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Running a small business is a labor of love, but for many of us, it often means wearing all the hats—creator, marketer, customer service rep, and, yes, photographer. As the owner of Vibe & Glo Candle Studio, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges when it comes to product photography. Capturing the beauty of my hand-poured, eco-friendly candles while staying true to the brand’s message of self-care and mental wellness has been a learning curve.
Check out some of my product photos here.
Here’s a look at the struggles I’ve faced as a one-woman show doing my own product photography, along with some helpful tips to make the process easier for fellow small business owners.
The Challenges of DIY Product Photography
1. Limited Resources
Professional photography services and equipment can be expensive, especially for a small business just starting out. Investing in top-tier cameras, lighting setups, and backdrops wasn’t feasible in the beginning, so I had to get creative with what I had on hand.
2. Mastering Lighting
Lighting is everything in photography, and let me tell you—it’s tricky. Natural light is a blessing, but it’s also inconsistent. Cloudy days, shadows, and unpredictable weather turned what I thought would be a quick shoot into a long, frustrating ordeal.
3. Juggling Multiple Roles
As a one-woman show, balancing time between candle-making, running a website, social media marketing, and taking product photos often left me feeling overwhelmed. Photographing multiple products in different settings was exhausting, and there were days when nothing seemed to go right.
4. Learning the Ropes
Photography has a steep learning curve, from understanding camera settings to editing software. In the beginning, I felt like I was winging it, often doubting whether my images looked professional enough to represent my brand.
Lessons Learned (The Hard Way!)
1. It’s OK to Start Small
My first photos weren’t perfect, and that’s okay. I used my smartphone, natural light, and simple props to create images that aligned with my brand. I still use a lot of the same equipment now! Practice practice practice!
2. Trial and Error is Part of the Process
For every perfect photo, there were a dozen that didn’t make the cut. I’ve learned to embrace the learning curve and not let imperfection hold me back.
3. Branding Matters
Photography isn’t just about the product—it’s about the story you’re telling. For Vibe & Glo, I focus on creating a calm, serene vibe that promotes self-care and mental wellness. That meant finding props and backgrounds that complement my candles and their clean, eco-friendly aesthetic.
Helpful Tips for DIY Product Photography
1. Use Natural Light to Your Advantage
Set up your products near a window with diffused natural light for a clean, soft look. If shadows are a problem, use a white foam board or reflector to bounce light back onto the product.
2. Invest in Affordable Equipment
You don’t need a high-end camera to take great photos. A good smartphone, a tripod, and a few inexpensive items like a ring light or a lightbox can work wonders.
3. Create a Cohesive Background
Stick to neutral, uncluttered backgrounds that make your product the star. You can use white poster boards, fabric, or wooden planks to achieve a professional look.
4. Use Props Thoughtfully
Props should enhance, not overshadow, your product. For candles, consider items like greenery, books, or coffee cups to evoke a cozy vibe.
5. Batch Your Photoshoots
Save time by photographing multiple products in one session. Plan your setups ahead of time and group similar products together to streamline the process.
6. Edit with Care
Editing can transform a good photo into a great one. Free tools like Canva and Snapseed, or affordable software like Adobe Lightroom, make it easy to adjust lighting, color, and cropping.
Connecting with the Small Business Community
If you’re a fellow entrepreneur navigating DIY product photography, know that you’re not alone. The process can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an opportunity to learn new skills and grow your business.
Every struggle I’ve faced as a one-woman show has made me more resourceful and resilient. Today, I’m proud of the images I create for Vibe & Glo Candle Studio because they reflect not only the quality of my products but also the heart behind my brand.
For more tips and equipment recommendations click here.
What challenges have you faced with DIY product photography? Share your experiences and tips in the comments—I’d love to learn from you!
XOXO,
Mikayla