How to Photograph Handbags for an Online Store

Stuff the bag and arrange the straps

A slouchy bag sags in photos unless it has something inside. Pack it with tissue paper, newspaper or bubble wrap so it holds a full, natural shape, but do not overfill it, or it looks tight. Arrange the straps neatly, and hold them in place with fishing wire, or hang the bag from above if you need to.

Clean the surface before you shoot

Dust shows clearly on dark leather and glossy finishes. Use a compressed-air duster rather than a damp cloth, which can leave smears, and polish shiny patent or plastic with a dry duster. Preventing reflections during the shoot is better than fixing them later, so move the bag and the light.

Light it to show the material

Avoid harsh or direct light, which creates shadows and glare. Soft, diffused light shows the grain of leather or the weave of canvas more clearly. Try a few setups near a window or with a studio light, and keep yourself and the room out of the reflections on the bag. Keep the aperture at f/8 or higher so the whole bag stays in focus.

Shoot the same set for every bag

• The front, straight on, as the main image on a plain white or light background.
• A three-quarter angle that shows depth and one side, kept the same across the catalog.
• The interior, with a few of the contents laid out beside the bag.
• Close-ups of the hardware, edges and any logo or monogram.
• A shot on the body or in hand, if the bag suits it, so buyers can judge the size.

Edit without changing the bag

Use editing to clean the background and remove dust, not to change the bag. Keep the shape, color, hardware and logo exactly as they are. If you use an AI tool to change the background, start from a clean, front-facing photo, which gives the best result.