Spent hours crafting a new candle that looks picture-perfect in person, but the photos fall flat? You're not the only one. Many artisan candle makers discover that while their products may look perfect on the shelf, capturing their essence on camera is another story.
In the competitive e-commerce space, where visuals make or break a sale, well-executed candle photography is non-negotiable. As part of our series of guides for small business candles, this final one offers actionable tips on snapping your candles in a way that captures their true charm and makes them irresistibly clickable online.
So, get your handmade creations ready for their close-up—let’s turn those snapshots into sales!
Step 1: Get to know your audience
Thinking of launching a new product line for next season? First things first, who’s eyeing your candles? Researching the visual preferences of your typical candle buyer is super important. People shopping for candles aren’t just looking to buy a light source; they’re seeking an experience, an aesthetic, and a scent that transforms their space.
Candles often evoke emotions and memories through their scent and visual appeal. Whether your audience leans towards minimalist designs, luxurious textures or mood-boosting colours can drastically influence how you should photograph your products. Does your market value eco-friendly presentations, or do they prefer opulence and luxury?
Tailoring your images to these tastes can significantly increase the appeal and marketability of your candles. Next, let’s explore how the right visual elements can attract and engage the exact demographic you aim to capture, turning casual browsers into committed buyers.
Lighting techniques for an aesthetic glow
Lighting is a deal maker in candle photography, where capturing warmth and texture is your number one priority. Here's how to light up your candles so they don't just sit there—they seduce:
Natural light
It’s free, it’s abundant, and it has the power to make your candles look dreamy. Catch those golden hours just after dawn or before dusk when the sun casts a magical glow that makes everything look better (even Mondays). Position your candles near a window where the diffused light softens the details and shadows, ensuring your products look inviting and true to life.
Ring lights
Not just for glamorous YouTube influencers, ring lights give your candles that halo of heavenly light, banishing ugly shadows and highlighting details, colours and curves. Perfect for those detail shots, ring lights smooth out the lighting, giving your candles that flawless look. They’re great at bringing out the rich colours and subtle textures. Just what you need for those close-ups!
Softboxes
Think of these as the mood lighting of the photography world. They spread a soft, even light that flatters your candles, making them look ready for their magazine close-up. Place the softbox at different angles to experiment with shadows and depth, lending a dimensional feel to your candles on camera.
LED panels
These are the tech-savvy choice. Adjustable, efficient and cooler than traditional bulbs, LED panels let you tweak the light's warmth and intensity to match the aura you want your candles to radiate. This flexibility is great for shooting a series of candles, as you can adjust the lighting to complement each scent or colour palette without changing your setup.
Reflectors
These are your budget-friendly options. Use them to bounce light where it's needed, brightening up the dark side of your candles and allowing the details to pop just right. Silver reflectors can add a cool tone, while gold ones warm up your shot, creating a sunset effect that can be very appealing for cosy autumn scents.
Here’s a little hack: Start with one light source, and add others as needed to highlight the best features of your candles. Pay attention to how each setup affects the mood and story of your photograph. With a bit of trial and error, you’ll develop a lighting recipe that makes your candles irresistible online, capturing both their beauty and the ambiance they create.
Setting the scene with backdrops and props
Now that your candles are shining in the best light, it’s time to frame them flawlessly. The background and props you choose can make or break the impact of your candle photography. Here’s how to create a setting that gives your candles the main character energy they deserve:
Simple backgrounds
Start with simple, uncluttered backgrounds that don't steal the spotlight from your candles. A plain white or soft pastel backdrop can illuminate the colours and textures of your candles without any distractions. Consider using large sheets of paper or painted canvases as easy, effective backdrops.
Natural elements
Incorporate elements from nature to complement the organic appeal of your candles, especially if you’re promoting eco-friendly or natural products. Wood slices, stones, leaves or even a handful of sand can ground your photos and connect your product with its natural ingredients.
Contrast and texture
Contrasting textures can add depth to your photos. Place a smooth, sleek candle on a rough, rustic wood surface, or set a textured candle against a smooth, metallic background. This contrast not only catches the eye, but it emphasises the candle’s texture.
Themed props
Tailor your props to the candle’s theme or scent. For a seaside fragrance, shells and dried starfish can evoke the coast. For a festive holiday scent, subtle pine cones or holly can invoke a seasonal feel without overwhelming the scene. Here are some further theme-related prop ideas to inspire you:
- Natural: dried flowers and herbs, soft fabrics in muted tones.
- Autumnal: cinnamon sticks, dried apple slices, pumpkins.
- Adventure: maps, compasses, plane tickets, location-specific props.
- Romance: silk ribbons, pearls, rose petals.
Purposeful elements
Every item in your photo should support the candle’s branding or function. To avoid over-styling choose one or two props that complement the candle’s colour or function. This could be a trendy matchbox or a classic candle snuffer that suggests how the candle might be used or gifted, adding to the overall narrative.
So, what’s the trick? It’s simple—dress your candles for the life they’re destined to light up. Invite your audience into a lifestyle, a mood or a moment. Get this right, and you’ll encourage customers to make that all-important click because they can already see your candle flickering perfectly in their space.
Cameras and settings to consider
Getting the right shot goes beyond just your setup; it also involves learning how the camera works, not to mention choosing a camera that suits your workflow and budget. Whether you’re wielding a smartphone or a DSLR, understanding a few key settings can significantly boost the quality of your photos:
- Aperture: This controls how much light enters your lens. For product photography, a wider aperture (a lower f-number) helps focus sharply on your candle while softly blurring the background. Aim for f/2.8 to f/4 to start with and adjust based on how much of your candle you want in sharp focus.
- Shutter speed: Especially important in low light conditions, the shutter speed determines how long your camera’s sensor is exposed to light. A slower shutter speed is ideal for capturing the warm glow of a lit candle without a flash. Start with 1/60 second and tweak as needed to avoid any blur from hand movement.
- ISO: This affects the camera's sensitivity to light. A lower ISO is preferable for reducing grain or noise in your images, crucial for the clean, crisp look essential in product shots. ISO 100 is a great starting point for shooting in good lighting.
- Recommended equipment: If you're looking to invest, entry-level DSLRs like the Nikon D3500 or Canon EOS Rebel series offer great image quality for their price. Pair these with a 50mm prime lens for sharp, detailed product photos that bring out the best in your candles.
With these settings dialled in, your camera becomes a powerful tool that works with your lighting and staging to produce stunning, sale-driving images. Experimenting with different settings will help you find the perfect match for your specific lighting and subject matter, making your candles look inviting and hard to resist.
Capturing your candles’ best sides
Not just a case of pointing and shooting, candle photography is all about getting the angles right to highlight your candle’s best features in snaps. Try out some of these popular candle angles:
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Top-down: This angle is perfect for showing off surface details like textures or intricate top designs. It gives a clear, unobstructed view of the candle's shape and can be very striking with the right background.
- Eye-level lifestyle images: Capture your candles as they appear on a table or shelf. This angle helps convey the candle’s size and design, making it relatable and realistic for potential buyers. It’s also great for showcasing labels and containers, giving customers a real-world perspective of how the candle will look in their space.
- 45-degree angle: Offering both top and side views, this angle can illustrate the candle’s height and surface features to provide a comprehensive look at the product. It’s ideal for layered colours or textured designs, giving viewers a full picture of what your candle offers. This angle adds depth and can make your candles look more three-dimensional.
- Video shots: If you haven’t been hiding under a rock for the past couple of years, you’ll know that short-form videos are where it’s at. Here are some quick video angles to capture the flicker of the flame, the glow of the wax and the ambiance your candle creates:
- A close-up of the wick catching fire sets a cosy, inviting tone.
- Pan across a beautifully styled room with the candle flickering away.
- A slow zoom on the candle’s intricate details as it burns.
Mastering the ‘rule of thirds’:
Forget centring everything. The Rule of Thirds is a photography technique that divides your frame into a 3x3 grid. Create a more balanced and engaging image by placing your subject along these lines or at their intersections. Place your candles off to the side to make your photos more dynamic and engaging. This technique draws the viewer’s eyes to key features, making your candles stand out.
Mastering camera angles means that you can capture your candles in the best possible light, literally and figuratively. Just like you would test your fragrance oils until you’ve nailed that scent throw, experiment and play around to watch your photos turn into customer magnets.
Post-production tips
Now that you’ve snapped some killer shots, it’s time to give them a final polish. Here’s how to enhance your candle photos without going overboard:
- Keep it natural: Editing should enhance, not alter. Adjust brightness, contrast and saturation to make your candles look as true-to-life as possible. Avoid heavy filters that can distort the colours and textures.
- Crop and align: Use cropping tools to tighten up your composition and remove any distracting elements. Straighten your images to make sure they’re level and professional-looking.
- Retouch: Remove any dust specks or minor imperfections. Tools like the clone stamp or healing brush can tidy up little flaws without making the photo look fake.
Software suggestions
Adobe Lightroom
A favourite for many, offering powerful editing tools that are still easy for beginners to grasp.
Canva
Great for quick edits and adding text or graphics. It’s also great for social media carousels. Pssst, speaking of social media marketing, you can learn more about it here.
Snapseed
An intuitive mobile app with robust features, ideal for editing on the go.
Give one of these apps a go. A few simple tweaks can make your photos pop, ensuring your candles look their absolute best when it's time to shine online.
Pro candle photography, wrapped up
Armed with the insights to take your candle photography from amateur snaps to professional portfolio pieces, remember that the perfect shot is about balance: good lighting, thoughtful composition, and a touch of post-production.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques to discover what best captures the unique character of your candles. Every image echoes your brand story, so make it unmistakably you.
Prepared to light up your online presence? Grab your camera, apply these tips and watch your candle business glow brighter than ever.