Project Sharing |📸How do I create a quality photo of my project?

Hi Crafters,

Taking good photos of your projects is actually not that hard! With a few simple tips, you can make your project instantly more eye-catching. We’ll guide you step by step on how to take fantastic photos with just your phone!


Step 1: Get Ready to Shoot

:white_check_mark: Your phone is all you need As long as your phone has a camera with at least 5 megapixels (most do!), you’re good to go. Pro Tip: Make sure your photo is sharp! Zoom in after taking it to check the focus.

:white_check_mark: Choose a clean background The simpler the background, the more your project will pop. Stick to white, beige, or light gray backgrounds for a clean look. Want to add a little style? Try props that match your project’s theme, like:

  • Tablecloths, wooden boards, or felt sheets

  • Fabric decorations

  • Craft tools or materials

  • Your LOKLiK or HTVRONT machine in action

This “natural scene” will better showcase the creative atmosphere of your project.


Step 2: Find the Best Way to Shoot

:triangular_ruler: Angles matter

  • Top-down shot: Camera directly above the work (ideal for flat items like cards, coasters, or greeting cards)

  • Straight-on shot: Camera parallel to the work, facing directly (best for 3D items like figurines, storage boxes, etc.)

  • Tip: Try to keep your phone level and avoid tilting it for a more organized, visually appealing shot.

:camera: Shoot horizontally

  • Landscape orientation gives you more space and is easier to crop and display

  • Aim for a 1:1 or 3:2 ratio when possible—it fits most platforms perfectly

:sunny: Use natural light Daylight is your best friend. Shoot near a window or in a bright room during the day. If the light is too harsh or creates shadows, soften it with a sheer curtain, gauze, or white paper for a more natural effect.

After taking the photo, double-check:

  • Is it clear? :heavy_check_mark:

  • Are the colors true to life? :heavy_check_mark:

  • Is the background clean? :heavy_check_mark:


Step 3: Edit Lightly to Make It Shine

You don’t need to over-edit—just a little tweak can go a long way. Use your phone’s built-in editor or try these free apps:

  • Snapseed (easy to use with lots of tools)

  • Lightroom (for pro-level color control)

  • VSCO (great filters and presets)

  • Meitu (simple and beginner-friendly)

:heart: Recommended edits:

Contrast ↑: Enhance the details

Saturation ↑: Make the colors pop

Shadows ↓: Lighten dark areas for a cleaner, brighter image


:warning: Keep it subtle—don’t overdo it!


Step 4: Create Collages the Smart Way

Want to showcase multiple angles or details? Go for a collage! Just remember:

  • Use apps like Pic Jointer to create clean layouts

  • Avoid using collages as your cover photo—it can look cluttered

  • Cover photo tips:

    • Square format (1:1) works best

    • For landscape images: crop the center portion

    • For portrait images: crop to center and highlight the main subject


Step 5: Upload Your Project!

  • Use IdeaStudio on your computer, or

  • Open the LOKLiK App on your phone to upload your photos and project details

Add a short description so others can understand your creative process and inspiration!


:loudspeaker: Final tip: You don’t need professional equipment to take great photos—just a phone or common camera, natural light, and a clean background can make your project shine!


:warning: Important Reminder: Keep it real! We love seeing your actual handmade work. While editing is fine, please only share photos of real projects you’ve made—not mockups, AI renders, or digital composites. Let’s keep the community authentic and inspiring for everyone.

Related article:
A Beginner’s Guide | Getting Started with"Project Sharing"

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great tips! thank you

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Thank you for sharing tips and the apps I can use. It has also been hard for me to take a perfect photo.:pleading_face:

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Thanks for the tip. Heres my output

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Love It! I needed those tips!

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I want to try. Did you have any steps? Or some ones?

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Reeeeally good complete guide, @Elena !!!

About natural light, I’d add taking advantage of light reflection. Use a large white or softly reflective surface to bounce the natural light and soften the harshest shadows in your scene, and/or to fill in the opposite side as a secondary light source xdd

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Thank you for these tips. Bookmarking this too. I need it :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

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Thanks for all the great tips! I always struggle with “good” photos for capturing all the elements in my projects.

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Thanks for the tips!

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That looks so good! Thanks for sharing

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I decorated this shirt and pants with HTVRont patterned HTV. I love how it turned out.

The beautiful color scheme adds a nice touch to the garments. [wrap=“left”]


[Uploading: IMG_4357.

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OMG @Mary_Williams ! Suspense is killing me! Please show us how it turned on! :joy: :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye: :heart:

PS: something might have gone wrong uploading, it happens sometimes xdd

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Oh no! I just noticed it didn’t post all the pictures. Let me see if I can post them again

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:stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye: You can edit the comment or make a new one. But you can also consider sharing it through Idea Studio (best option) or opening a regular Inspiration category post.

If you decide to share it via IS, you can follow guides like this:

DIY Project Sharing Guidelines

Project Sharing | How do I share my project on IS/APP?

A Beginner’s Guide | Getting Started with”Project Sharing”

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Posting the pictures again.

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Ohhh well done @Mary_Williams ! Beautiful set < 3333

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That such a nice pattern HTV.
:star2:

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Thanks @Elena for a great tutorial.
:pray:

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