Lighting is super important when you're taking pictures of your DIY projects. It can really make your photos shine or, sadly, make them look not so great. Here are some tips based on what I've learned:

Natural Light is Your Best Friend

• Soft and Gentle: Natural light, especially during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon), is the best! It gives off a soft glow that makes your projects look amazing. You'll get the colors and textures just right without any harsh shadows.
• Positioning: Try taking pictures near a window. This can help your photos have that dreamy look that catches people’s eyes on social media.

Avoid Harsh Lighting

• Bright Overhead Lights: These can create bad shadows and wash out the colors. Look for a spot with softer, even light instead.
• Indirect Light: If natural light isn't an option, consider using softbox lights or LED panels that give a natural light effect. They can really help!

Experiment with Angles

• Different Views: Try moving around your project. Changing your angle can change how the light hits your creation. Sometimes just a little move can make a big difference in how the picture looks.
• Close-ups and Details: Don’t forget to zoom in on the pretty little details of your craft. Good lighting will make those features stand out.

Think About Your Background

• Contrast: Using a simple background that’s different from your DIY project helps it stand out. Your background shouldn’t be too busy or it will take attention away from your work.
• Clutter-Free: Keeping your space neat will help people focus on what you’ve made.

Editing Can Help

• Post-Processing: Remember, you can always adjust the lighting in editing software later. Sometimes a small change to brightness, contrast, or color can make your photos look much better!

In the end, lighting is all about making your creativity shine and showing off your hard work in the best way. Happy snapping!