In today’s fast-paced digital world, you don’t need a DSLR to take professional product photos. With the right techniques, you can take high-quality product photos with your smartphone—and they can look just as polished as studio shots. Whether you’re selling on Etsy, Amazon, Shopify, or social media, your phone is a powerful tool in your eCommerce success.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to take product photos with your smartphone, including tools, lighting, editing tips, and the types of product photography you can create right from your mobile device.

Why Smartphone Product Photography Works

Smartphones today come with advanced cameras, built-in editing tools, and features like portrait mode, HDR, and manual focus—all of which can help you create scroll-stopping product images.

Here’s why your smartphone is a smart choice:

  • 📱 Easy access and portability
  • 💰 No need for expensive equipment
  • ✨ High-resolution image quality
  • 📷 Built-in AI camera features for optimization
  • ⚙️ Tons of apps for quick editing and background removal

How to Take Product Photos with Your Smartphone: Step-by-Step

1. Clean Your Lens

It sounds basic, but it’s often missed. Use a microfiber cloth to remove smudges. A clean lens = a clear photo.

2. Use Natural Light or Soft Artificial Light

Lighting is everything. Shoot near a large window for natural light or use softbox lights if you’re indoors.

  • Avoid harsh direct sunlight.
  • Use white foam boards or reflectors to bounce light.
  • Always shoot in consistent lighting conditions.

3. Choose a Simple Background

A clutter-free background keeps the focus on your product.

  • White or light grey is ideal for marketplaces like Amazon.
  • Colored or textured backdrops can work well for social media.
  • Use poster boards, backdrop paper, or sweep backgrounds.

4. Stabilize Your Phone

Use a tripod with a smartphone mount for consistent framing. If you don’t have one:

  • Use a stack of books or a box to create a stable surface.
  • Use the phone’s timer or remote shutter to avoid camera shake.

5. Use Gridlines for Composition

Enable the grid feature in your camera settings to apply the Rule of Thirds for balanced shots.

  • Keep the product centered or at intersection points.
  • Make sure your horizon line is level.

6. Tap to Focus and Adjust Exposure

Tap on your product on the screen to focus. Most phones allow you to slide up/down to adjust brightness (exposure) manually.

7. Shoot Multiple Angles

Capture the product from various perspectives:

  • Front view
  • Side view
  • Top-down (flat lay)
  • Close-ups for detail (like textures or buttons)
  • Lifestyle shots in use

8. Edit Your Photos Smartly

You don’t need Photoshop! Use mobile editing apps like:

  • Snapseed
  • Lightroom Mobile
  • VSCO
  • Canva
  • Remove.bg (for background removal)

Make small adjustments:

  • Brightness/contrast
  • Crop & align
  • White balance
  • Saturation
  • Sharpening

Types of Product Photos You Can Take with Your Smartphone

Here are different photo styles you can create—all using just your smartphone:

Type of Product PhotoPurposeBest For
White backgroundClean, professional lookMarketplaces like Amazon, eBay
Flat layOverhead view, lifestyle feelFashion, accessories, stationery
Lifestyle photoProduct in use or real-life settingHome goods, beauty, fitness
Close-up (macro)Detail-oriented shot (e.g., stitching)Jewelry, textiles, electronics
360-degree (multiple angles)Full view of all product sidesTech, shoes, bags, apparel
Creative/color backdropBrand personality, social media engagementDTC brands, Instagram shop

Pro Tips for Even Better Smartphone Product Photos

  • Use portrait mode sparingly—it can blur too much in close-ups.
  • Lock focus and exposure (hold your finger on the screen) before taking the shot.
  • Avoid digital zoom, which reduces image quality. Move closer instead.
  • Name and organize files with descriptive filenames for SEO and product management.

FAQs: How to Take Product Photos with Your Smartphone

❓ Can I use my phone to take professional product photos?

Yes, modern smartphones have powerful cameras capable of producing professional-quality images, especially when combined with good lighting and editing apps.

❓ Which phone is best for product photography?

Popular choices include:

  • iPhone 13/14/15 Pro
  • Samsung Galaxy S22/S23 Ultra
  • Google Pixel 7/8 Pro

These models offer high-resolution cameras and pro settings ideal for product shots.

❓ Do I need a tripod to take product photos with my phone?

While not required, a tripod helps maintain consistency, prevents blur, and allows you to shoot hands-free. It’s especially helpful for batch shoots.

❓ What’s the best lighting for smartphone product photography?

Natural light is the easiest and most flattering. Soft, diffused light from a window works great. Alternatively, use ring lights or LED panels for consistent lighting indoors.

❓ Can I remove the background of product photos on my phone?

Absolutely. Apps like Remove.bg, Canva Pro, and Photoshop Express allow quick background removal directly from your smartphone.

❓ Should I use editing apps on my phone?

Yes! Use apps like Lightroom Mobile or Snapseed to polish your images. Even small tweaks like adjusting brightness and contrast can make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to take product photos with your smartphone is one of the most cost-effective and powerful skills for any small business or eCommerce brand. With the right setup, technique, and apps, you can create studio-quality product images without the studio price tag.

The key is consistency, good lighting, and a clean setup. Take your time, experiment with angles, and edit smartly—and you’ll be amazed by what your phone can do.

This page was last edited on 8 April 2025, at 2:51 pm