DIY Product Photos: How to Capture High-Quality Images on Your Own

Professional product photography is always the best investment when it comes to showcasing your brand, but if you need quick content or are just getting started, taking product photos with your cell phone or digital camera at-home can be a great temporary solution. With the right techniques, you can create high-quality images that highlight your products effectively. Here’s how to get the best possible results using just your phone.

1. Clean Your Camera Lens

This may seem simple, but it makes a huge difference. Your phone’s camera lens collects dust, fingerprints, and smudges, which can result in blurry images. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe it clean before every shoot.

2. Use Natural Light Whenever Possible

Lighting is one of the most important factors in product photography. Natural light, especially soft indirect light from a window, creates a clean and professional look. If shooting indoors, position your product near a window with diffused light to avoid harsh shadows.

3. Avoid Using Your Phone’s Flash

Phone flashes tend to create harsh lighting and unflattering shadows. If you need extra light, use a ring light or a softbox light instead. You can also bounce light onto your product using a white foam board or reflector.

4. Use a Plain, Clutter-Free Background

A simple background helps keep the focus on your product. White or neutral-colored backdrops work best for most products, but you can also use textured surfaces, wooden boards, or branded colors that align with your business aesthetic. Poster boards, fabric, or even large sheets of paper can make great DIY backdrops.

5. Keep Your Hands Steady or Use a Tripod

Blurry photos can ruin even the best setups. If you struggle to keep a steady hand, use a tripod with a phone mount. Many affordable tripods are available online and can help you capture sharp, professional-looking images.

6. Pay Attention to Composition

The way you arrange your product in the frame matters. Follow the rule of thirds by positioning your product slightly off-center for a more visually appealing image. Try different angles to find the most flattering perspective— overhead shots work well for flat lays, while slight side angles can add dimension.

7. Use Your Phone’s Grid Feature

Most smartphones have a grid feature that helps you align your product evenly in the frame. Turn it on in your camera settings to make sure your shots are straight and well-balanced.

8. Experiment with Different Angles

Take multiple photos from different angles to see which works best. Capture close-ups to show texture and details, lifestyle shots to showcase your product in use, and overhead shots for a clean, flat-lay look.

9. Edit Your Photos for a Polished Look

Editing can enhance your images and make them look more professional. Apps like Lightroom Mobile, Snapseed, and VSCO allow you to adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness. Avoid over-editing— keeping things natural is key.

10. Maintain Consistency Across Your Photos

If you plan to use your DIY product photos for your website, social media, or marketing materials, aim for a consistent style. This means using the same lighting, background, and editing techniques to create a cohesive look across all images.

When to Hire a Professional

While DIY phone photography can work in a pinch, there is no substitute for professional brand photography when it comes to elevating your brand. A professional photographer brings expertise in lighting, composition, and editing to ensure your products look their absolute best. When you’re ready to take your brand visuals to the next level, investing in professional photography is well worth it.