Create some promo photos
Create simple promo photos using a smartphone or camera, choose backgrounds and props, learn basic lighting, composition, and safe editing techniques.
About this activity
Create simple promo photos using a smartphone or camera, choose backgrounds and props, learn basic lighting, composition, and safe editing techniques.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all your materials on a table so everything is easy to reach.
- 2
Step 2
Choose one background color or pattern that makes your item stand out.
- 3
Step 3
Set up the background by hanging the sheet poster or blanket using tape or clothespins.
- 4
Step 4
Pick the main item you will promote and hold it up to see how it looks with the background.
- 5
Step 5
Decide on a short message or slogan that tells people why your item is cool.
- 6
Step 6
Arrange small props around your main item to help show the story of your promo.
- 7
Step 7
Place the lamp or flashlight to light the item from the side or front so it looks bright.
- 8
Step 8
Set your camera or phone on the tripod or stack of books so it stays steady.
- 9
Step 9
Open the camera app on your phone or camera.
- 10
Step 10
Tap the screen to focus on your item and adjust the exposure until the lighting looks good.
- 11
Step 11
Move the camera so your item sits on a rule-of-thirds point or is nicely centered.
- 12
Step 12
Take at least five photos from different heights and angles to get lots of choices.
- 13
Step 13
Look through your photos and pick the single best one that tells your promo story.
- 14
Step 14
Edit that photo using only simple fixes like crop brightness and contrast to keep it natural.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I create simple promo photos with my child using a smartphone or camera?
To create simple promo photos with a child, start by picking a clear goal (product, outfit, or activity) and a simple theme. Choose a tidy background and gather a few props. Use natural light near a window or soft outdoor shade; avoid direct harsh sun. Set the camera or smartphone on a tripod or steady surface, compose using rule-of-thirds, and take multiple candid and posed shots. Keep sessions short, encourage playful poses, and do gentle edits for color, cropping, and minor retouching before
What materials and equipment do I need to make simple promo photos at home?
You’ll need a smartphone or camera, a tripod or steady surface, and a plain backdrop (wall or sheet). Gather props related to the product or theme, a natural light source or small LED light, and a reflector (white card). Install a simple editing app (Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile). Also have parent permission, snacks for breaks, and a safe location. Optional extras: lint roller, clothespins to secure a backdrop, and a printed shot list to stay organized.
What ages are suitable for this promo photo activity and how should I adapt it?
Suitable for ages 4 and up with adult supervision. Preschoolers (4–6) enjoy simple posing and props with short, playful sessions. School-age kids (7–10) can learn basic framing, expressions, and follow a shot list. Tweens and teens (11–17) can handle composition, lighting controls, and safe editing on apps. Adapt tasks to attention span and motor skills, give clear short instructions, and offer breaks. Always get parental permission before sharing images publicly.
What are the benefits and safety tips for doing promo photos with children?
Benefits include creativity, confidence, communication, and practical tech skills like lighting and composition, plus visual storytelling and responsibility around privacy. Safety tips: never post a child’s location or full name, get written parental consent, check platform privacy settings, and keep sessions short. Supervise near streets or water, use comfortable props, review every photo before sharing, and choose product-focused or blurred-background shots to protect identity when posting onl
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of a tripod or studio lamp if we don't have them?
Use a stable stack of books to steady your camera as in step 8 and a bright window or a desk lamp positioned like the lamp/flashlight in step 7 to light the item.
My photos keep coming out blurry or too dark—what should I check?
Make sure the camera is steady on the tripod or stack of books (step 8), position the lamp/flashlight to light the item from the side or front (step 7), and open the camera app to tap the screen and adjust focus and exposure (steps 9 and 11) before retaking.
How can we adapt this activity for different ages?
For younger kids have them pick a background and hold the main item while an adult sets up the backdrop and steadies the camera (steps 2, 4, 8), and for older kids let them arrange props, shoot the five-plus angles (step 13), and do the simple edits themselves (step 15).
What are simple ways to enhance or personalize the promo photos?
Make a custom slogan sign (step 5), add themed props around the main item to tell a stronger story (step 6), take additional angles beyond the minimum five (step 13), and crop and tweak brightness/contrast for a polished image to share on DIY.org (steps 15–16).