat lays, think about texture and balance. A neutral backdrop with one or two complementary props is usually all you need.
3. Show Scale and Context
Especially for online shoppers, scale matters.
Include a prop that gives viewers an idea of size—a frame on a wall, a mug beside a print, or a hand holding the piece.
Context also helps buyers see how your work fits into their lives.
For example:
-
Show wall art in a styled room.
-
Photograph handmade jewelry being worn.
-
Display candles or ceramics in a cozy setting.
4. Capture the Details
Your close-up shots are where the magic lives.
Show the texture of your brushstrokes, the shine of your glaze, or the stitching on your fabric.
These images create connection and trust—buyers can see the craftsmanship and care in your work.
💡 Tip: Use your phone’s “portrait” mode or macro setting to bring detail shots to life.
5. Edit Lightly
Editing isn’t about changing your work—it’s about helping your photo reflect reality.
Adjust exposure, white balance, and crop for clean composition, but avoid filters that alter your colors.
You can use simple tools like:
-
Lightroom Mobile
-
Canva’s photo editor
-
Snapseed (free app with great controls)
The goal: make your photo look like your art does in real life.
6. Be Consistent
Your photos tell your brand story.
When all your images have a similar look—lighting, tone, background—they create a sense of professionalism and trust.
That doesn’t mean they have to be identical; they just need to feel cohesive.
Pick a look that matches your brand—bright and airy, moody and textured, or warm and natural—and stick with it.
Final Thought
You don’t need fancy gear or endless props to take great photos.
You just need clarity, light, and intention.
Good photos don’t just show your art—they share it.
They’re what turn curiosity into connection, and browsers into buyers.
So take a deep breath, grab your camera (or your phone), and start experimenting.
Because your work deserves to be seen—and photographed beautifully.
