Whether you run a blog or an online Etsy store, good photography can really help you and your crafty creations get noticed online.What’s more, you can achieve great results with a regular camera. Claire Gillo explains how

Capture your makes with a compact camera

You’ll need:

Compact Camera

Wooden surface

Large window (natural light)

Craft items to photograph

Step 1

Step 1 Set up your shoot next to a window. We want to use natural light, so around midday is good time as the light is at its best. Find a nice background to frame your subject. A wooden surface works well – we used the side of a toy chest and its lid.

Step 2

Step 2 Next arrange your subject and/or props. We’ve opted for the Mollie doll made by Laura Hunter. You can find the pattern for it in issue 14 of Mollie Makes. Try not to over-prop the shot and choose items and/or colours that complement each other.

Step 3

Step 3 Some compact cameras only shoot in a fully automatic mode (if so, skip to Step 5). If your camera can shoot in a part-manual mode put it into the Aperture priority mode (this is often marked as A or Av) as this controls the depth of field in the lens.

Step 4

Step 4 Set the Aperture (depth of field) to the widest setting. This is the smallest number it can go to, and on our camera it’s f/3.5. Using a wide aperture helps blur the background while keeping the foreground object sharp. This creates a softer and ‘dreamier’ image.

Step 5

Step 5 You could also enhance the shot with a photo filter effect. We used the Film Simulation Astia/Soft effect; check your camera manual to see what yours can do. Next, shoot from a low angle, isolating the object/s. Avoid distracting background elements.

Step 6

Step 6 Ensure the focus point stays sharp on the main subject matter. Think about the direction of the main light source. Use faint shadows to give the object/s definition but watch out for heavy casting ones. Once you’re happy, upload it to your blog!

Now that you’re taking photos like a pro, read Melanie Chadwick’s tips on running a craft business and Neil and Sarah’s tips for selling online.

This tutorial originally appeared in our weekly craft magazine, Gathered by Mollie Makes. Take a look at issue 12.