Every now and then, I look at my website and realize: it’s time for a refresh. New products, seasonal collections, and a shifting creative direction mean my photos need to evolve too. And as always… it’s me behind the camera. I’m not a professional photographer, but like many makers, I’ve learned to wear many hats—including that of product photographer.
In this post, I want to take you behind the scenes of my process and share everything I’ve learned about product photography—especially when it comes to handmade jewelry and other artisanal items. Whether you’re just starting out or want to improve your visual storytelling, here’s a complete guide on how to photograph your handmade creations in a way that truly does them justice.
Can a maker take great product photos without being a pro?
Absolutely! In fact, being the creator of the product gives you a major advantage: you know the soul of the piece. You know how it should feel, what details matter, and what kind of story you want the image to tell.
You don’t need a studio or a background in photography to take appealing product shots. What you do need is:
a bit of patience,
a willingness to experiment,
and some knowledge of light, composition, and editing.
Over time, your eye will become sharper, and your photos will naturally improve.
What equipment do you need?
You don’t need the most expensive gear to get started. Here’s what I recommend for most handmade creators:
1. Camera
Beginner: A modern smartphone with a good camera (iPhone or newer Android models).
Intermediate/Advanced: A DSLR or mirrorless camera (Canon EOS, Sony Alpha, Nikon Z series) if you want more control over depth, focus, and lighting.
2. Lighting
Natural daylight is your best friend—preferably soft, indirect light near a window.
You can supplement with affordable LED lights or a ring light if needed.
Avoid direct harsh sunlight unless you’re going for strong shadows as a stylistic choice.
3. Backgrounds & Props
Neutral-colored backgrounds (white, beige, or light gray) work great.
For jewelry: use linen fabric, wooden trays, stones, or ceramic dishes to complement your brand.
Keep props minimal so the product remains the focus.
4. Tripod
Even a small tabletop tripod helps keep your shots sharp and steady, especially in lower light.
5. Reflectors or White Foam Boards
These help bounce light back onto your product and soften shadows.
Tips for taking better product photos
Clean the product: Sounds obvious, but fingerprints or dust can ruin a close-up.
Use the rule of thirds: Frame your product slightly off-center for a more balanced composition.
Shoot from different angles: Show the full piece, the scale, the texture, the details.
Include lifestyle shots: Seeing the product in use or worn helps customers imagine themselves with it.
Don’t zoom in digitally: Instead, move your camera closer to avoid losing quality.
Take more than you need: Better to choose from 100 good ones than to be stuck with 3.
What about editing?
Editing is where the magic happens. Even the best photos benefit from small adjustments.
Here’s my workflow and what I use:
Editing software I use & recommend:
Lightroom (Desktop or Mobile App) – My go-to for adjusting lighting, contrast, sharpness, and colors.
Snapseed (Free app) – Great for quick edits on your phone.
Canva – Useful for resizing and preparing images for social media or website use.
Photoshop (if you’re more advanced) – Ideal for detailed touch-ups or removing imperfections.
Remove.bg – Automatically removes backgrounds (perfect for clean cutouts).
💡 Tip: Try to maintain color accuracy—especially for jewelry, where customers rely on your photos to understand materials and tones.
When should you consider hiring a professional photographer?
There’s a time for DIY, and there’s a time to delegate. Consider outsourcing your product photography when:
You’re launching a major new collection or brand update.
You want consistent, high-quality images for press or wholesale catalogs.
You’re feeling overwhelmed or burned out by doing it all yourself.
You’re applying to markets or stockists that require professional-grade photos.
You can also mix approaches: shoot your day-to-day or seasonal items yourself, and invest in professional photos for cornerstone collections or branding purposes.
Final thoughts: photography as a craft in itself
Photography, like jewelry-making, is a skill that grows with you. Your photos will evolve as your eye sharpens and your aesthetic develops. Don’t be discouraged by imperfect early results—they’re part of the journey.
As makers, we have a unique relationship with our products. We see the tiniest flaw, the most delicate shimmer, the story behind each curve or bead. That’s something no professional photographer can replicate. Use that insight to guide your shots—and enjoy the process!