6 Tips to Take Great Product Photos for Social Media—Using Just Your Phone

You don’t need an expensive camera or fancy equipment to take eye-catching product photos. In fact, your smartphone is a powerful tool that can help you capture professional-looking images for your business with minimal effort! Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade your social media content, here are some simple tips for taking great product photos with your phone:

1. Use Natural Light

The best lighting is often free! Try taking photos near a window or outdoors to capture soft, even light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can create harsh shadows and glare. Natural light is flattering and eliminates the need for complex lighting setups, making your products look polished and professional.

The image below shows how natural light brings the items to life.

Photo credit: Tara Lee Interior Design

2. Keep the Background Simple

A clean, uncluttered background helps your product stand out. A neutral wall, a plain table, or even a simple backdrop made of white poster board will do the trick. The goal is to keep the focus on your product, not the surroundings, so make sure the background doesn’t distract from what you’re selling.

The image below has a simple, understated background so the products can stand out.

Photo credit: Tara Lee Interior Design

3. Play with Angles

One of the easiest ways to make your photos more dynamic is by experimenting with different angles. Don’t just take one head-on shot—try shooting from above, from the side, or at a slight tilt. Close-up shots can highlight important details, while wider shots give your audience context. Move around your product to find the best angle that shows off its features.

4. Add Props (But Keep It Minimal)

Props can help tell the story of your product, but be careful not to overdo it. Choose props that complement the product without stealing the spotlight. For example, if you're photographing handmade soap, adding a towel or a small plant can give the image a fresh, spa-like feel. Just make sure the props don’t overpower the main item.

The image below shows a real-life example of ways to highlight the personalized mirror without feeling overcrowded.

Photo credit: Tara Lee Interior Design

5. Edit Right on Your Phone

You don’t need professional editing software to improve your photos. Most smartphones come with basic editing tools that let you adjust brightness, contrast, and sharpness. These small tweaks can make a big difference in the overall quality of your photo, and the best part is, you can do it all from your phone in just a few minutes.

6. Show Your Product in Action

Customers love seeing how a product works or looks in real life. If possible, take photos of your product being used or worn by a customer. Lifestyle shots help potential buyers visualize the product in their own lives, making them more likely to make a purchase.

Below is an image that shows a painting that's been staged to give the customer a sense of what the painting could look like in their home.

Photo credit: Tara Lee Interior Design

You've Got This!

Taking professional-looking product photos doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a little creativity and your smartphone, you can create stunning images that will grab attention on social media and help showcase your products in the best light. Give these tips a try, and watch your photos—and your social media engagement—improve!