5 Must-Have Tools for DIY Product Photography
If you’re building your brand from the ground up, chances are you’re wearing all the hats: founder, maker, marketer—and yes, content creator too. And while a professional shoot can be great, knowing how to create your own content gives you full creative control (and saves money). Here are five tools every DIY product photographer should have in their arsenal—and how to use them for big results.
1. A High-Quality Photography Backdrop
Start with a solid foundation. A good backdrop—like the ones we design at Flatlay Studio—creates consistency, enhances your product, and brings your brand aesthetic to life. Whether you prefer stone textures, woodgrain, or matte neutrals, your background sets the tone.
"If you are looking for high-quality versatile backdrops then Flatlay Studio is the way to go. With their smooth texture, range of colours and different prints they allow us to effortlessly showcase every product in it's own unique way. I highly recommend to invest in these boards to elevate the quality and creativity of your photography" – Angelique, Owner
2. Risers & Acrylic Blocks
Want to add layers and shadows like the pros? Risers are the secret weapon. They help lift products off the board, creating separation and depth. Use them to place your hero item front and center, or to stagger multiple products at varying heights.
Featured Product: Flatlay Studio’s Geometric Podiums/ Risers – various sizes for ultimate form and function when styling product photos for your brand or your client.
3. Good Natural Light (or a Portable Light Panel)
No light? No magic. Set up your shoot near a bright window during peak hours (10am–2pm). If natural light is tricky, a small LED light panel or ring light can fill in shadows and add brightness.
4. Small Props That Match Your Brand Vibe
Think mini bowls, botanical clippings, teaspoons, or smudging cloths. Keep them simple, styled, and consistent. Stick to props that enhance your product without distracting from it.
5. Your Smartphone (and Editing Apps)
You don’t need a DSLR to take beautiful photos. With your phone and apps like Lightroom Mobile or Snapseed, you can easily crop, adjust exposure, and apply a consistent preset.
Bonus Tips:
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Keep your tools in a labelled box for easy access
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Clean your camera lens before every shoot
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Take test shots to get your angles right
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Take as many photos as possible - you'll be glad once editing to have more choice
- Check out our Digital Products - affordable checklists and workflow guides to help streamline your content shoot. Delivered automatically to your inbox after purchase.
Final Thoughts
You already have the vision—these tools simply help you bring it to life. Flatlay Studio was built to support brands like yours with affordable, aesthetic content tools that actually work.
Ready to create magic from your kitchen counter or home studio?
Explore our bestsellers and beginner-friendly backdrop bundles [here].
DIYPhotography #ContentConfidence #WomenInBusinessSA
