How to Photograph Craft Supplies for Reselling

Essential Equipment for Craft Supply Photography

When photographing craft supplies, the right equipment can make all the difference. You don’t need a professional setup to achieve high-quality photos, but knowing how to use the tools you have is vital.

Camera Settings

Your smartphone is more than capable of capturing excellent images of craft supplies. Make sure to:

• Set the resolution to the highest setting: This ensures clear, detailed images.
• Enable grid lines: Helps in aligning your shots, especially when photographing multiple items in a lot.
• Focus manually: Tap on your phone screen to focus on the most important part of the craft supply, like the texture of fabric or the pattern on beads.

Lighting Setup

Lighting is crucial when photographing craft supplies. Here’s how to get it right:

• Natural Light: Best for true color representation. Set up near a window during daylight hours, but avoid direct sunlight which can cause harsh shadows.
• Ring Light: Ideal for evening shoots or when natural light isn't available. Position it to evenly illuminate your supplies without casting shadows.
• Light Box: Excellent for smaller items like beads or buttons. It provides consistent, diffused light and a clean background.

Backdrop Options

The backdrop should enhance, not distract, from the item:

• White or Neutral Backdrop: Great for most supplies. It highlights the colors and details without interference.
• Textured Background: Use for items where texture contrast adds value, like lace or intricate beads.

Exact Shots Needed for Craft Supplies

Taking the right photos is key to showcasing your craft supplies effectively. Here’s a list of must-have shots:

• Photo 1: A full quantity or lot photo taken at eye level to show the entire collection buyers will receive.
• Photo 2: A close-up of unique patterns, textures, and colors to assist buyers in matching materials for their projects.
• Photo 3: For fabrics, a shot showing the material draped to display its drape quality, and a close-up of the print or weave.
• Photo 4: Group related items together in a “lot” photo and include individual item detail shots.

Tips for Showing Condition Accurately

Accurate representation of your craft supplies’ condition is crucial. Here’s how to capture any wear or damage:

• Highlight Flaws: Use a close-up shot to document stains, holes, or damage, such as moth damage on yarn or broken fibers.
• Lighting: Adjust the lighting to avoid glare that can hide scratches or texture issues.
• Angle: Capture multiple angles to provide a complete view of potential flaws.

Common Photography Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t let these errors ruin your sales potential:

• Poor Lighting: Dark, shadowy images make it hard to see details and can misrepresent colors.
• Cluttered Backgrounds: Distracting backgrounds take focus away from your product.
• Overexposed or Underexposed Photos: Adjust your camera’s exposure settings to ensure accurate color and detail.

Photo Editing Tips

Edit wisely to enhance your images:

• Background Removal: Use tools like Canva or Adobe Photoshop to remove distracting backgrounds.
• Brightness/Contrast: Adjust these settings to better represent the true colors and details of your item.
• When to Edit: Minor edits can improve the clarity and appeal of your photos, but avoid over-editing which can mislead buyers.

How Many Photos to Include

Most platforms allow multiple images, but using the maximum can significantly boost your listing’s attractiveness:

• eBay: Up to 12 photos.
• Etsy: Up to 10 photos.
• Vinted, Depop: Typically 4-8 photos.

Include as many photos as allowed to provide a comprehensive view of the product.

Complement Descriptions with ListingGenie

Great photos need equally great descriptions. Use tools like ListingGenie to generate detailed, engaging descriptions that highlight the key features and benefits of your craft supplies, complementing the visual information.

FAQ Section

• How can I ensure color accuracy in my photos? Use natural lighting and adjust the white balance settings on your camera or phone.
• What should I do if my photos are too dark? Increase exposure settings, adjust lighting conditions, or use a photo editing tool to enhance brightness.
• Should I include photos of damaged parts? Yes, always include clear photos of any damage to maintain transparency and avoid buyer disputes.
• How many photos are needed for a complete listing? Aim for at least 5-8 photos, covering various angles and details, to provide a full view of the product.
• What backdrop is best for showing fabric drape? A plain, solid-colored backdrop allows the fabric’s color and drape to stand out without distraction.