Sometimes you need branding photos, and you may not have the time or funds for a brand photographer. And I totally get that! As a business owner myself, I have had to improvise a few times with DIY photos. Here are some ideas to get you started when you are in a pinch!

Doing Your Job

When capturing DIY photos, don’t over think it! The most simple pictures can make the biggest impact. For example, get some behind the scene photos of you doing your job. These are great to show your audience the authenticity and effort behind your brand.

To get these shots, photograph you making a product, in your workshop sketching a design or coaching a client.

Your Workspace

Your workspace symbolizes so much of what your business is: Working from home, traveling, coffee shop work dates. Wherever you do your work, photograph it! It tells the story of your business and gives a glimpse into your work for your audience.

You can photograph your workspace from a distance, or up close. Your morning coffee with an open journal makes for a great flat lay. Just add your hands holding the cup or writing in the journal for a more personal touch.

Holding Something

This is an easy shot, literally ANYONE can do it! Take a picture of your hands holding something. This could be a product, business card, or really any visual representation of your business. These help build a personal connection and give a glimpse of products to come, your best sellers, or other insights to your business.

You can hold the item close to your chest, an arms length away from our body, or out to the side with a blank background.

Lifestyle Shots

Posting your product or service being used in real life brings a sense of authenticity to your brand. These DIY photos are especially helpful for those who sell physical product, but can be used by any business owner in creative ways.

Lifestyle shots work best when someone other than you are using your product in the picture. This is such a great opportunity to network or share your products with friends and neighbors!

How To Get Good DIY Photos

For starters, I recommend getting about 3-8 photos for each of the above ideas! This will give you a good variety to use on your social media, as well as give your options to choose from. Because to be quite honest, not all DIY photos are made equally, and some may just be duds.

Next, let’s talk about HOW to get these photos to look good! Your location makes a difference when it comes to lighting. Preferably you want to have natural lighting, so set your photo up next to a window and turn off all other lights. This will make it so there are no competing colors in lighting. In addition, make sure your background is free of distractions.

Then use a tripod, or simply prop your phone on something. Use the portrait mode on your phone and set a self-timer.

I have done plenty of DIY photos for my own business, so I practice what I preach!! We can create these images during your photo shoot! Plus, I travel! So wherever you are, we can make it work. Book photos here.