• Tutorials
  • Ikea Hacks
  • Free Printables
  • Holiday
  • Handmade Gifts
  • Etsy Business

EverythingEtsy.com

Etsy Blog | Selling on Etsy | Etsy Banners | Giveaways & Creative Stuff

You are here: Home / Running Your Etsy Business / Tips & Tools / 5 Tips for Etsy Product Photography

5 Tips for Etsy Product Photography

By Kim Layton 6 Comments

1eetsy {August Blossoms camera straps}

Hello friends!

333 My name is Kristen Duke, and I am a portrait photographer in Austin, Texas.  I am also a big fan of all things crafty, some of which you will find featured on my site. I am often asked to photograph items for those with Etsy stores because everyone knows that a well photographed image is what sells.

I can offer a few tips for those of you out there who are struggling to get great images.   When photographing products for your Etsy store, think of these 5 rules:

5eetsy{Onsie by The Wishing Elephant}

1.  Be as close to natural window light as possible. Don’t have the window behind the product or you will get backlight/dark product images.  Stand at the side of the window and shoot your products with the window light shining on it.  Baby is facing the window and it is behind me, but I am to the side photographing.

4eetsy

{The Wishing Elephant}

3eetsy {3 outfits by La Tee da Kids}

2.  Have samples up close as well as pulled back along with something “average size” to compare the product to.  If it is a child’s product, have that product in their hands or on them.  Think of magazine ads, having someone use the product shows it off so much more than just a sample.

2eetsy{Headband by Ruffles n Fringe}

3.  Design a background to make the product more interesting instead of just on a solid surface.  You can use fabric, scrapbook paper, tablecloths, even clothing laid out flat as a background. Below, I have a colorful quilt in the background.

4. Use a white poster board on the side of the product (but outside of view) to add to the window light, as if it is a reflector.  Anything white in the area will add more light to your setup.

5.  Always put your name, watermark, website on your images in case they get pinned (or taken without permission) others will always know to come back to you because your name is on the image.

01 copyXblog

If you try all of these tips and still aren’t getting the best results, I can help you with your photography skills as well! My book is written for the very beginner in photography, teaching steps to take your camera off of the auto and into the manual settings.  To learn more about it, click on Say NO to Auto:)

Photography help is always appreciated around here!  Thanks, Kristen!

Related posts:

  1. Improve Your Product Photography {5 DIY Tutorials}
  2. How-To: Photograph Your Work For Sale On Etsy
  3. How to Share Your Etsy Shop Address
  4. Success on Etsy {It’s a Sure Thing}

Filed Under: Tips & Tools Tagged With: advice, Etsy, photography, product, Tips

Comments

  1. Cassandra says

    August 15, 2011 at 10:15 am

    Great tips! I definitely need help with this. (Hi from a local Austinite!)
    .-= Cassandra´s last blog ..Vintage sheet request =-.

    Reply
  2. Tricia says

    August 15, 2011 at 10:31 pm

    Interesting suggestion – #5. I had heard from somewhere not to use your name/watermark on images, etsy won’t use for front page. Not that this is a consideration for me {I have given up aspirations of FP} but for some, it might be relevant.
    .-= Tricia´s last blog ..MERRY – Merry Christmas, wood wall or mantel art, home holiday decor, traditional, kid friendly =-.

    Reply
  3. Tricia says

    August 15, 2011 at 10:31 pm

    PS – I am just about 60 miles north of you, in the thriving metropolis (not) of Temple.
    .-= Tricia´s last blog ..MERRY – Merry Christmas, wood wall or mantel art, home holiday decor, traditional, kid friendly =-.

    Reply
  4. Amber says

    August 16, 2011 at 1:41 pm

    Great tips, and gorgeous photos! Thanks so much.

    I always watermark. You’d be surprised how many photo thieves are out there 🙁 My photos are no where near professional, but I’ve had them swiped.
    .-= Amber´s last blog ..Back To School Celebration! =-.

    Reply
  5. Jo says

    August 18, 2011 at 5:36 am

    Hi Kristen, thanks for the tips. The photos are so vivid and beautiful! I usually use watermarks when sending my ppt.
    .-= Jo´s last blog ..Indoor Gardening =-.

    Reply
  6. Dolores says

    August 19, 2011 at 6:52 pm

    Hi Kristen, I have read lots of instructions online on how to take photographs of jewelry. As you said, I just get confused and my camera may not even have those buttons. The lessons are usually for people with expensive camera equipment. I just bought your book and hope it will help me. My current pictures do not do justice to my jewellery. I will let you know if it will help me.

    Reply
Previous Post Linen {Etsy Finds}
Next Post New Etsy Relevancy Search Tips

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Never miss a post:

Enter your email address:

Sell doTERRAEssential Oils How to Start a Blog for Your Etsy Business

 


 

 

 


follow EverythingEtsy on Pinterest


Disclosure: Various posts and pages on this site include affiliate links. We could earn a referral fee if you make a purchase through those links. Your purchase won't cost you more because you followed our link and we only refer you to sources we can personally recommend.

RSS Now at HandmadeandCraft.com

  • DIY Washi Tape Holder…Super Cool!
  • Summer Blueberry Recipes
  • Summer Coloring Pages for Adults–Free Printables

RSS Now at KimberlyLayton.com

  • St. Patrick’s Day Crochet Shamrock Pattern & Video Tutorial
  • Printable Coloring Pages for St. Patrick’s Day
  • How to Get Your Business Featured on Blogs

[footer_backtotop]

Copyright © 2023 EverythingEtsy.com · All Rights Reserved · Privacy Policy ·


The term "Etsy" is a registered trademark of Etsy, Inc. - This site is not affiliated w/ Etsy, Inc.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT