Ready to take your Etsy photos to the next level? An easy way to add instant drama and interest to your shop’s photos is to master your camera’s depth of field capabilities by using the macro setting (or lens) and adjusting the aperture – also known as the f-stop.
Did that just fly right over your head? Allow me to explain some of these technical details. That way you’ll know what the heck I’m talking about before we get to the fun stuff.
Depth of Field (DOF): The distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a scene that appear acceptably sharp in an image.
Here’s how depth of field works: Your camera’s focal length is a fixed distance between your camera’s lens and your main subject. The aperture setting adjusts the width of the area that stays in sharp focus, both in front of and behind that focal point. F-stops are essentially fractions. They’re based on a lens’s focal length, divided by the size of the aperture opening. A large f-stop creates a small aperture, which in turn allows for a longer depth of field. A small f-stop creates a large aperture that shortens the depth of field.
Now, I’m going to skip the mathematics lecture so we can get to the creative part of our work — I was never great at math, anyways. In reality, there are myriad variables that come into play when working with your camera’s depth of field. Before we begin our f-stop exercise, here’s some good information to know about photography and a few different kinds of cameras you may be using:
For all camera users:
- Understand how to manually change the aperture on your camera.
- Use lots of reflected, diffused light – either natural or studio.
- Your camera should be mounted on a sturdy tripod at the same level as the item to be photographed.
- Understand the rule of thirds and how it applies to composition.
- Know that automatic focus, shutter speed and ISO settings can simplify the exercise.
Point-and-shoot camera users:
- Make sure your camera is set to program mode.
- Turn on your macro function. (This is indicated by a flower symbol on many cameras.)
DSLR camera users:
- Set camera to AV, aperture priority mode.
- Mount a macro lens, at least 60mm, to your camera.
Exercise: Experiment with your camera’s depth of field.
To really see the difference between aperture settings and how they affect the depth of field, let’s take three photos of the same setup with three different f-stops – each 2 stops away from the last. For example: F2.8 / F5.6 / F11.
- Move your camera closer to your main subject. Do not use zoom.
- Choose an area of small detail and center your view on that point.
- Hold your shutter button halfway down or manually focus your lens. This will maintain and hold the focus, which is known as “focus lock.”
- While continuing to hold your focus, re-frame your image and place your subject where want them to appear in the photograph. For help with a successful composition never forget the rule of thirds. Avoid moving closer or farther away – stay on the same plane to keep your focus point sharp.
- When you’re satisfied with your composition, take the photo.
- Change your f-stop up two stops and repeat steps 1 – 5.
A shallow depth of field (lowest f-stop) creates the illusion of depth by blurring the foreground and background around a specific point of focus. It is a very effective way to create a feeling of intimacy in your photos. Tip: Focus lock on your subject and recompose the photo to place the focal point just off-center for a more interesting image.
A medium depth of field (mid-range f-stop) is great for items that are detailed in a larger area. Tip: Use relevant props in the far background, just out of focus range, to establish a story within each photo.
A deep depth of field (highest f-stop) allows for the maximum area to stay in focus. It’s great for collections of items or wide objects that have a lot of detail that needs to be shown. Tip: Place your focal point in the center of the frame to bring in the maximum amount of focus in the front and back of that area.
I highly encourage you to play with the settings on your camera and keep track of the changes that occur with each experiment. With some practice and the creative use of backgrounds and props that complement your shop’s branding, you can create dynamic photos.
Happy photographing!
Marlo M. is the organizer for the Seattle Etsy team, etsy RAIN, and a consultant for emerging artists at Creative Arts Consulting. She’s also the creator of the photography tips blog, Small Object Photography, where she shares her expertise in taking close-up photos of small objects, along with images of inspiring product photography. Share your before-and-after product photos via SmallObjectPhotography.com for a chance to be featured on the blog!





145 comments
Sign in to add your ownMikono says:
LOVE this article! So useful! Thanks.
228 days ago
etco says:
This is great! Thank you so much!!
228 days ago
JenMcLamb says:
This is a great exercise - perfect timing and all I have to do first is find my camera manual! Thanks!
228 days ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Great tips, although I personally dont like using a tripod. I find it too limiting for the kind of shots I like to take. I like to physically move the camera around a lot to get get the perfect shot!
228 days ago
MagicMarkingsArt says:
Simple, concise and clear - awesome tutorial. Thanks so much for your breakdown.
228 days ago
StudioDevinat says:
Thanks for the tips! I really need to play with my photos & create more interesting groupings of my product. I will definitely play with depth of field!
228 days ago
VintageSeaShore says:
Using a Canon SD1200 gives limited results but, as the article states, the limits are sufficient to provide pretty good results. Thank you for the article.
228 days ago
Iammie says:
Great tips! Thanks.
228 days ago
AukinasGoddess says:
Love this article.. and Marlo!
228 days ago
antiquelace23 says:
very helpful thank you!
228 days ago
LovgrenandDaughter says:
Thank you!
228 days ago
Freyasstudio says:
Great tips, thanks!
228 days ago
GlassElements says:
Awesome Tips!
228 days ago
hoosiermamma1 says:
Are you serious? You lost me at aperture.
228 days ago
hogwildjewelry says:
yes! you really brought out some things that I stumbled upon but can't do consistently. thanks!
228 days ago
fibrous says:
I want a digital SLR :(
228 days ago
SimplyMaco says:
What if your camera doesn't HAVE a manual aperture/f-stop adjustment? Mine doesn't. The manual says the f-stop ranges from X to Y depending on the zoom. So how do I combine adjusting zoom and moving forward/backward to get different depths of field?
228 days ago
farragio says:
This is an extremely helpful post! Thanks for sharing this information!
228 days ago
MaidOfClay says:
I was just asking my husband about this last night. He took photography classes a zillion years ago but he couldn't really help me. This article was serendipitous to say the least. Thanks!
228 days ago
fiorejewellery says:
Very clear! Thanks a mil :o)
228 days ago
ShadowsandSpirits says:
Thank you for the information!
228 days ago
DevineCollectible says:
wowie, a whole lot to learn! Thanx for all the tips. Peace and love, karen DevineCollectible
228 days ago
HuntersHideaway says:
I agree with LittleWrenPottery-- you don't really need a tripod to take great photographs. I have more than one tripod but I don't use them for my product shots. So if you don't have a tripod, don't let that discourage you from shooting hand held.
228 days ago
teresab123 says:
wow...thanks!
228 days ago
imakecutestuff says:
Thanks for the comments everyone! I'm glad you're finding this more advanced article helpful. (If you need individual help with your photos, check out my new online service detailed on my smallobjectphotography.com blog) @SimplyMaco - If your camera doesn't have the ability to manually adjust your f-stop then you'll have to make the best of your composition and backgrounds to begin improving your photos. Quick tips for you: Learn how to adjust the white balance on your camera - if there is no manual white balance, then try the different settings and see how each affects the photo. Bring in more light and turn off the flash. Be sure the focus box is green before you take your photo and use a tripod to reduce blurring.
228 days ago
jmijewelry says:
Amazing! I am working on photos right now! How did you know? Thanks!
228 days ago
sassyalice says:
These tips could be some of the most helpful on all of Etsy! Coming from someone who doesn't even understand how to work the camera on the iphone these tips are so awesome!
228 days ago
imakecutestuff says:
I actually agree with the anti-tripod comments - I normally don't use a tripod myself. But if one is finding it difficult to hold a sharp focus, then a tripod is a good way to learn how to avoid moving the camera forward or backward when recomposing a shot :)
228 days ago
ahmusing says:
Thanks! I'm going to experiment with F-stops now! Hope to take better pictures!
228 days ago
PaperGemsStudio says:
Great helpful hints!
228 days ago
PrettyPinupsAndMore says:
Great article !!! I am definitely going to try these tips ;)
228 days ago
postscripted says:
Super helpful and comprehensive! I especially love the placing the focal just off center tip!
228 days ago
chriskoskidesigns says:
Very interesting! Thanks for the helpful hints!! Most appreciated!!
228 days ago
Diannasdiapercakes says:
Thanks for the informational breakdown, I am always trying to improve my photos!
228 days ago
GlimpseCreations says:
Thank you for this article, it is really helpful! I am going to retake some of my photos now!
228 days ago
theastarr says:
Great breakdown & tips. I will definitely share ^_^
228 days ago
Ellymm says:
Thanks a whole bunch, now I can't wait until daylight!!
228 days ago
ThisCharmingCandy says:
Great information - thanks for this. The photo examples really compliment the tips too.
228 days ago
PhotoItalia says:
A HUGE Thank You! for not relying on a Photoshop technique for this article. Having learned photography "old school", and deeply entrenched in the digital world now, it is to everyone who takes photography seriously a great advantage to learn,grasp,understand, and use these skills and not rely on the 'Auto' feature of the camera, nor think that Photoshop is the be-all end-all. "Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish".
228 days ago
QuietTimeCushions says:
HUH?
228 days ago
Gbydesign says:
Thank you so much...the info is much appreciated!!!
228 days ago
christienano says:
Thanks for the tips!!!!
228 days ago
TinyFakeCakes says:
After reading this and looking at my photos....I'm getting to work tomorrow!
228 days ago
tiedyediva says:
I just finished reading your article and playing around with my camera as you suggested. I have always, always wanted to understand this and finally I do. Thank you!
228 days ago
lltownleyceramic says:
I've learned this over and over, but I don't think I've ever seen Depth of Field explained so "clearly" before (pardon the pun - I'm actually serious).
228 days ago
newhopebeading says:
I have so much trouble doing this... thanks for this info... I need to read and reread this!
228 days ago
gigicouturebycaren says:
Thank you ..this was very helpful.
228 days ago
frogmaster1999 says:
Great Ideas! Keep them coming!
228 days ago
Prairiepeacock says:
For those of you who cannot afford a digital SLR at the moment, there are stores that will make disks of your prints and then you can use them on the computer. I use both types of cameras and for more texture in my photos, I do prefer the film SLR. Great article.
228 days ago
judithclevelandprod says:
Thank you for the class in photography. I will check my digital camera and see what changes I can make.
228 days ago
717VintageLane says:
Thanks for the great info! I always feel like I can't get quite the right look I want in my photos and now I understand why. This makes me want to redo all the photos in my shop! I definitely plan on getting to know my camera better!
228 days ago
EightTreeStreet says:
Thanks so much I am struggling with my pics, this is really useful.
228 days ago
quiltingbyday says:
Great info!
228 days ago
ShopWithCompassion says:
Thank you! I'm really struggling with taking good pictures and think this will help a lot!
228 days ago
smallVintageAffair says:
This came at the perfect time I had actually googled this subject a few days ago....You explained it very well...Thanks
228 days ago
Tradeurbeads says:
Great Information, Thanks.
228 days ago
BlueMoonLights says:
Thanks for the info, can't wait to give this a try :)
228 days ago
HillCountrySilver says:
A simple lesson on de-mystifying the f-stop! Love it and can't wait to practice in tomorrow's sunshine! Items ALWAYS sell faster when my photos are better. I'm hoping that this article will improve my consistency.
228 days ago
Elorra123 says:
Great article...well explained :)
228 days ago
LivingDollBoutique says:
thanks
228 days ago
TheDovesNest says:
This article is very helpful, I am excited to learn about depth of field in my photos. Thank you!
228 days ago
JoDeneMoneuseJewelry says:
Still going over every single word....and ready to give them a try! Thank you so much. Hoping my traffic will now increase due to my even more lovely photos! : )
228 days ago
imakecutestuff says:
Thanks everyone! It's a lot to digest for sure. Try not to be overwhelmed - it takes time to learn how to take better photos! There is a lot of great info on Etsy...just keep practicing just like you practice your art technique and you'll get it! :)
228 days ago
ValDraws says:
Thanks so much for this. I've had my digital camera about 6 years and I'm kind of embarrassed to say I never even attempted to use the manual adjustments until this moment! I think I finally have a clue how to properly use it now and hopefully I'll improve my photos!
228 days ago
akrodo says:
Awesome tips! I've also found that placing my earrings inside an ezcube light diffusion box with a big light on either side makes a huge difference.
228 days ago
murphster says:
Awesome way of explaining DOF!
228 days ago
VintageNook says:
Thank you for the tip. Very informative
228 days ago
jguilddesigns says:
Thanks for sharing!!!
228 days ago
LapisandLimeStudio says:
Thanks! I like your depth f field graphic!
228 days ago
knitsinclass says:
Thanks for sharing this great information - as someone who is no camera expert, I think the information was very clearly explained (with great links and illustrations!). I'm feeling more confident about using the manual adjustments on my digital camera (and actually getting consistent results).
228 days ago
lazyearthlings says:
Thanks for sharing :)
228 days ago
narasaca says:
thanka!i will try it!!
228 days ago
narasaca says:
thanka! i will try it!!
228 days ago
simplybarefoot says:
This is very helpful info, thanks!
228 days ago
dreamversion says:
Great tips!!! Thanks for sharing!!! :)
228 days ago
abundantvibrations says:
I so needed this. Thank-you!! :)
228 days ago
siamcollection says:
I loved it
228 days ago
MyHeartsMyFlowers says:
I have been trying to work out how to achieve the out of focus background effect for ages, but your explanation has cracked it for me - thank you very much!
228 days ago
BessieMays says:
Thanks - this is really well explained. One tip I have if you want all clear, is to use your auto on your macro, then after your first shot increase the auto F setting by one or two, and this really helps.
228 days ago
ButtontreeBoutique says:
Thank you :) Just need to buy one now!! Currently using a mobile phone camera.. quite suprised buy how well they turned out really but should probably invest in a proper one!!
227 days ago
Leatherworks4U says:
Beautiful shots. Thanks.
227 days ago
Greenerpasture says:
Thanks for the help!
227 days ago
PetalandStone says:
Well written...wish my ex photographer husband could have explained it to me that easily a while back. Great article for these concepts.
227 days ago
patchwerkz says:
Thanks a bunch for this simple but super helpful post. It's inspired me to give it a shot and experiment this weekend. Thx!!!
227 days ago
sweeet3jeni says:
this is great and informative- but what if you are lets say not a single mother of means? what if you must use a old digital standard but olypus camera the ttype you take family photos with? no matter hwtat i do i cant get great photos of my work espcially JEWELRY. is there some way i can use a small digital (it doe shave a zoom lens ) camera to take jewelry photos. i can usually coak decent photos outdoor in natural light BUT i cant get any good ones indoors. we also live in a a tiny apartment with no wear to create a space.shoudl i tri a white sheet over my curtains? or perhaps.. invest in things that remind one of my shop to try and drape around the room. my whole house is very tine and filled with childrens toys except me room. perhaps i can remake the large stuffed chair into a place to model cloting once teh weather turns cold? Could you give peopel liek me who DONT HAVE ANY MONEY ways to do it as well? we'd greatly appreciate it. i knwo i am not the only one. i sometimes have to take one hou rjust to get a decent photo becaus emy camer ais that bad- i evene have totape the battery door shut for it is old. even if i get a new one it will still haveto be in the $80 to $150 range. shoudl i buy a use done? THANKS SOO O MUCH yours, Jeni Juleit of JULIET's CLOSET
227 days ago
MithrilFibers says:
You made it sound so easy thank you, for the tips!
227 days ago
manyathecat says:
Thanks!
227 days ago
MapleStreetPaperCo says:
Love the depth of field illustrations!
227 days ago
SallysStitches says:
I'd been trying hard to improve my photographs, this was a big help; THANKS !
227 days ago
jhollywooddesigns says:
Good stuff, thx!
227 days ago
Periwinklesky says:
Wow! This is the perfect inspiration I needed to improve my photos, Thank you.
227 days ago
mycartouche says:
I think I have to get a new camera now..My current one is all automatic.(Casio) When I select macro function it goes to f 3.5 and I can not change it. Thank you very much for your article. It clarified a lot of issues for me. I am ready to experiment;) All the best.
227 days ago
RedBirdMakes says:
Wow...i've tried and tried to get my head around apertures to no avail. However I can honestly say that for the first time ever I think I may have cracked it! Thankyou for your ease of explanation, but more so for the images you've chosen to use to explain depth of field. Picturing those birds in the tree has worked wonders...thankyou!!
227 days ago
ArtWiz28 says:
@ sweeet3jeni : If you can't adjust your range of depth, old camera, cell phone camera. I would suggest taking the picture, at the highest pixellation, at a distance which make the object clear. Then once you download the pic, crop it to just around the intended object. The object will be small in size, but you can adjust the pixellation and picture size in the camera program. Or, invest in a Photoshop type program to allow you to customize your pictures.
227 days ago
BeljaysFeltnArt says:
Nice easy explanation. Thanks.
227 days ago
kimsgemz says:
WOW! Love it! Now I want to go and re-shoot my entire shop---AHEM! :) I did not use a tripod but still had excellent results using 5.6. Thanks so much for the photos. The one of the bottle was the one that really motivated me to improve and it worked!
227 days ago
EarthCandycreations says:
Technical and creative advice, I now have a better understanding of aperture! T hanks a lot!
227 days ago
vintagebeader says:
I invested in a light box, got it from Maplin electronics in the UK, it includes a small tripod affair and a couple of little spotlights. The objects are lit through a translucent fabric box which gives nice even light. Didn't cost more than £20.00. I only have a point shoot digital camera, but it has a few different settings, close-up seems to be the best, on a high quality setting. I do have Photoshop as well which really helps. There are freeware programs available out there that do most of what photoshop does.
227 days ago
terracatt says:
Very useful information, thank you!!!
227 days ago
eclecticintuition says:
This information is fantastic! Thank you
227 days ago
hifiberkits says:
This is amazing. You handled a lot of complicated info in such a clean and helpful manner. I really appreciate you putting this out there for people to explore
227 days ago
imakecutestuff says:
Thanks everyone! Wow. Such awesome comments! For those who are looking for ways to find an inexpensive camera, you might want to read his article on my blog: http://smallobjectphotography.blogspot.com/2011/05/how-to-find-your-cameras-macro-focus.html - it explains how I purchased my current under $100 point and shoot that I love as much as I love my DSLR :)
227 days ago
imakecutestuff says:
Oh, and I cannot take credit for that awesome "birds and trees" graphic - it belongs to this awesome blogger: http://audster.wordpress.com/2010/05/05/back-to-basics-part-1-the-aperture/ (which is also a great article on depth of field! :) Sincere thanks to that person for being awesome!
227 days ago
Chiffoniertreasures says:
Extremely valuable information. Thank you so much.
227 days ago
KINGxACE says:
Thanks for the tips!
226 days ago
GlassDanceBeads says:
Much needed info, thanks!
226 days ago
sureynot says:
Thank you! You explained it well.
226 days ago
gabriellaevabella says:
thanks this helps a lot!
226 days ago
AllSoCute says:
Thank you so much! You are the best!
226 days ago
Charlieandthefox says:
This article is amazing, full of excellent advice.
226 days ago
VintageAnything says:
The photography always seemed like the hardest and least fun part of listing. After reading this, I'm excited to see what my camera will do. Thanks!
226 days ago
alexmarcano says:
Great write up!
226 days ago
2TrickPony says:
excellent! Now I have to find out how to explain this to my camera. :)
226 days ago
MyCandyJars says:
Great helpful tips! Thankyou!!!
226 days ago
imakecutestuff says:
Here's a follow up post about point and shoot cameras on the Small Object Photography blog: http://smallobjectphotography.blogspot.com/2011/10/point-and-s.html
226 days ago
Metamorphi says:
This is a fantastic tutorial and the link posted above my comment on "small object photography" is equally useful. I've had a lot of trouble taking photographs of my jewellery, I could never get the "whole thing in focus". I can't wait for a sunnier day so I can have a go taking photos using the information presented here. Thanks!
226 days ago
lilinspirations says:
Great information! Can't wait to try it.
226 days ago
janeseen says:
My photos are terrible! You've reminded me that I've got some work to do. Thanks...I really DO need help!
226 days ago
HulaGirl1922 says:
FABULOUS advice forver ♥ grateful gracias..! xo
226 days ago
hanscreations says:
Thanks so much ! I am learning along the way.That's my favorite part getting to take photos of my newly created items.Hoping to catch the eye of a Bride to be :)
225 days ago
EightTreeStreet says:
Thanks so much, took some new pics and they do look better, now working on the depth of field.
225 days ago
PruAtelier says:
I cannot tell you how your article has simplified something for me that I always wondered about and I will check back to reread it!! Being camera illiterate, taking pix on a wing and a prayer and merely getting by, I will indeed try those things you mention. Photography was always something I HATED til I got my digicam in '02....now, it's just a necessity....so.....got to practice!
224 days ago
VictoryJewelry says:
Thank you for this fantastic advice! It sounds so simple with your explanation. I'm going to go practice this now! :)
223 days ago
irisdesign says:
couldn't have said it any better :D
223 days ago
QuirkMuseum says:
Very good photo info here. Thanks much Marlo.
223 days ago
carolinabenoit11 says:
What an amazing article! So much info and so useful! Thank you so much!!!!
223 days ago
AzaferraJewelry says:
Right on time with this article. I've taken some amazingly sharp and amazingly fuzzy picts lately, and now i know why! Thanks so much!!!!!!
223 days ago
JBMoods says:
Very helpful info. I have a lot of work to do.
223 days ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
Great tips and wonderful photos! Thank you!
222 days ago
TheOldPinkPorch says:
Great post! Thank you so much! I am going to give your advice a try!!
222 days ago
BetseyDo says:
Love love love this article. It's like having a coach help you study your camera with a training process. Though I don't really like working with a tripod since each piece I sell has different angles that want to be shown (I sell vintage) and I'd be busy moving the tripod while shooting each garment.
220 days ago
chariT says:
Nice~!
217 days ago
Countrysweets says:
Thanks for all the help you offer! Gail at COUNTRY SWEETS
214 days ago
foxpots says:
Thanks! This is a nice summary and reminder.
213 days ago
GibsonGirlDesigns says:
Time for me to get a new camera ;) I have a great excuse this time.
213 days ago
Lissies says:
Great tips! Thank you! :)
213 days ago
LisasLittleCreations says:
Awesome pics. I can't believe how beautiful they are. Thanks so much for the tips. :)
212 days ago
catiques says:
I absolutely love this article. Beautiful pic. I try hard but looking at this I know I have to keep trying. Thanks
210 days ago
CowgirlThangs says:
Thanks so much! This article is very helpful for a beginner like me.
207 days ago
Cloud9Jewels says:
Always appreciate the photogaphy tips!
199 days ago
HogHeavenVintage says:
Excellant information. Very well explained.
199 days ago
cozystudio says:
excellent info outstanding of you to share this all
183 days ago
clutterbunny says:
Thank you for the Macro Function tip for Point and Shoot Cameras --- What a difference. I may just be inspired enough to dig out my old instruction manual and actual figure out what all those other buttons are for :-) Thank you-thank you!!!!
163 days ago
missantique says:
what a great tutorial! Thank you !
154 days ago
CaraMiaBella says:
Great article! I linked it in my blog http://caramiabella-art.blogspot.com/2012/01/manifesting-success-taking-great-photos.html Thanks for all the info! It helped alot! ..Carrie...
133 days ago