How to take product photos on your phone that actually sell

You can take great product photos with nothing more than a phone and a bit of patience. Here are five simple tips we teach in our workshops.

1. Use natural light. Shoot near a window and avoid direct sunlight. Soft light shows texture and colour without harsh shadows.

2. Keep the background simple. Plain boards, a roll of paper, or a clean table work well. The product should stand out.

3. Stabilise your phone. Use a small tripod, stack of books, or rest your elbows on a table to avoid blur.

4. Try different angles. Take one straight on, one from slightly above, and one close up of detail. Variety helps people imagine the product in real life.

5. Edit lightly. Crop, straighten, and use basic exposure or contrast adjustments. Avoid over-filtering.

A quick tip on styling: use one prop only, like a cup or fabric, to add context without distracting. And always check the final image on a desktop screen if you can, since phones sometimes hide flaws.

Try these steps with one product today. You only need a few good shots to refresh your website or social feed.