The Photography Guide: How to Shoot Bag Designs That Convert

As the crowdfunding platform for bags, we've seen thousands of bag campaigns, and one thing is crystal clear: photography can make or break your success. Here's your comprehensive guide to capturing bag photos that convert.

1.Essential Equipment

You don't need to break the bank, but these basics will make a huge difference:

Camera:

• DSLR or Mirrorless camera
• A sturdy tripod
• 2-3 softboxes or diffused lighting sources
• White bounce cards/reflectors

Lens Recommendations:

• 50mm prime lens (perfect for overall shots)
• 35mm lens (for lifestyle/context shots)
• Macro lens or extension tubes (for detail shots)

Pro Tip: If you're on a budget, many photographers rent equipment for product shoots. A one-day rental can give you enough content for months.

2.Setting Up Your Studio

Background:

• Clean white backdrop (seamless paper or vinyl)
• Light gray or neutral backgrounds work well too
• Avoid busy patterns that distract from the bag

Lighting Setup:

• Main light: 45° angle from the front
• Fill light: opposite side, slightly lower power
• Back/hair light: behind the product for separation
• Natural window light can work well with proper diffusion

Space Requirements:

• Minimum 6x6 feet working area
• Clean, dust-free environment
• Stable surface for product placement

3.Camera Settings

Basic Settings:

• ISO: Keep it low (100-400) to minimize noise
• Aperture: f/8 to f/11 for product shots (ensures entire bag is sharp)
• Shutter Speed: 1/125 or faster if shooting handheld
• White Balance: Custom set using gray card

Advanced Tips:

• Shoot in RAW format
• Use manual focus for precise control
• Enable grid display for better composition
• Consider focus stacking for ultra-sharp images

4.Essential Shots Checklist

Every Bag Campaign Needs:
□ Front view
□ Back view
□ Side views
□ Top view
□ Interior shots
□ Detail shots (hardware, stitching, logo)
□ Scale shot (with model or common objects)
□ Lifestyle/context shots
□ Color variants
□ Feature demonstration shots

5.Styling Tips

Product Preparation:

• Steam or iron the bag to remove wrinkles
• Clean all surfaces thoroughly
• Stuff bags properly to maintain shape
• Check for and remove dust/lint (keep lint roller handy)

Composition Rules:

• Rule of thirds
• Center composition for main product shots
• Leading lines to highlight features
• Negative space for website/social media use

Props and Context:

• Use minimal, relevant props
• Include size reference objects
• Consider seasonal styling
• Maintain consistent style across series

6.Post-Processing Guidelines

Essential Adjustments:

• White balance correction
• Exposure optimization
• Shadow/highlight recovery
• Dust removal
• Color accuracy
• Sharpening

Brand Consistency:

• Develop a preset for consistent look
• Maintain consistent background whites
• Match colors across different shots
• Export in appropriate formats:

7.Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Inconsistent lighting
❌ Busy backgrounds
❌ Poor focus
❌ Incorrect white balance
❌ Over-processing
❌ Missing key angles
❌ Unnatural shadows
❌ Poor preparation (wrinkles, dust)

Remember:

Quality photography is an investment in your campaign's success. Our statistics show that creators who follow these guidelines see significantly higher engagement and conversion rates.

Ready to start shooting? Download our comprehensive photography checklist from your creator dashboard, or reach out to our creator support team for personalized guidance.