Photographing Your Samples

Grab customers' attention with eye-catching photos

Give your brand a competitive edge by taking your own photos.

One of the perks of ordering your own samples is creating your own stylized photos of your products! Printed Mint generates great mockup images, but it’s important to be able to add your brand’s personal flair by photographing products yourself. Adding personalization to your website through photos can be a powerful way to turn views into sales.

You don’t need a fancy camera to take great photos. If you’re just starting out, try playing around with your smartphone camera. After all, it’s the concepts behind the photos that will help your brand stand out.

What can I use Photographed Samples For?

Product images

Showcase your products on your website.

Social media feeds

Brighten up your Instagram grid with unique photos.

Ads and marketing emails

Put your best foot forward for new clients.

Pay attention to lighting

The light source should be behind the photographer, not the product. Try photographing your product in different lighting to see what works with your brand aesthetic.

The light source is behind the product in this photo, which creates shadows.

The light source is in front of the product in this photo. Be aware of glare at this angle!

White balance your camera

White balance ensures that white objects actually look white in photos. It adjusts based on the temperature of your photo's light source.

iPhones do this automatically, but you need to manually white balance if you’re using a DSLR.

This white balance is too cool.

This white balance is too warm.

This white balance is just right!

Use the rule of thirds

The rule of thirds places your subject in the left or right third of an image, leaving the rest of the space open.

This is a simple way to make your image look more professional and appealing.

Try to imagine your photo divided into nine squares: the focal point should be at one of the intersections of the lines.

Notice how the candle is not quite centered: it's in the right third of the photo.

IF you ever look at a mistake and think, "I'll just fix it in editing," think again.

It’s almost always harder to digitally alter something than to just fix it in the moment.

You’ll thank me later, I promise.

BE aware of your surroundings

Before you take your photo, look around. Determine the best background and pay attention to things that may bother you later (trashcans, camera bags, clutter.)

Try taking your photo in multiple settings. You never know what you will like until you see your photo integrated into your feed or website.

Notice the clutter in the background of this shot.

This background helps create a pretty, fun aesthetic.

If you choose to not take your own photos right now, you still have more options. You can edit your designs onto styled stock, or you can use photos from our mock-up generator!

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Benefits of Finding Your Niche

The key to a successful POD company is narrowing your focus.

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