How to take better social media images

In our last blog post, we talked about how you can easily take beautiful product photos using simple tools. But what now? What’s the next step once your jewellery already looks razor-sharp in front of the camera?

The answer is lifestyle shots – the kind of images that don’t just show what you sell, but who you are as a brand. Mood, life, personality. Visual storytelling that makes your content engaging – and gets your audience dreaming a little.

It might sound advanced, but it doesn’t have to be. With a smartphone in hand (we’re using an iPhone 16 Pro Max again) and a few simple tricks, you can create images that feel as polished as something shot in a professional studio.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to easily and effectively take lifestyle photos that catch the eye and strengthen your visual identity. Let’s go!

When taking lifestyle photos, you’ve got a bit more freedom to play – and this is where it really pays off to explore what your smartphone camera can actually do. Most modern smartphones (like an iPhone 16 Pro Max) offer loads of features and settings that can take your photos from “okay” to “wow”.

My top tip? Experiment.
Switch between standard, portrait and macro modes. Use the 0.5x wide-angle to capture more of the scene, or the 2x/3x zoom for a tighter, more focused look. Try shooting in RAW too – if your phone supports it – for more flexibility in editing.

Ever tried holding your finger down on the screen to lock focus and exposure? It gives you way more control so your camera doesn’t auto-adjust mid-shot.

You don’t need to know every feature in advance – what matters is that you try things out. If something looks good, make it your thing. It doesn’t have to be technically perfect – just visually satisfying.

And remember: if you’re more comfortable keeping it simple, go for it. You can absolutely use the same approach we shared in the product photo blog – it works here too.
The most important thing is that you’re happy with your photos.

Your phone is a powerful tool. You just need to get to know it a little.

Lighting still plays a massive role in lifestyle photos. The difference is, you now have a bit more freedom to play with mood and contrast – but that doesn’t mean you need to invest in lighting gear or build a mini studio at home.

Rule of thumb: Turn off artificial light and use natural daylight. It gives a softer, more authentic look and avoids yellow tones, harsh shadows, and mixed lighting that can distort colours – just like with product photos.

Set up near a window, but avoid direct sunlight – you’ll get soft, beautiful light. Use side lighting to add depth and shadow – this brings character to your image without being too harsh.

Want more control?
Try shaping the light with simple tweaks:

Use a bounce card (e.g. white card, foam board or plain paper) to reflect light and brighten darker areas.

Use dark surfaces (e.g. black card) to absorb light and boost contrast.

Hard shadows? Soften them with a thin light fabric (like a curtain or tissue paper) in front of the window – instant DIY diffuser.

You don’t need to know every technique – the key is to experiment. A small bounce adjustment can take a photo from flat to professional.

In short: let daylight do the heavy lifting. Adjust, play, observe. The more you practice, the better you’ll understand how light shapes your subject – and the closer you’ll get to your desired look.

When working with lifestyle shots, the “rules” shift a bit compared to clean product photos. It's not just about showcasing the jewellery – it's about creating a mood, a feeling, and an environment that fits your brand.

That means more can be happening in the shot. The jewellery can be part of a larger scene – as long as it stays in focus. Here are a few ideas depending on the vibe you're aiming for:

• An earring worn in an ear – natural, human, relatable
• Jewellery on a bathroom counter or nightstand – everyday luxury
• A bracelet on a towel at the beach – summer, warmth, relaxed feel
  (Just be mindful of harsh sunlight outdoors – it takes more effort but can look amazing when done right.)

Want to keep it simple?
You can absolutely apply the same techniques from the product photo blog. You've just got a bit more room to experiment – for example, strong contrasts are totally fine in lifestyle shots, so you don’t need to diffuse the light.

A quick setup? Stand near a window with soft daylight. Skip the white backdrop – use a tabletop, a nightstand, or a cosy corner of your home. With the right light and a bit of camera understanding, even a quick shot can look like it’s straight out of a lookbook.

And remember: you don’t need to master everything at once. Start simple, build up gradually – and most of all: experiment and find what works for you and your brand.

This isn’t a rulebook of “right” or “wrong”. It’s a practical guide for those who haven’t worked much with photography before – or who just want to take great photos in a simple and effective way.

There are many different methods and styles – and maybe something completely different makes more sense for your product and brand.
And that’s perfectly fine.

But if you’ve ever thought “I don’t know where to start” – well, now you’ve got a place to begin.
We keep things simple, use equipment most people already have, and focus on taking photos that actually help move your brand forward.