Tips for Brand Photo Shoots for Etsy Stores
As an Etsy seller, creating a great brand image is essential for connecting with potential customers. While having a unique product is a big portion of getting sales, you need appealing photos and a consistent message to help potential customers view and find your work. A professional photo shoot can help elevate your store’s look, but is it right for you? How do you prepare? Here are some tips to ensure you make the most of your brand photo shoot and help decide whether you're ready to make the commitment.
A little background..I have had my Etsy store running on and off since 2013. For the first 10 years I did NOT use professional photos. I did everything on mine own and had a little DIY photo set up in my sewing room. It worked well and if I could get the lighting down then there were no issues. When I relaunched my Etsy Store in 2023 with digital patterns I started looking into professional photos as I saw my YouTube channel was growing at the time too. I have now done two brand photo shoots, one a full session and one a mini session and this is what I've learned and would recommend if you are considering one!
Is a Brand Photo Shoot Right for You?
Not every Etsy seller may need a professional photo shoot, so it’s important to evaluate whether it’s the right step for your business.
Budget Considerations
Professional photo shoots can be an investment, especially if you’re hiring a photographer, models, and stylists. If you're just starting out or have a limited budget, consider DIY options, like using a smartphone with good lighting and creative backdrops. Consider if you are okay with NOT getting your return on investment back. If your photos cost $400, are you okay if you don't make an additional $400 in sales?Product Variety
If you sell a wide range of products, a photo shoot can help unify your store’s aesthetic. However, if you sell only a few items, it may be more cost-effective to experiment with product photography yourself. With my digital sewing patterns, I found the brand shoots a helpful way to highlight a variety of items and show how I work with the products!
Brand Image Needs
Think about where you’re showcasing your products. Are they for your Etsy store alone, or will you also use the images on social media and other platforms? If you're building a consistent, long-term brand image, a professional photo shoot may be worth the investment. If you are building a presence on social media, brand photos can help you get a unified look. I use my brand photos in my blogs, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, and in my Etsy listings.
DIY vs. Professional Help
If you’re confident in your photography skills and can achieve a quality look on your own, you might not need to hire a professional. However, if photography isn’t your strong suit, the right photographer can make a huge difference in how your products are perceived. Again, this can really come down to budget and time too. If you have time to explore and play around with photography on your own then you may be able to explore that to help save some costs!
How to Prepare for a Brand Photo Shoot
Define Your Brand’s Aesthetic
Before scheduling a photo shoot, you need to have a clear idea of what your brand represents. What emotions do you want your photos to evoke? Are you aiming for a warm, rustic vibe, or something sleek and modern? When I did my first brand photos, my photographer scheduled a branding call with me where we talked through what I was looking for. She also asked me to create a Pinterest Board for how I wanted my photos to look and feel. This was very helpful for me to visualize how the photos would turn out!
Tip: Create a mood board. Use Pinterest or gather images that match the look and feel you want for your store. This will help guide your photographer and ensure the final images align with your vision.
These are examples of the mood board I created for my first brand shoot!Plan Your Product Presentation
Decide how you want to showcase your products. Will you use models, flat lays, or lifestyle shots? Think about how your products will be used or displayed in the real world, and design the shoot accordingly. More importantly, determine if you want to be in the photos and your level of comfort. Not comfortable with your face showing? Communicate this to your photographer! What items are a priority to you? Understanding your products will help you feel confident for your photos.
Tip: Organize your products in categories, especially if you have a variety of items. You want your photo shoot to feel cohesive.Scout Locations
The backdrop of your photos is just as important as your products. Are you shooting in a studio or outdoors? If outdoors, what kind of environment fits your brand best? Light, airy spaces or something more earthy and natural? For both of the brand shoots I did we used a studio. The photos came out great, but I think if I did a full brand shoot again I would choose to just use my home sewing space as the photo backdrop. My mom and I had to pack up a lot of sewing supplies to get to the studio space and in transit one item did break. For smaller shoots, it's been great having the light and bright studio, but take into account if your products and items move well or if you would rather stay where you are.
Tip: If possible, visit the location ahead of time to check lighting, props, and how well the space fits your vision.Coordinate Outfits & Props
If you're using models, make sure their clothing complements your product. Props are another way to enhance your photo shoot, especially for lifestyle images. Just make sure they don’t distract from your main product. For my shoots I went with neutrals for my outfits, or I went with colors that fit the theme. In my full photo shoot I had a purple sweater which was the same color as my branding! Try to have your outfits match your look and style!
Tip: Bring extra props and styling elements like textiles, plants, or books to add texture and depth to your images.
Prepare a Shot List
A shot list helps the day go smoothly by giving both you and the photographer a clear plan. List the essential shots you need, from product close-ups to wide-angle lifestyle shots. This ensures you capture everything you need without rushing. I found it helpful to plan this out a couple weeks in advanced so then I could adjust it as needed. If you are on a tight timeline having a basic understanding of what shots you NEED versus what shots you WANT will help you have great results on your shoot day!
Tip: Communicate with your photographer about any specific angles or features of your products you want highlighted.
This is what I brought to my latest brand shoot! Having it documented helped me stay organized
What to Bring to Your Brand Photo Shoot
Products in Top Condition
Bring more than one version of each product, especially if it's prone to damage. This way, if something happens to the first item, you’ll have a backup ready to go. For digital products, bring print outs of the patterns or show how the digital product can be used!
Cleaning Supplies
Keep your products spotless, especially if they’ll be featured in close-up shots. Bring a microfiber cloth for wiping smudges, a lint roller for fabric products, and any specific cleaning tools needed for your items.Wardrobe
If you’re shooting lifestyle photos, have a few different outfits to switch into. Be sure they complement your brand colors and don’t compete with your products. Check with your photographer for this as well. Some only allow for a set number of outfits.
Backup Batteries & Memory Cards
If you or your photographer will be using digital equipment, bring extra memory cards and charged batteries to avoid any disruptions.Snacks & Water
Photo shoots can take a while, so make sure you stay hydrated and fueled throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
A brand photo shoot can be great for your Etsy store, helping you stand out with polished, professional images. By preparing well, bringing the right tools, and considering whether a shoot aligns with your brand and budget, you can ensure your photo shoot is a success. Check out my Amazon Storefront where I have a list of items that I used for props for my pictures! Want to see more of my brand photos? Check out my Instagram as they are scattered around there.
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