With a phone, for free.
LIGHT
Natural light, near a window, is the single biggest factor. Turn off overhead lights, which produce unpleasant colour.
Avoid direct sunlight, which produces harsh shadows. Overcast daylight is ideal.
Never use the flash.
BACKGROUND
Plain and uncluttered. A wall, a sheet, a clear table.
Remove anything distracting from the frame.
FRAMING
Fill the frame with the subject. Most amateur photographs are taken too far away.
Hold the phone steady, tap to focus on the subject, and take several.
FOR PRODUCTS
The same angle and background for every product, so the catalogue looks coherent.
Several images: the whole thing, a detail, and one showing scale.
FOR PEOPLE
Near a window, facing the light, with a plain background. Better than any stock photograph.
FOR WORK
Before and after, from the same position. This is the most persuasive evidence a trade business has.
AFTERWARDS
Resize and compress before uploading.
