Are you an artist struggling with high-quality product photography of your handmade crafts? Do you find yourself spending too much time on photography and marketing, taking you away from what you really love – creating your crafts? If so, you’re not alone. Many handmade craft artists face similar challenges.
I’ve been where you are …
Not physically, but in the same place. You are a crafts artist, you put time and care into creating, yet sales never seem to justify the hours of work. When I was doing crafts, craft fairs were my main source of income. The internet wasn’t as advanced as it is today. Back then, the crummy picture above was fine on slow internet. Today’s consumer is savvy though, your online storefront needs quality product photography for handmade crafts. And in this article, I’m going to help you.
The Challenges
One of the biggest challenges handmade craft artists face is finding the time and energy to take high-quality photos of their work. It can be frustrating when you’ve spent hours or even days creating a beautiful piece, only to struggle with getting the perfect shot. If you are spending time searching around online for photo ideas and learning how to take better images, this consumes even more of your precious work hours.
Then there’s also the issue of equipment and lighting. Sure, you can take images with your phone and natural light. Many crafts artists do, but in order to stand out from the crowd, you may want to consider lighting and backdrops. These expenses add up quickly.
Then there is the pressure to create images that accurately represent the product. You need to make sure the photos show exactly what the client will receive. You’ll want to make certain they are the proper size for your website or online store. Images that are too large take longer to download, reducing the client experience. There is also the chance software may compress the image, which can result in a less than favorible photo.
The Cost of Poor Photography
When you have poor photos, it can have a significant impact on your business. Poor photography can lead to low sales, as potential customers are unable to fully appreciate the quality and beauty of your work. It can also lead to frustration and disappointment for the artist, who may feel like their hard work isn’t being properly appreciated.
Hiring a Product Photographer
So what’s the solution? For many handmade craft artists, the answer is hiring a professional product photographer. By outsourcing this task, artists can free up their time and energy to focus on what they do best – creating their crafts. A product photographer who understands the needs and challenges of a craft artist can help capture the essence of the product and create images that accurately represent it. Plus you’ll wow your followers and clients on your website, Instagram and other social media platforms.
DIY Guide to Product Photography
Of course, not everyone has the budget to hire a professional product photographer. If you’re a handmade craft artist looking to improve your product photography on a budget, check out our: DIY Guide to Product Photography. This guide covers everything from the gear you’ll need to the planning, shoot, lighting, and editing. It’s a great resource for those looking to take their product photography to the next level.
As someone who used to hand carve wooden santas to sell at craft shows, I know firsthand the importance of good product photography. It wasn’t until I learned what goes into successful images that I started making sales internationally. And while I eventually closed that business to focus on photography, I understand the challenges and frustrations that handmade craft artists face. Whether you decide to hire a professional product photographer or take the DIY route, remember that high-quality product photography can make all the difference in your business.
Wishing you success moving forward!
P.S. – One amazing style of product photography for handmade crafts is cinematography. To learn more about creating attention grabbing Cinemagraphs, click here!
P.P.S. – Some handmade goods aren’t considered crafts, but they can benefit from product photos too. Check out this article: Product Photography for Handmade Goods.
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