How to Photograph Your Leather Goods: From Struggle to Mastery

What's Inside

The Struggle of Learning Photography

Bringing in a Professional Perspective

Q&A Insights from Maria

Wrapping Up: The Power of Visual Storytelling

Call to Action

Imagine a leather brand without a physical store. The very first thing it must get right is its imagery—because that’s the only way customers can experience the products. Leather is tactile and sensory; online, all of that must be translated into visuals. When I first started my Etsy store, the hardest part wasn’t making the wallets—it was photographing them. Crafting a wallet came naturally, but showing its beauty in the digital space was a completely different challenge. One day my photos looked too purple, the next too green. I spent countless hours watching YouTube tutorials, experimenting with backgrounds, textures, and angles. It was a constant journey of trial and error, and honestly, it still is today.

The Struggle of Learning Photography

Early attempts at photography were frustrating. Colors shifted unpredictably, lighting was inconsistent, and props often distracted from the product itself. Every photo session taught me patience and attention to detail. Eventually, I realized that photography is about more than snapping a picture—it’s about storytelling. You have to show what people cannot touch: the texture, the size, the volume, and the richness of color. But just as I started getting the hang of it, the landscape shifted again. Consumer expectations, platform algorithms, camera technology, and internet speeds kept evolving. Suddenly, video content took center stage, adding another layer of complexity. Mastering this game often feels like a full-time job. In the beginning, you have no choice but to do it yourself. Years later, I’m fortunate to work with professionals, but the foundation of learning came from those early struggles.

Bringing in a Professional Perspective

To help bridge the gap between amateur experiments and professional standards, I turned to my friend Maria, an independent photographer in Ubrique—the heart of Spanish leather craftsmanship. Maria grew up surrounded by leather; her family has been crafting bags for generations. After honing her photography skills elsewhere, she returned home to combine her two passions: understanding leather from the inside and capturing its essence through photography.

When I asked her what makes good product photography for leather goods, she told me that the key is to show what you cannot touch—texture, size, volume, and of course, the color. Her process begins by getting to know the product, then choosing the angles and details to highlight. For backgrounds and props, she believes less is more because the product should always remain the focus.

Q&A Insights from Maria

During our conversation, Maria shared advice for both beginners and more established brands. If you are starting from scratch, she recommends using natural light and a clean background, working with the best camera you have—even if that means your phone—and keeping editing simple by just fixing color and adjusting light. For brands with more resources, Maria emphasizes the value of working with a professional you can trust and building a long-term relationship. This allows the photographer to deeply understand your brand’s story and reflect it in your product photography. For her, professional photography is not just about creating beautiful pictures but about capturing the soul of the craft and presenting it in a way that resonates with customers online.

Wrapping Up: The Power of Visual Storytelling

At the end of the day, making great leather goods is only half the work—showing them effectively is just as important. Online, there’s always a glass screen between your product and your customer. They cannot feel or smell the leather, but you can still evoke those emotions through thoughtful photos and videos. Done well, imagery creates connection, trust, and desire, helping independent brands thrive in a crowded market.

Call to Action

If these insights resonate, it’s time to take action. Experiment with photography, sharpen your digital presence, and embrace the creatorpreneurship journey. The Leatherverse is expanding, and opportunities for skilled, passionate makers have never been greater. Stay leathertained—and let your craft shine.