When taking photographs of your craft creations, having the right items to accompany them can make all the difference. If you're looking for styling tools and props for your photos but aren't sure where to start, I've got five suggestions right here.
1. Tools of the Trade or Related Objects
Position your craft items next to objects relevant to your craft. If you’re selling online, it’s a great way to convey a personal touch and the handmade or artisan aesthetic. Tools of the trade could include knitting needles, beautiful scissors, or fabric scraps. Related objects may be custom packaging, stationery, or gadgets to show ways in which your craft can be used.
2. Boxes and Boards
Think wooden boxes (old and new), plywood (raw and painted), and aged wood in any form. Stack boxes or boards for height, interest and texture. Paint boards white, or whitewash, to cut down on the background detail whilst retaining the beautiful texture of wood.
3. Natural Objects
The important things to note when thinking about using natural objects as styling tools are that they must be relevant to your craft or brand story, and subtle enough to enhance but not detract from your craft. If the object is too large, dark, bright, or bold, it's likely to take all the attention in the photo.
4. Paper
A stock of white paper in various sizes and textures really comes in handy for craft photography. Try it in roll form (from a stationery store or the party store, where you’ll find it as a tablecloth, or the hardware store, where it may be masquerading as wallpaper) and sheets of card. Paper cutouts shaped in themes relevant to your craft—like paper raindrops to match a cloud pillow—can be charming. Other neutrals, like greys, and pale colours are also good to have on hand. Coloured paper is also handy to create a wide variety of effects. For coordination, layering, and to bring out other colours in your craft, choose paper in the same tones as your craft.
5. Your Product Range
Styling with more than one item from your range usually brings together your brand story and aesthetic. It also can encourage multiple purchases and show scale. When adding in more objects, less is always more. Stylist Lara Hutton taught me the rule of threes: style using multiples of three objects at a time. So, start with one, then try three or six, and see what looks best.
Now, Start Shooting!
Are you inspired to try any of these ideas? Do you think one or two would be perfect for your craft? I'd love to know!
Luggage Card Set by These Are Things.
