Professional product photos for selling online

Lighting up vintage pieces—Showcasing Makkylou’s unique props for fast online sales

The Brief

A translucent golden sculpture of a human torso displayed on a carved black base.

Giving a new online store a sales boost—and fast— with professional bespoke product photos

MakkylouDesigns had shifted from prop rental to selling unique, vintage items. The client needed professional, high-quality photos to highlight various products for their Etsy store, with the goal of securing quick, high-value sales. With an entire barn filled with furniture, artwork, and décor, time was critical.

High-quality product photos for Etsy listings

A wide range of shots for different items (furniture, ceramics, artwork)

Consistent lighting and colour across all items

Fast turnaround for both shooting and editing

The Approach

My goal was to ensure that each product was photographed in a way that maximized its appeal while working efficiently under tight time constraints.

01.

CONSULTATION

Time was of the essence. We planned an on-location shoot in the barn to save time on moving items. We also prioritized the most valuable pieces to maximize sales potential.

An old cream-colored cabinet with glass doors showcasing bottles of liquor, against a white brick wall.

02.

PHOTOGRAPHY

With limited natural light, I brought in flash gear to ensure consistent, professional-quality images. The products ranged from large, heavy furniture to delicate ceramics, each requiring unique lighting setups. For smaller items, I created a makeshift table using a column to speed up the process.

A uniquely patterned ceramic cup on a gray display stand, showcasing a blend of natural tones and textures.

03.

POST-PRODUCION

Given the tight deadline, I edited and delivered hundreds of photos within 24 hours. This included optimising colors and angles to ensure each item appeared as desirable as possible.

A cup and saucer with elegant patterns in the foreground and a matching bowl and saucer in the background, on a grey surface against a neutral backdrop.

Two off-white ceramic vases with green interior on a shelf, one tall with a curved opening and one short with a similar design.

The Outcome

The final collection of images showcased the talent and creativity of both the body painters and their models.

The fast turnaround helped MakkylouDesigns set up their Etsy store on time, and the photos played a pivotal role in the quick sales of their items. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and the client noted that many items sold for higher prices than initially expected.

This project was a success due to careful planning, a flexible approach to both the event’s live-action and studio demands, and technical expertise in lighting and composition. The event required me to adapt quickly, from changing environments to diverse lighting conditions, while delivering top-quality images.

A stack of ornate vintage teacups with gold detailing on a matching saucer against a neutral background

A silhouette painting of a figure with a beret on a red background displayed on a wooden easel.

LET’S CHAT

I’m able to offer a variety of different photographic and video offerings for events: behind the scenes and candid shots using available light, event videos and photographs, as well as and staged and posed shots using studio lighting on location.

A framed graphic print of a chair on a purple background displayed on a wooden easel.

A blue sign with white text posed as a riddle "Where Does This All Lead To?" displayed on a wooden easel.

I take a wide variety of shots to capture the bigger picture, the people, the action and also the finer details.

A retro-style pink kitchen cabinet with labelled compartments for bread, eggs, milk, and fats & butter, featuring a red countertop and a floral chair.

The way I normally work is to quote a flat fee for events, including travel expenses, and then you receive all the images I take together with any image editing that we’ve agreed. I’m completely transparent about what my fees charge, so you can make informed decisions for your budget. For some events, such as school dance shows I can take a refundable deposit from individuals, as long as there is enough interest.

A pale pink vintage kitchen cabinet with glass paneled upper doors in a room with wooden beams and a small window, accompanied by a white chair with a colorful floral seat cushion.

Tailored product photography for the unique and unusual

My main advantage lies in the ability to handle non-standard items and create tailored lighting setups for diverse products, ensuring that each item is highlighted in its best light. Unlike automated tools, I can creatively organise groups of products, handle a wide variety of textures, and adapt to unique challenges, whether it’s photographing an antique chair or a reflective glass vase. You provide a personalised touch that can help you stand out in an increasingly automated market by offering artistic, thoughtful, and context-driven and real product images.

E-commerce stores selling handmade or unique items (e.g., clothing, vintage goods, furniture)
Boutique brands requiring customized product shots for their website and social media.
Event-based sellers who need photos from trade shows or pop-up shops for branding and marketing.
Home décor and furniture sellers looking to capture detailed shots of larger, intricate items.
Artisans or bespoke designers who need high-quality visuals of their custom or commissioned work.