How to Take Better Product Photos With Your Phone

You've spent hours creating a product you're proud of. But when you photograph it, the picture doesn't quite do it justice.

Maybe the lighting makes the colours look wrong.

The background feels messy.

Or the photograph simply doesn't capture the detail and quality you see in person.

If you're running a small business, this can be frustrating.

Your photographs might be the first thing a potential customer sees on Instagram, your website or an online business listing.

And when people can't physically see or touch your products, those images become an important part of how they understand what you're selling.

Here's the good news:

You don't need an expensive DSLR camera or professional photography studio to create attractive product photos.

With a smartphone, some natural light and a few simple techniques, you can make a noticeable improvement.

Whether you sell cakes, jewellery, clothing, handmade products, flowers or other physical goods, here are ten practical ways to improve your product photography.

1. Use Natural Light Whenever Possible

Lighting is one of the biggest factors affecting how a product photograph looks.

Even a great product can appear dull or unappealing when photographed under poor lighting.

For beginners, natural window light is often one of the easiest and most affordable options.

How to use window light

1. Find a large window with soft daylight.
2. Place your product on a table near the window.
3. Turn off nearby artificial lights if they're creating different colour tones.
4. Position the product so the light falls across its surface.
5. Take a few test photographs and adjust its position.

Avoid harsh direct sunlight when it creates distracting shadows or overly bright areas.

A thin white curtain can help soften strong sunlight.

Example: Photographing a cake

Instead of photographing your cake directly underneath a yellow kitchen light, move it near a window.

The softer daylight may help show the icing, texture and decoration more naturally.

Local Finds tip: Before buying photography equipment, experiment with different positions near a window. Small lighting changes can make a big difference.

2. Choose a Clean, Simple Background

Your product should be the main focus of the photograph.

A cluttered background can distract people from what you're trying to sell.

The easiest solution is often a simple, neutral surface.

Affordable background ideas

• Plain white or cream card.
• A clean wooden table.
• Neutral fabric.
• A simple wall.
• A matte board.
• A tidy countertop.

You don't need an expensive photography backdrop.

Sometimes, a piece of card costing a few pounds is enough.

Example: Photographing handmade jewellery

Imagine photographing a necklace on a busy patterned tablecloth.

The details might get lost among the patterns.

Now imagine placing the same necklace on a clean, neutral background.

The shape, colour and design become easier to see.

Why it works: A simple background helps viewers focus on the product rather than everything around it.

3. Clean Your Phone Camera Lens

This might sound obvious, but it's one of the easiest improvements you can make.

Your phone spends much of the day in your pocket, bag or hand.

Over time, fingerprints and smudges can build up on the camera lens.

That can make photographs appear hazy or less sharp.

Before taking photos

• Wipe the camera lens gently with a clean microfibre cloth.
• Check that the lens isn't obstructed.
• Take a test photograph.
• Zoom in to check the details.

It only takes a few seconds.

A clean lens won't fix every photography problem, but it removes one unnecessary obstacle to getting a clear image.

4. Experiment With Different Camera Angles

Not every product looks best from the same angle.

A photograph taken directly from above might work beautifully for food.

A front-facing photograph may be better for a handbag.

A close-up might be useful for handmade jewellery.

Three angles worth trying

Eye-level angle

Position the camera at roughly the same height as the product.

Useful for cakes, bottles, candles, bags and many packaged products.

Overhead or flat-lay angle

Photograph the product directly from above.

Useful for food, stationery, accessories, clothing arrangements and gift boxes.

45-degree angle

Position the camera slightly above and in front of the product.

Useful for products where you want to show both the front and top.

Example: A small bakery

Instead of posting one photograph of a cake, try capturing:

1. A full front view.
2. A slightly elevated angle.
3. A close-up of the decoration.
4. A photograph showing its size.

Different angles help customers understand the product more completely.

Local Finds tip: Take at least three different angles before deciding which photograph to use.

5. Keep Your Phone Steady

Blurry photographs can make even a well-presented product look less appealing.

One common cause is camera movement.

Fortunately, you don't need an expensive tripod to improve stability.

Simple ways to reduce blur

• Hold your phone with both hands.
• Rest your elbows against a stable surface.
• Lean against something solid.
• Use a phone stand or inexpensive tripod.
• Use your camera's timer to avoid movement when pressing the shutter.

If you're photographing a stationary product, take your time.

You can also take several photographs and choose the sharpest one afterwards.

Sharp, clear photographs help customers see the details you're trying to showcase.

6. Focus on the Product, Not the Background

Most modern smartphones allow you to tap the screen to select a focus point.

Before taking your photograph, tap the main part of the product.

This tells your camera which area should be sharp.

Example: Photographing a ring

If you're taking a close-up of a handmade ring, you want the ring itself to be in focus.

Not the table behind it.

Not the decorations nearby.

And not an unrelated object in the background.

Quick focusing checklist

1. Position the product.
2. Open your camera app.
3. Tap the product on the screen.
4. Check the preview for sharpness.
5. Take the photograph.
6. Review it before moving on.

If your phone struggles to focus because you're too close, move back slightly and try again.

Don't assume the photograph is sharp just because it looks fine on a small screen.

7. Use Simple Props Without Overcrowding the Image

Props can make product photography more interesting.

They can help show how a product is used or create a particular atmosphere.

But they should support the product, not compete with it.

Examples of useful props

For a bakery:

A plate, cake stand or a few relevant ingredients.

For a florist:

A simple vase or complementary flowers.

For a candle business:

A neutral tray, book or decorative surface.

For a clothing brand:

A clean hanger, simple accessories or a styled outfit.

For a coffee business:

Coffee beans, a saucer or a tidy table setting.

The key is restraint.

If your photograph contains too many objects, customers may struggle to identify what's actually for sale.

Start with one or two props and only add more if they improve the composition.

8. Edit Your Photos Without Making Them Look Unrealistic

Editing can help improve a photograph.

But it should enhance what you've captured, not misrepresent the product.

For small businesses, this distinction matters.

Customers want the item they receive to resemble what they saw online.

Five useful editing adjustments

Brightness

Make the photograph easier to see without washing out important details.

Contrast

Adjust the difference between lighter and darker areas.

White balance

Correct unwanted colour casts so whites and other colours look more natural.

Crop

Remove distracting edges and improve the composition.

Sharpness

Apply small adjustments where helpful, but avoid excessive sharpening that makes the image look unnatural.

What should you avoid?

• Changing the product's colour significantly.
• Hiding important defects.
• Using filters that make the product look different from reality.
• Over-smoothing textures.
• Adding misleading details.

The aim is to show your product at its best while keeping the photograph accurate.

You can use your phone's built-in editing tools or a suitable photography app.

You don't need complicated software to make basic improvements.

9. Take More Than One Photograph of Each Product

One image doesn't always tell the full story.

When customers shop online, they often want to understand the product from several perspectives.

This is particularly important for items with details, textures or customisation options.

A simple five-photo product checklist

Photo 1: The main product image

A clear, well-lit photograph showing the entire product.

Photo 2: A different angle

Help customers understand its shape.

Photo 3: A close-up

Show texture, materials or important details.

Photo 4: The product in use

Help customers imagine how it fits into everyday life.

Photo 5: Size or scale

Include a useful size reference where appropriate.

Example: Selling handmade candles

You could photograph the candle on a neutral background, show the label, capture the wax texture, display it in a styled room and include a photograph showing its size.

This gives potential customers a more complete understanding of what they're buying.

More photographs aren't automatically better. The goal is to provide useful, accurate views.

10. Keep Your Photography Style Consistent

Consistency can help your business look more recognisable.

Imagine visiting an Instagram profile where every photograph uses completely different lighting, backgrounds and editing styles.

It may feel less organised than a profile with a clear visual identity.

That doesn't mean every photograph needs to look identical.

But a few consistent choices can help.

How to build a simple photography style

• Choose two or three backgrounds that suit your products.
• Use similar lighting where possible.
• Keep your editing natural and consistent.
• Decide which angles work best for your products.
• Use a similar approach for your main product images.

For example, a handmade jewellery business might use neutral backgrounds, soft daylight and close-up detail shots.

A bakery might use warm, natural lighting and clean food styling.

Consistency makes it easier to build a recognisable look without needing professional equipment.

How to Take Better Product Photos at Home

You don't need a dedicated studio.

Here's a simple setup you can try at home.

What you'll need

• A smartphone with a working camera.
• A table or stable surface.
• A window with natural light.
• A plain background.
• A clean cloth for the camera lens.
• Your product.

Step-by-step setup

1. Place your table near a window.
2. Position your background behind or underneath the product.
3. Clean your camera lens.
4. Arrange the product neatly.
5. Check how the light falls across it.
6. Take a photograph from the front.
7. Try an overhead or angled photograph.
8. Capture one or two close-up details.
9. Review the images for clarity.
10. Make small editing adjustments if needed.

You can create a simple product photography setup using things you already own.

Start with good lighting and a tidy background before worrying about expensive equipment.

Common Product Photography Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few things worth checking before posting your photographs online.

• Poor lighting: The product appears too dark or the colours look inaccurate.
• Cluttered backgrounds: Too many objects compete for attention.
• Blurry images: Customers can't see important details.
• Excessive filters: The product no longer looks realistic.
• Only one angle: Customers can't fully understand the item.
• Inconsistent editing: Your photographs don't feel connected.
• Overcropping: Important parts of the product are cut off.
• Misleading presentation: The image suggests something different from what customers will receive.

Small improvements in these areas can make your product photographs clearer and more useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take professional-looking product photos with my phone?

Yes. Modern smartphones can produce high-quality product photographs, particularly when you use good lighting, stable framing and simple backgrounds. Results depend on the phone, product and conditions.

What's the best lighting for product photography at home?

Soft natural window light is often a good starting point. It can help illuminate products evenly without requiring additional equipment.

Do I need a ring light for product photography?

Not necessarily. Natural light may be enough for many products. Additional lighting can be useful when daylight is limited or you need a more consistent setup.

What background is best for product photography?

A clean, neutral background is a versatile choice. White, cream, grey and other simple surfaces can help products stand out, depending on their colour and style.

Should I edit my product photos?

Basic editing can improve brightness, cropping and colour accuracy. Avoid edits that significantly change how the product looks in real life.

What phone camera settings should I use?

Start with your phone's standard photo mode, use the main camera where practical, tap to focus and avoid unnecessary digital zoom. Experiment with exposure and framing before trying advanced settings.

Make the Most of Your Product Photos

Once you've taken a set of photographs you're happy with, use them across your business's online presence.

That could include:

• Your Instagram posts and Reels.
• Your website and online shop.
• Product menus and catalogues.
• Your Google Business Profile, if eligible.
• Your online business directory listings.

Good photographs become more useful when they're seen in the right places.

If you want to turn your product photographs into short videos, explore our guide:

How to Edit Instagram Reels for Your Small Business

For more ways to build visibility without a large marketing budget, read:

How to Promote Your Small Business Online on a Budget

At Local Finds, we're building a platform where people can discover independent businesses across the UK.

Our business listings give eligible businesses a dedicated place to showcase photographs, products, services and useful contact information, with listings starting at £20 per month.

The Local Finds Tip

Before spending money on a new camera, try improving your lighting, background and composition.

Take one product you already sell.

Photograph it near a window.

Try three different angles.

Choose the clearest image.

Then make a few simple edits.

You might be surprised how much better your product photographs look using the phone you already have.