No fancy gear? No worries. Your smartphone and a bit of good lighting are all you need to capture awesome product shots.
If you’re an Aussie small business owner looking to improve your online store and social media presence, one of the easiest things to do is perfecting your product photos. Great visuals help build customer confidence, increase sales and conversions, reduce return rates and give your brand a professional edge. You don’t need a fancy camera setup – product photography with an iPhone (or any smartphone with a good camera) can give you stunning results.
Read on to discover how you can nail smartphone photography as small business owner.
The most important tips for small business owners who use their iPhone as a camera
iPhones (and most modern smartphones) now come with high-quality cameras that can shoot in portrait mode, capture fine detail, and adjust lighting automatically. Here’s how to get the most out of yours:
Use natural lighting
Set up near a bright window with indirect sunlight. Harsh midday light can create shadows, while early morning or late afternoon light is softer and more flattering. Sunset photographs are the latest trend for product photography, helping you get a warm-toned, dreamy image.
Use portrait mode or manual focus
Portrait mode blurs the background and makes your product pop. Tap the screen where you want to focus and adjust the exposure slider if needed.
Make use of grid lines for perfectly composed shots
Before you snap a photo, switch on grid lines in your camera settings. They help you apply the rule of thirds, making it easier to frame balanced, professional-looking shots. Use them to centre your product, straighten horizons and align key elements, especially helpful for flat lays and styled scenes.
Quick tips for better smartphone photos
- Capture a variety of angles (think: front, side and close-up)
- Declutter your background for maximum focus
- Skip the zoom as it lowers the quality of your image
- Use a tripod to avoid blur
- Maintain a consistent visual style across your website and socials
Simple smartphone setups that make your products pop
A great setup makes your product shine. Start with coloured poster boards or brown kraft paper rolls for a smooth, uniform backdrop. Choose colours that reflect your brand personality, whether that’s soft neutrals, pastels or bold tones.
Then, bring your product into the real world with creative lifestyle setups:
- Skincare or beauty: Photograph your product with a clean, neutral wall as the background (see image to the left)
- Jewellery: Style on textured fabric like linen or velvet, next to a mirror or jewellery box
- Stationery: Arrange on a tidy desk scene with a keyboard, coffee cup or calendar
- Homewares: Place in a styled living space with cushions, throws or warm lighting
- Food products: Shoot near natural light on a chopping board or plate, adding props like utensils, herbs or fresh ingredients
- Fashion items: Lay flat on clean fabric with accessories, or hang them neatly against a plain wall or door
Edit your images like a pro
Give your photos a final polish with a few easy-to-use editing apps. Snapseed is perfect for fine-tuning contrast, brightness and shadows, while Adobe Lightroom lets you apply presets to maintain a consistent, professional aesthetic across your images. For a softer touch, VSCO offers subtle filters that enhance your shots without taking attention away from the product itself. Just remember, keep your edits subtle and colours true to life. Customers want to know exactly what they’re getting, and realistic photos help build trust.
If you’ve been putting off a product photo refresh, now’s the time. Product photography with an iPhone can be effective and powerful. With a few simple techniques and a little creativity, your smartphone can help you create professional, high-converting product photos that reflect your brand’s true value.
Learn more about product photography in our blog post: Product photography for online business owners and market stallholders
