You do not need a professional photographer to make your shop look great online. With just your smartphone and a few minutes of attention to lighting and framing, you can capture photos that help your business stand out
Strong photography builds trust, shows off the care you put into your work, and makes your website feel personal and real. This guide walks you through exactly how to do it
Before You Start Shooting
Start simple. Clean your lens, open a window or a door for natural light, and take your time. Here are a few quick reminders before you get started
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Use natural light when possible and turn off your phone’s flash
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Hold your phone steady with both hands or lean on a surface for support
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Turn on grid lines in your phone settings to keep shots straight
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Avoid filters and editing apps, natural is more trustworthy
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Take more than one photo of each scene to give yourself options
Photographing the Shop and Your Process
Customers love seeing how things are made. Your production space tells a story and even the little details like ink being mixed or thread being prepped can make your business feel more real and professional
Capture things like
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A wide photo of the print room, embroidery machines, or drying racks
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Screens being taped, shirts being loaded, or thread being changed
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Ink jars, hoop stations, squeegees, and screens stacked against the wall
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Blank apparel being unpacked or finished orders being folded and stacked
Shoot with the lights off if you have natural daylight. It gives the photos a softer and more welcoming look
Show Off the Team
People do not buy from faceless businesses. They buy from other people. Including photos of your team helps potential customers connect with you faster and feel more confident working with your shop
Here is what to include
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Smiling shots of your team, whether in their element or casually posed
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Headshots or friendly portraits of the owner or key team members
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A group photo inside the shop or just outside the building
You do not need matching uniforms or a fancy background. Just aim for natural light and relaxed genuine energy. These photos go a long way in making your site feel warm and approachable
Finished Product Photos That Build Confidence
Product shots are your proof of quality. When a visitor sees clear well lit images of completed jobs it shows that you take your craft seriously
Try these photo ideas
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Folded stacks of shirts showing the same print across the front
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Flat lay shots of shirts jackets or hats against a neutral background
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Closeups of embroidery detail puff prints woven tags or custom labels
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Apparel hanging or neatly arranged on a tabletop in soft daylight
Clean up the background before you shoot. Even just moving a coffee cup or tangled cord out of the frame can make a huge difference in how polished your photo looks
Organizing and Sending Your Photos
When your photos are ready drop them into a shared drive folder. This helps us build your site faster and ensures your content gets used quickly and effectively
Tips for sharing
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If you have time name files clearly like team photo or hoodie stack
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No need to edit or crop send the originals and we will take it from there
If you want to see examples of shops that nailed this visit earthboundinc.com or 456printco.com. Most of the photos on those sites were taken with phones not cameras. It is not about perfection it is about being real
We are here to help you look your best. Your shop has a story and your photos are the first chapter