How to photograph your pieces with your phone (and let the AI do the rest)
Great photos sell handmade work. You already own the only camera you need — here is how to get clean, honest shots in ten minutes.
You do not need a studio or an expensive camera. A modern phone plus daylight beats almost any setup — as long as you control three things: light, background and angle.
1. Shoot near a window, never under ceiling lights
Place your piece on a table about a meter from a window. Soft daylight shows real color and texture; ceiling bulbs add a yellow or green cast that makes buyers distrust the color. Cloudy days are perfect — the light is even and shadows are gentle. Turn OFF your indoor lights so they do not fight the window.
2. Use a plain, calm background
A sheet of white or warm-grey paper curved up behind the piece removes distractions. For rustic work, a raw wood board or linen cloth adds warmth without stealing attention. Keep it consistent across your shop — a recognizable style makes your storefront look professional.
3. Take the five shots buyers actually want
- The hero: the whole piece, centered, filling the frame.
- A 3/4 angle that shows depth and form.
- A close macro of the texture, glaze or grain.
- Scale: the piece in a hand or next to a common object.
- The piece in use — the mug with coffee, the bowl with fruit.
4. Let the Copilot finish the job
When you upload your photos on CrafTrader, the AI Copilot reads them and writes the description, suggests search tags, and proposes a market price from similar pieces. You take honest photos; the Copilot turns them into a listing that ranks and sells. You can edit every word before publishing.
Quick checklist
- Daylight, indoor lights off
- Clean, consistent background
- Five angles per piece
- Wipe the lens (really)
- Upload and let the Copilot draft the listing