Etsy :: The Storque :: How-To :: Give Props: How to Style Your Photos

Give Props: How to Style Your Photos


Story by SusyJack Published on January 29, 2008 in How-To	Photo by SusyJack

Styling is a tool with unlimited possibilities. It can help your products and your store present a unique and cohesive presence to potential buyers and existing customers who are interested in getting to know you better.

In professional circles, a stylist is someone who works closely with a photographer and art director to provide a shot with appropriate elements, helping to create an enhanced, thoughtful (and sometimes thought-provoking) photo. Sometimes, a styled shot is used in tandem with a hero shot (a shot which shows product alone).

If this is your first time souping up a shot, this will guide you through. In time, you’ll get faster and more daring as your styling mind develops! The end result will be beautiful, creative photos which not only showcase your unique items on Etsy, but provide attention-grabbing images to show off in blogs, periodicals, newsletters, or anywhere you find a promotional or photo op!

Getting Started: Take Notes
Consider the subject: in this case, the item you’re going to sell. Because you’ll be introducing props, you should make sure they will not detract from or confuse the shot you’re planning. Spending a little time thinking about the product itself will help avoid this.

Helpful Things to Think About

What is the product?
What are it’s obvious qualities? Color, size, texture, function, shape...
What are the hidden attributes or uses that you find interesting? These are attributes which may not be obvious to buyers. But, these are the attributes which really sell an item.
Is it portable?
Does it make a great gift or party favor?
Was it made with a special process?
Is it all-natural?
What inspired you? List anything you think is interesting about your product.

As an example, I’ve chosen a card set I designed. Somewhere in my listing, I’ll want to show a hero shot, which features all of the cards together. But, to create more of a mood and spark their imaginations with excitement and potential for this item, I will also take a style shot, which will highlight one of the card designs.

[My Listing: Card Set]

Obvious Qualities: Pink, small, note card, gift card, paper

Hidden Attributes: Surprise, taste, party favor, food, dessert, secret admirer, dinner party, gift tag, scrapbooking, photo embellishment, business card, candy, secret, pocket-sized, politeness, manners, etiquette, modern, bright, happy, tea party, friendship, sweetness

Brainstorming
Working off your list, and keeping an open mind, consider some ideas for your styling. Remember, the point of styling a shot is not to obscure the qualities of an item, but to enhance them while opening the viewer’s mind to more possibilities. Try to show the item, but also to tell a story. Yum!

I was really inspired by the qualities of crisp, modern etiquette, giving little surprise gifts, and the idea of sugary, dessert-y treats when looking at my ‘You’re Sweet’ card. So, my prop ideas derive from those
attributes. Taking a quick look at them let me know that the color palette I’d chosen was working together.

More Ideas and Examples

Show portability or usefulness. If your product is small and portable, you may want to show off this attribute by planning a realistic, lifestyle shot where it’s shown nestled in a tote bag, alongside a book or wallet. Or, show how it might be used.

Show inspiration. Maybe your product was made in your inspiring country studio. Consider incorporating some branches or leaves from your garden into your shots. Maybe one little pinecone resting next to it is all you need.

Show process. Do your buyers seek out your product because it is made in a certain way? Are there special tools you use to create your items? You might want to incorporate these into your photo...a sprinkling of saw-dust, a needle and thread, a sketch, an assortment of wood-block type pieces.

Set It Up and Get Snapping!
First, set up a shot with just one or two of your new props. Take a test shot. Do they bring out anything interesting in your item? If you don’t feel it’s quite right, be patient and critique what is wrong. Art direct yourself: can you take a different angle, move the props into a less or more prominent place? Change the focus? Be patient. It may take some time until you feel you get photos with the right balance that accents your product and vision while still providing flavor.

Below are some test shots I thought had some good ideas happening between my item and my prop choices.

Build On Your Ideas
See if you can take it further. Can you add a twist that better distinguishes your own style as an artist/craftsperson? Or, can you add in another product to showcase more of your collection? Once you get comfortable using props and you feel your product is really singing in its new environment, push the boundaries. Use interesting angles, lighting, materials, or focus to add to your story.

For my shot, I really liked the way the tea cup was looking, but I preferred the gold cup to the green, and chose the simpler background to give more clarity. I was really excited by the way the raw sugar was adding texture to my concept, so, I worked with it, and tried some different ways of bringing it in. I thought the shot was looking a little monochromatic, so I added some subtle green, crafty touches to offset that.

These are my six final shots. I really enjoy the front-and center shots which do the work of a hero shot while still showing off the styling. I also simplified the presence of the sugar, using it more as a shape and texture than a prop. I could take this even further by adding in a table-cloth, or natural wood tabletop, but that is a project for another day.

Below are more great examples of sellers who use really clever styling ideas. As you’ll see in the shots below, sometimes the simplest styling can really give flair, drama, and even humor to an item. By using similar styling across all of your collection, you can create a really cohesive and inviting look for your entire store.

Moss Limited Edition Sketchbook by lusummers

Glittering Opulant Marie Antoinette Choker by louiseblack

Mini Runner in Vintage Green by yorktownroad

Custom Silhouette Pendant by luckymebeads

More Helpful Things To Keep in Mind...

Keep your eyes open. Props are everywhere! Sometimes, just walking through a new environment can give you some great ideas. Take a stroll through the dollar store and see what you come up with. What about that margarine tub of mismatched buttons hiding in the craft closet? They might make a great background...

Look for examples. When you get a magazine and a photo pops out at you, take a closer look at how it was styled to learn technique.

Incorporate more of your own items. Try putting other items from your shop into a shot without losing focus on the main item. This shows how well items in your collection work together!

Last, and most importantly...be free. Sometimes, the best way to come up with an idea if you’re really stumped is just to play. Remember, you are the art director. Look beyond the typical use for your item, and just have fun with it.

For more SusyJack goodness, check out our interview.

What's your take on stying photos? Leave it in the comments!

Tags	HOW-TO, photographing, photography, presentation, Product Photography, props, Seller Handbook, selling, styling

All articles in How-To

Related Items

This article was reported by:

SusyJack

shop . profile . contact

132 comments Login to add your own!

Jan. 29, 2008 at 11:03 a.m.

giantdwarf

What an amazing treasure of information! Thanks, SusyJack!

xo,
Sue

Jan. 29, 2008 at 11:11 a.m.

yaelfran

Great article, so informative and useful!!! Thanks!!!!

Jan. 29, 2008 at 11:11 a.m.

TheBrassHussy

just like "staging a house" when I used to sell real estate. I need to translate that into my jewelry photos.

Jan. 29, 2008 at 11:13 a.m.

TickledPinkKnits

What a fantastic piece! Great examples :)

Jan. 29, 2008 at 11:46 a.m.

tropicalbomb

I am inspired! Great article! I am also going to start a blog because I went to yours and loved it! Thanks Kelly

Jan. 29, 2008 at 11:57 a.m.

BellaDio

Great article. I am truly inspired. Im off to come up with my styling ideas.
Thanks.

Jan. 29, 2008 at 12:06 p.m.

ZestyB

Some really great suggestions; occasionally it can be a fine line to keep the focus on the product you are selling ~ The Brainstorming tips and Things to Think about will be quite helpful! Thanks :D ~Betsy

Jan. 29, 2008 at 2:38 p.m.

HeyMichelle

Great article on a great topic! Wonderfully written too!

Jan. 29, 2008 at 2:46 p.m.

SusyJack

Thank you everyone! I am really glad you like it, and thank you so much for taking the time to comment. :D

Jan. 29, 2008 at 2:50 p.m.

SeaFindDesigns

great article. I'm always trying to think of new ways to photo my pieces!! I love the ideas in the article!! Thank you!

Jan. 29, 2008 at 2:53 p.m.

MetalheartDesign

This was a really well written, informative article. I'm inspired to take some new, more interesting pictures now! Thanks.

Jan. 29, 2008 at 3:05 p.m.

moonshinebluebirds

Great article! Very informative and visual, I'm going to go play with props now :)

Jan. 29, 2008 at 3:17 p.m.

margotbianca

great ideas on something that i'm always working on! i enjoyed your systematic approach towards an artistic outcome! (great photos, too!)

Jan. 29, 2008 at 3:45 p.m.

pinkmilkvintage

Great article, I wish I had the time to really style my photos (finding enough light in a dark flat is hard enough), but there are plenty of ideas to take away. Love the green teacup by the way!

Jan. 29, 2008 at 5:37 p.m.

makemesmile

Great article. I have just started last week redoing a lot of my pics, using more props. I find that where I usually take about 20 pics of an item before the 'right' shot, it does take even more with props, because you have to avoid it getting too messy, crowded or distracting in the pic.
It is very well worth the effort though.

Jan. 29, 2008 at 6:09 p.m.

happyexpat

love the accompanying photos too!

Jan. 29, 2008 at 6:23 p.m.

katelynjane

Awesome article!! Thanks for all the tips and advice (:

Jan. 29, 2008 at 6:34 p.m.

TwistedThicket

Excellent article! Thank you so much. :D

Jan. 29, 2008 at 7:15 p.m.

amuse

This makes me want to redo our photos...

Jan. 29, 2008 at 7:41 p.m.

eliwill

read it from beginning to end. thanks!

Jan. 29, 2008 at 10:23 p.m.

fearlessfreak

???This is a great article-but it left me wondering-what is better-the "hero" shot in the first pic-or is a staged picture better to grab shopper's attention?? I think the styling tips are neat-thanks!!

jane

Jan. 29, 2008 at 10:30 p.m.

handsinpockets

These are some really wonderful tips! I've been considering different ways to stage jewelry for interesting, unique photos that don't distract too much from the product, and this article has been super helpful. Thanks!

Jan. 29, 2008 at 11:19 p.m.

hellocupcakes

This helpful. I am inspired to create and have fun when taking photos for my shop ^_^ HUGS TO YOU

Jan. 29, 2008 at 11:29 p.m.

scarletbeautiful

i have propay and didn't know you could send invoices...[duh!] thank you so much for letting me know!

Jan. 29, 2008 at 11:30 p.m.

scarletbeautiful

okay, don't be reading the mb's, the storque and watch american idol at the same time...so sorry....

Jan. 29, 2008 at 11:36 p.m.

BeadsInTheBelfry

nice article! you've given me something to think about.

Jan. 30, 2008 at 6:18 a.m.

LycheeKiss

This is a wonderful advice! It really helps me to be a better photographer and great tips!

Jan. 30, 2008 at 6:21 a.m.

blossomnbird

Thanks Susyjack for the great info and ideas..thinking about this for a while...now i have no excuse to not add some stylin' to my photos!

Jan. 30, 2008 at 10:02 a.m.

emyou

As a buyer, eye-catching photos work if I can clearly and quickly tell what the item is. To make the sale, I also need to see the item modeled (earrings hanging, for example) and a photo of the entire item with an idea of scale. I also like photos of fronts and backs (pins, for example).

Jan. 30, 2008 at 1:19 p.m.

centaur

Thanks! This was so helpful!

Jan. 30, 2008 at 1:49 p.m.

mamaziel

Great article. I'm tweaking my photo style right now and I appreciated your thoughts. Taking photos with real moving crazy children has been the biggest challenge for me! I'm thinking props (ie, some classic sweet toys) to keep the little person engaged might do well, to one keep the child still and add some interest to the pic...

Jan. 30, 2008 at 2:05 p.m.

ayanacreations

Thanks SusyJack...This article help been extremely helpful and inspiring.

Jan. 30, 2008 at 11:43 p.m.

femputer

I love this article!

Jan. 31, 2008 at 12:24 a.m.

littleredshoestudio

I sincerely appreciate your inspirational article. You really put an element of fun into the process for me, thanks.

Jan. 31, 2008 at 3:49 a.m.

awdesignsuk

An interesting read & very inspiring.

Jan. 31, 2008 at 11:13 a.m.

CarolineGrace

So inspiring and helpful that I went and tried it last night on my new pair of earrings, check it out: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Jan. 31, 2008 at 2:54 p.m.

cinnamonspice

Fabulous article...am off to redo my photos!

Jan. 31, 2008 at 10:38 p.m.

TheDecadentFlame

Dang! Now I've got to re-shoot everything. Lot's of great tips. Time to have fun with props!

Feb. 1, 2008 at 4:14 p.m.

openbookzoo

Great information. Although, as with everyone above, I am off to photoshop again. Thanks!

Feb. 2, 2008 at 9:27 a.m.

SusyJack

...thanks for commenting everyone!
i'm glad you enjoyed the article.

openbookzoo...time to get off of photoshop and into your props! : )

have fun, and thanks for checking out the article...don't hesitate to convo me with questions.

Feb. 4, 2008 at 8:38 a.m.

Bijoudesign

This might just be one of the most inspiring articles I've read in the Storque. Thanks!

Feb. 4, 2008 at 11:19 a.m.

cremetangerine

Wow, I've always had trouble with my pictures but I took a few last night and they're so much better after reading this article. Thanks!

Feb. 4, 2008 at 2:33 p.m.

threepeats

Wish I had read this before I listed my items! Now I've got to find the time to restyle all my photos. Thanks for the inspiration.

Feb. 4, 2008 at 2:38 p.m.

birdie1973

wonderful piece susy...i need a makeover!

Feb. 5, 2008 at 2:50 a.m.

ArtworkSW

Very nice. Good information. I like the pictures that illustrate your information. Thanks for sharing.

Feb. 5, 2008 at 11:50 a.m.

SusyJack

i'm seeing lots of comments about 're-doing the entire shop'. remember...it's not about being perfect overnight. just enjoy the process and have fun. you'll get there. in the meantime, having some items that are styled, and some that aren't still gives buyers a good impression of what the possibilities are, and what your products are like. : )

Feb. 10, 2008 at 2:32 a.m.

decor8

exceptional job on this piece Susy, really nice!

Feb. 11, 2008 at 6:18 p.m.

JessicaPoundstone

Could not have come at a better time - thank you for this treasure trove of information!!!

Feb. 25, 2008 at 1:26 p.m.

ScottBulgerPhoto

This is a great article. Well written and informative.

Feb. 28, 2008 at 8:32 p.m.

triciamckellar

Very helpful!!! I'm going to start dumping sugar everywhere... :)

July 6, 2008 at 11:05 p.m.

woodponddesigns

Thank you! This article was really helpful as I wasn't totally happy with my project photos. I had the best luck with the pictures I took outside in the garden. Now I have loads of new ideas!

July 16, 2008 at 3:01 p.m.

kittyanydots

great article!

Aug. 19, 2008 at 3:28 p.m.

JulieWebb

Thanks SuzyJack! I was struggling with unique and interesting ways to photograph my work, your article really helped me to think about styling and creating a scene more than just straight shooting. Great examples too! ;-)

Aug. 22, 2008 at 12:05 p.m.

OpusMuse

superb article. very useful info. thanks Suzy-Jack!

Aug. 22, 2008 at 12:24 p.m.

BigSkyDreamer

Appreciate your straight forward ideas and photo examples. Will be using your helpful info.Thank You.

Sept. 10, 2008 at 8:28 a.m.

urbancookie

really helpful, thanks! :)

Sept. 14, 2008 at 10:55 p.m.

prettypleeze

Thanks for the help. I will take the photo info and apply it to my creations.

Sept. 29, 2008 at 3:51 p.m.

annspets4

good topic as I find that most here and everywhere on the net especially the Etsyians on Linkreferral..I have seen,have terrible photos,despite their lovely work! It really detracts from it and I doubt if they sell at all! HOw could they if one can't see it because it is so dark,out of focus and the photos tend to be taken quite far away!? For photo tips please visit my site on http://freewebs.com/annspets4 as I provide a links page with a link to Women Helping Women , a jewelry site where it's owner gives wonderful tips on how to run a sucessful jewelry business from your own home online too! I strongly recommned this page to view as I can say I saw but a handful here of decent photos,sorry but am just stating the obvious!! I would not be insulted by my honesty but instead it would behoove you to retake your photos ASAP!!

-Artzstuf
http://artzstuf.com

Oct. 5, 2008 at 3:43 a.m.

MonasMane

What a great idea. Working with the pictues will be a fun new way for me to work my pieces. I'm always trying to find new ways to realeasing my creative frustration-thanks!

Nov. 4, 2008 at 5:23 p.m.

editions

Thank you for all the helpful suggestions.

Nov. 7, 2008 at 11:13 a.m.

carlasboutique

Kudos for you!! Thanks for the info and tips - as I'm not a photographer and would never have known where or how to begin! Now I can't wait to re-do my pics!!

Nov. 11, 2008 at 12:43 p.m.

woodhillworkshop

Just the type of advice I was looking for. But what's a hero shot?

Nov. 11, 2008 at 12:49 p.m.

wildcatdesigns

great article. has given me a few new ideas! :)

Nov. 11, 2008 at 1:11 p.m.

brownbunnybyiris

Always greatful for cool tips!!!

Nov. 11, 2008 at 1:17 p.m.

starrydeborah

definitely much needed info for us all! I find it's a fine line between props and losing focus with my product. So, this really helped! :)

Nov. 11, 2008 at 2:21 p.m.

Kimmi

Great article and very well written! Good examples and a lot of food for thought....

Nov. 11, 2008 at 2:29 p.m.

desirapesta

GREAT PHOTOS are key!

beautiful work.

Nov. 11, 2008 at 2:38 p.m.

kobrienjewelry

Thanks for the ideas and support! I have been playing around with these very ideas today. I packed a picnic and went to a playground to photograph my picnic place mats. It is fun and shows your work off in a more playful manner, just how you want people to use it once they own it.

Nov. 11, 2008 at 3:14 p.m.

TheSpeeceCollection

That's a lot of good to think about and to use. Thanks!

Nov. 11, 2008 at 4:45 p.m.

TexasBeauties

I'm going to look at my picture a little closely and try new props and angles. This article was very informative. Many thanks.

Nov. 11, 2008 at 5:43 p.m.

GemsandTreasures

Thanks for all the wonderful tips!

Nov. 11, 2008 at 8:40 p.m.

retro80s

Thank you, SusyJack, for great tips - you've inspired me to come up with creative ways of photographing my items! :-)

Nov. 11, 2008 at 8:44 p.m.

cloud9designstudio

Great article, Susy. Well put.

Nov. 12, 2008 at 5:23 a.m.

giftsforkids

Very helpful! Great inspiration! I can't wait to try some new ideas today!

Nov. 12, 2008 at 5:47 p.m.

littlelakecompany

I love the Storque articles - first they are inspiring, and second, informative! My photos are (I think) just horrible and never seem to portray what I want. I mean, I'm coming to etsy from the craft show circuit where people can see and touch my products in person, which I find so much easier. So keep the articles comin' pleez! and Thanks!

Nov. 13, 2008 at 12:20 p.m.

lsa1sew

Thanks for the great info! I need all the help I can get with my photography. :-) I have a hard time taking photos of my quilts, they are big and I want to show all of the quilt but it makes for a boring picture. I have some ideas now though!Thanks for the inspiration!

Nov. 19, 2008 at 7:29 a.m.

multiplepursenality

What an inspiring article! I'm excited about trying out some of the tips and hoping it will help me with my shop photos! Thank you!

Nov. 29, 2008 at 10:08 a.m.

lissilulu

thank you...been making changes :o)

Nov. 29, 2008 at 9:28 p.m.

bluestarbutterflies

Thank you!

Dec. 3, 2008 at 2:52 a.m.

gaboodles

this is so helpful!

Dec. 10, 2008 at 10:41 p.m.

POPPYPRINCESS

very helpful, as a new shop I appreciate your generous advice, and cant wait to put some of your ideas into practice.

Dec. 14, 2008 at 9:02 p.m.

ladyartisan

What an excellent article! Great ideas (some I've tried before and some I'd never even considered). I look forward to playing around with some of these suggestions.

Dec. 16, 2008 at 12:16 p.m.

southerncreativity

Thanks so much...I think this will really help me!!

Dec. 16, 2008 at 9:47 p.m.

LittleCritters00

This is amazing, and so helpful. It's really cool how people view things differently and what makes a difference.

Dec. 17, 2008 at 11:28 p.m.

HappyMommyBoutique

Love all the helpful info. I can't wait to start using it in my new shop!! Thanks so much

Dec. 30, 2008 at 4:03 p.m.

poorpitifulpearl

this is great... getting better photos is always my goal.... love the tips!

Dec. 30, 2008 at 5:28 p.m.

reimaginedtreasures

Thank you for sharing these bountiful ideas. My new year's resolutions have to do with photography and blogging. This is so useful!

Jan. 2, 2009 at 1:03 a.m.

memorycatchers

Love those ideas. I'm just starting out and my photos are horrible compared to a lot of what I was seeing. I love the idea of adding props. I'm gonna have some fun this weekend.

Jan. 3, 2009 at 1:15 p.m.

AtabeyInspirations

wow, very imformative, and well put out! thanks a lot =0)

Jan. 3, 2009 at 2:09 p.m.

radarjenny

Wow - those examples are really amazing!!!

Jan. 5, 2009 at 10:58 a.m.

yessysdesigns

LOVE THE ARTICLE... look forward to apply some of those ideas for my shop!!!

Jan. 13, 2009 at 8:31 p.m.

shabbycloche

This truly is very helpful. I always feel my photo's don't do my work any justice.

Jan. 25, 2009 at 2:29 p.m.

bugsie

REALLY amazing and thought provoking information! Can't wait to play with the styling ideas! Thank you SusyJack!

Feb. 2, 2009 at 5:27 a.m.

KentwoodKreations

Thanks for the tips.

Feb. 2, 2009 at 10:09 p.m.

GlazedOver

There is a fine balance between enhancing photos with related props and confusing the subject with miscellaneous focal points that might confuse the viewer. The description of your process was spot on, SusyJack. Thank you!

March 17, 2009 at 11:41 a.m.

MeredithHiltDesigns

Okay, I'm off to look for props and redo some pictures!

March 22, 2009 at 2:59 a.m.

eraseandrepeat

Thanks for sharing this article! Great ideas for me to mull over and try :)

March 27, 2009 at 10:10 p.m.

luxe

i'm late on the congrats, but really a super article. thanks!

March 29, 2009 at 12:44 p.m.

grandmasjewelry777

beautiful present & past GMJ

May 1, 2009 at 2:42 a.m.

BewilderknitsGwynne

Terrific article. I love it - especially the part about texture and adding texture to the items. Rad!

June 12, 2009 at 11:32 a.m.

Fruitfulhandproducts

This is perfect for new sellers!! Wonderful work!!!!!!!
Its a wonderful reminder of what I need to do.:)

June 13, 2009 at 2:25 p.m.

lucyleonard

Terrific article! Thank you very much.

June 23, 2009 at 9:50 a.m.

littleeve

This helps me so much. Thank you. I was afraid to clutter my items but you've given me some ideas on how to actually accentuate them with props instead.

July 7, 2009 at 10:52 a.m.