DIY Product Photography Tips | How to Take Better Product Photos

Best DIY photography tips for small product businesses

DIY product photography tips to boost sales – learn how to take better product photos at home. The best part is that no professional studio is needed!

If you’re a creative business owner selling on platforms like Etsy, notonthehighstreet.com, or your website, your product photos matter – a lot.

Well-lit and gorgeously styled images not only attract clicks and convert customers, they build trust in the quality of your product. The good news? You don’t need a professional photographer or expensive gear to get there.

Here are my go-to DIY product photography tips to help you take scroll-stopping photos at home. Plus some key insights on when it’s time to hire a pro.

Why Product Photography Matters

You’ve poured your time, energy, and creativity into making your product – don’t let lacklustre photos hold you back. Your images are often your first impression and the closest thing your customer gets to holding your product when buying online.

A high-quality photo can make the difference between a scroll-by and a sale.

In Etsy’s buyer surveys, 90% of shoppers said the quality of the photos were “extremely important” or “very important” to a purchase decision. (Source: Etsy Seller Handbook)

DIY Product Photography Tips for Creative Retailers

1. Use Natural Light (Always!)

Set up your product photography shoot near a window and turn off all indoor lights. Mixed lighting adds a yellow tint to your images. Natural daylight gives your products a bright, clean, professional look.

2. Keep Lighting Consistent

Shoot at the same time of day to maintain consistent lighting and edit more easily. Light and bright always wins.

3. Use a Tripod + Remote Control

Stabilise your shots and free up your hands by using a tripod and remote control. Great for styling lifestyle scenes – like holding a product or showing it in action.

4. Tether Your Camera

Connect your camera to a computer so you can view shots live on a bigger screen as you’re shooting. This helps you spot lighting or styling issues as you go.

5. Don’t Undersell Your Product

Confidently show off your work. Your photos should reflect the quality and creativity of what you sell.

6. Learn From Tutorials

Look up tutorials on Pinterest or YouTube to improve how you use your smartphone or DSLR camera. Small upgrades make a big difference!

DIY Styling Tips to Show Off Your Products

Ensure your DIY product photos look professional and aspirational with these styling tips to sell the feeling behind the product. Don’t have photos that look like they were taken ad-hoc on a day out.

Use wallpaper, photo boards, fabric, or paper as clean backdrops.
Keep backgrounds neutral and styling simple.
Use props that show the scale of your product.
Don’t use props that are too big and overshadow your product.
Move props around and play with them in the foreground and background to achieve an image that shows off your product.
Take photos of your product in use (candles lit, scarves worn, kits being made)
Ensure the product takes up around 80% of the image.
Don’t over-clutter the scene and allow the props to feature too heavily. Give the photo space to breathe.
Match your colours and props to your brand style.

Example: A ring on a trinket dish, not tossed on a table. A candle lit, not just sitting in the box.

Planning Your DIY Product Photoshoot

Before you shoot:

Build a small prop kit from items around your home. You don’t have to buy loads of props in. Use what you own.
Browse Pinterest or magazines for styling ideas.
Create a mood board with colour, props and layout inspiration.
Write a shot list with key angles, product details, textures, or variants you need to capture to keep you on track.

When to Work with a Professional Photographer

If DIY isn’t cutting it, or you’re ready to invest in high-converting visuals, here’s what to consider:

What to Ask:

View their portfolio — do they specialise in product photography?
- Remember product, wedding and portrait photography are different skills.
Does their style align with your brand?
Do they also offer styling or will you need a separate stylist?
- Remember that photographers and stylists are two different jobs.
Do they have a prop collection or do you need to provide props?

Pro Tip:

Create a shared mood board so your vision is clear from the start.

Product Photographers I Recommend:

I hope these DIY product photography tips help as your products deserve to be showcased in the best possible light – literally. Whether you’re DIYing it or working with a pro, the goal is the same: clear, compelling visuals that reflect the true value of your brand.