How to Plan an Iconic Photoshoot for Your Handmade Craft (Without Breaking the Bank) 📸✨
As a small business owner selling handmade products, you know the importance of standing out in a crowded market. One of the best ways to build a strong, identifiable brand that resonates with your target audience is through visual storytelling. And what better way to tell your brand’s story than with a carefully planned, iconic photoshoot?
In today’s digital age, your customers are seeing your product images online first — whether it’s on your website, social media, or marketing materials. To connect with them and increase sales, your visuals need to not only showcase your products but also embody your brand’s personality, values, and vibe.
When I first started my jewelry business, Blossom and Love, I knew I needed to establish a strong visual brand identity. I wanted my customers to feel something when they saw my products. I felt called to colors like pink, yellow, green, and raspberry — a palette that screamed "modern flower child" with a touch of 70’s nostalgia, but with a fresh 2025 twist.
So, I decided to plan a brand photoshoot that would capture this exact essence.
Here’s how I planned a photoshoot that not only showcased my jewelry but also helped me build a strong, identifiable brand from the ground up — all on a budget.
1. Define Your Brand Aesthetic 🎨
The first step is to know what vibe you want to convey through your photos. For me, the mix of 70’s flower child and modern, vibrant tones was key to creating a cohesive brand identity. You need to ask yourself:
- What feelings do I want my customers to have when they see my brand?
- What colors or themes reflect the spirit of my products?
- How do I want people to experience my products visually?
For Blossom and Love, I wanted the images to evoke warmth, creativity, and a bit of nostalgia, while still feeling fresh and contemporary. I chose a color palette of pink, yellow, green, and raspberry — bold and fun, yet earthy enough to connect with the organic feel of flower preservation.
2. Budget-Friendly Photoshoot Ideas 💸
When you’re starting out, it’s easy to feel like a professional photoshoot is out of reach, especially when funds are tight. But here’s how I made it work without breaking the bank.- Hire a Local Photographer: I found a local photographer who quoted me $250 for a 2-hour shoot. I loved her vibe, and I knew I needed a professional to really capture the details of my jewelry. Don’t feel like you need to hire an expensive studio photographer; find someone whose style matches your vision. Local photographers are often willing to work with small businesses, and you’ll get more personalized attention.
- Use Your Own Outfits and Props: I didn’t go out and buy a whole new wardrobe for the shoot. Instead, I wore a top I got for free through a collaboration with another artist (@yoyo_creates). I styled it with jeans and accessories from my own brand that aligned with my brand colors — a super affordable way to stay on theme.
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Use Natural, Free Locations: For the background, I didn’t rent a fancy studio. I found a simple aesthetic wall (thank you, parking lot outside Hobby Lobby!) where the lighting was perfect. Natural light is everything — look for shaded areas with soft lighting, like under a tree, or places where you can play with shadows. I also used props I had on hand — like a shopping cart — and $50 worth of fake flowers from Hobby Lobby to decorate it. This added color, texture, and visual interest to the shots without spending a fortune.
3. The Photoshoot: Let Your Brand Shine 🌞
The photoshoot itself was so much fun. We played with the props, had a blast experimenting with different poses and angles, and made sure the natural light and shadows worked to our advantage. What I love about shooting products in a real-life setting is that it allows the brand to feel authentic and relatable.
The results were phenomenal. These photos have been used for years in all my marketing — from thank you cards and business cards to social media posts, website homepages, and even viral Instagram posts. They’re now an essential part of the visual identity of Blossom and Love, and they’ve helped me connect with my audience on a deeper level.
4. Brand Photos for Marketing Materials 📅
Once you have your photos, the possibilities are endless! You can use them for:- Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest love quality images. My photos helped me create engaging posts and stories that truly captured the essence of my brand, driving traffic and building an audience. Vertical photos that fill the whole screen are best for social media.
- Website: Use the photos to fill your homepage, product pages, and even blogs. This ensures your online store feels cohesive, professional, and aligned with your brand’s personality. Make sure to take a few landscape pictures that are side to fill your homepage of your website. Vertical photos do not fit properly in this position. Landscape photos are great for cover photos for youtube, pinterest and other platforms.
- Printed Marketing Materials: I’ve used these photos for business cards, flyers, brochures, and packaging — all of which help to strengthen my brand presence and keep things consistent.
Bonus Tip: Discover Your Ikigai and Build a Business with Purpose 🌿
In my coaching program, Blossom into Love, I teach small business owners how to develop a brand that not only looks great but aligns with their Ikigai — a Japanese concept that means “a reason for being.”
Ikigai is the intersection of four key elements:
- What you love
- What you’re good at
- What the world needs
- What you can be paid for
Understanding your Ikigai can guide you to create a brand that isn’t just visually stunning, but deeply meaningful to you and your customers. When your brand reflects your true passion and purpose, it becomes easier to build a strong connection with your audience, leading to increased sales and brand loyalty.
I’ve also created an 85-page workbook as part of my coaching program that walks you through step-by-step how to create your brand, including selecting a color palette, designing logos and icons, and even planning a photoshoot that captures your brand’s essence.
The workbook also includes:
- My Top 5 Viral Instagram Posts that i reuse daily and how I made them
- Tips for growing your social media following
- Dozens of prompts to help you discover your Ikigai
- Actionable steps to scale your handmade business to a sustainable, thriving brand
Ready to Build Your Iconic Brand? 🚀
Creating a strong brand and planning an iconic photoshoot is essential for any small business owner, and it’s easier than you think! You don’t need a huge budget — just creativity, vision, and a little planning. If you’re ready to build a brand that not only looks great but feels great to you and your customers, reach out and let’s talk.
You can learn more about my Blossom into Love coaching program, or download my workbook to start turning your handmade craft into a business that shines.
Let’s make your brand unforgettable! ✨
XOXO,
Marika Therrien
Founder of Blossom and Love and Blossom into Love Academy