Your Phone is Your Studio
A Simple Guide for Makers
You don’t need an expensive camera or a professional studio to take great photos of your handmade creations. Your phone — yes, the one you already own — is more than enough when you understand a few basics.
This guide will help you create clean, bright, and professional photos at home, even if you're a complete beginner.
1. Light: Your Most Important Tool
Light does most of the work for you. Good light = good photos, even with an older phone.
Use window light
• Photograph near a window.
• Cloudy days are perfect — soft, even light, no harsh shadows.
• Avoid direct sun; it creates strong shadows and blown-out highlights.
If you need controlled light
This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
If you shop through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — thank you for supporting my handmade work. 🖤
Sometimes natural light just isn’t enough — maybe it’s dark, cloudy, or your workspace doesn’t get much daylight.
In that case, a photo light box is a brilliant and affordable tool that can instantly improve your photos.
It gives you:
• soft, even light
• no harsh shadows
• a clean background
• consistent results at any time of day
Photo Light Box 40×40 cm
(Ideal for jewellery, ceramics, and small handmade items) You can purchase this product on Amazon using the links below:
Links:
• US Amazon: Shop on Amazon (US)
• UK Amazon: Shop on Amazon (UK)
• DE Amazon: Shop on Amazon (DE)
2. Background: Keep It Simple
A clean background helps your product stand out without distractions.
Essential backgrounds
• White paper, a matte white board, or a wooden board painted white.
• Light backgrounds make photos look clean and professional.
Seamless background trick
• Curve your paper or fabric upwards to hide the table edge.
• Creates a smooth, endless-looking backdrop.
Vinyl background sheets
• Wood, marble or concrete prints for simple styling.
• Easy to wipe clean and always look the same.
• You can buy these vinyl sheets on Amazon here:
Links:
• US Amazon: Shop on Amazon (US)
• UK Amazon: Shop on Amazon (UK)
• DE Amazon: Shop on Amazon (DE)
3. Get the Most Out of Your Phone Camera
You don’t need the newest phone — most modern smartphones can take great photos if you use them correctly.
Basic rules
• Tap to focus on your product.
• Slide up/down to adjust brightness.
• Clean the camera lens (fingerprints ruin sharpness).
• Use Portrait Mode only if it looks natural and doesn’t blur edges.
Extra tip
• Hold your phone steady or use a small tripod for sharper photos.
If You Want a Budget Upgrade (2025)
Your current phone is usually enough.
But if it’s older, slow, or your photos always look grainy or soft, a budget-friendly upgrade can make product photography much easier.
The POCO X7 Pro is one of the best low-cost options in 2025 — fast, affordable, and excellent for handmade product photos.
POCO X7 Pro (8GB/256GB)
• Around £208 (approx. €240)
• 50MP main camera with OIS (sharp photos, less blur)
• Great battery life (6000mAh)
• Fast 90W charging
• Plenty of storage for photos (256GB)
• Excellent value for beginners who want better pictures without a big investment
👉 You can find it on Amazon here:
Links:
• US Amazon: Shop on Amazon (US)
• UK Amazon: Shop on Amazon (UK)
• DE Amazon: Shop on Amazon (DE)
4. Composition: What Customers Need to See
Good product photos show the customer exactly what they’re buying. Different angles help them understand shape, size, and details.
Front view
• Shows the overall shape and design.
• Essential for all product listings.
Side view
• Shows depth, thickness, and the real form.
• Important for mugs, bowls, earrings, ornaments, etc.
Top view
• Great for flat items, pairs, or small pieces.
• Works well with simple styling.
Close-up (detail)
• Shows texture, glaze, brushstrokes, patterns, and craftsmanship.
• Very important for handmade items.
Scale photo
• Add a hand or a familiar object so customers understand the size.
• Helps reduce returns and confusion.
5. Prepare Your Product Before Photographing
Phones capture everything — even tiny details you might not notice with your eyes. Preparing the product before the photo makes a huge difference.
Before you start, check:
• Wipe dust and fingerprints.
• Remove lint, hair and small dirt.
• Trim loose threads on textiles.
• Clean ceramic or glossy surfaces to avoid smudges.
• Check edges and corners — phones reveal everything.
Tip
• A soft microfibre cloth is perfect for a quick clean before each photo.
6. Editing: Keep It Natural
You don’t need Photoshop to make your photos look good. Simple edits on your phone are enough — the goal is to keep the product looking true to life.
Useful apps
• Snapseed (free)
• Lightroom Mobile (free)
• VSCO (free with optional paid filters)
Adjust only:
• Brightness — make the photo clear, not washed out.
• Contrast — add a bit of depth.
• Colour temperature — correct warm/yellow or cool/blue tones so the product looks accurate.
• Crop — remove empty space and centre your item.
Avoid:
• Heavy filters
• Extreme blurring
• Oversaturated colours
• Artificial-looking backgrounds
Natural, honest photos build trust and help customers choose confidently.
7. Consistency: Make Your Photos Look Like a Set
Consistent photos make your shop look professional and help customers trust your brand. Even simple items look better when all images have the same style.
Keep these the same:
• background
• lighting
• distance from the product
• angles you use
• editing style (brightness, colour tone)
Why it matters
• Your shop looks cleaner and more professional.
• Customers can compare products easily.
• Your brand starts to have a recognisable visual style.
Tip
• Create a small “photo setup” you use every time — same spot, same light, same background.
It makes your workflow faster and your photos look unified.
Final Thoughts
Good photos don’t depend on expensive equipment — they come from simple choices: soft light, a clean background, clear angles and a little care.
With a basic setup and your phone, you can create bright, honest, professional-looking images that truly show the beauty of your handmade work.
Start small, keep it simple and stay consistent.
Your products deserve to be seen clearly — and your phone is more than enough to make that happen.