.png)
The 4 Photos Every Etsy Listing Needs (With Turned Pens Pictures)
- renaealk
- Apr 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 23
Turned Pens Etsy Photos that Actually Sell
Selling pens on Etsy isn’t just about craftsmanship — it’s about showing that craftsmanship. You could turn the most beautiful pen in the world, but if your photos look flat, cluttered, or dim, buyers will scroll right past.
Think of Etsy as a dating app for handmade goods. Your photos are the first impression, the swipe-right moment. Buyers don’t get to hold your pens, feel the weight, or run their fingers across the grain. All they see are your images. And in those 3 seconds of decision time, your photos are either saying:
✨ “This pen belongs in your hand”❌ Or “Keep scrolling.”
Let’s fix that. Here are the five essential types of photos every pen listing needs — plus tips on lighting, props, and DIY hacks that will make your shop stand out (without needing a photography degree).
1. Hero Image: Stop the Scroll
This is your main thumbnail — the photo that decides whether someone even clicks on your listing. It has to be crisp, bright, and crystal clear.
Tips for hero images:
Use natural or diffused light to avoid harsh glare on glossy barrels.
Pick a clean background: white, wood grain, or slate works beautifully.
Keep it simple — the pen should be the star, nothing else.
Show the full pen tip-out, angled slightly to catch the shine.
👉 Pro Tip: Pretend your photo is a billboard in Times Square. Will a buyer notice it at a glance in Etsy’s crowded search results? If not, reshoot.
2. Show the Craftsmanship -Detail Shot
Buyers don’t just want a pen. They want your pen. That means the details — the shimmering resin swirl, the polished nib, the clip you carefully fitted.
Tips for detail shots:
Zoom in on the grain patterns or resin swirls.
Highlight metal accents, nib engraving, or clips.
Use macro mode on your phone or DSLR to capture texture.
A tripod = your best friend for close-ups (no blur, no shaky hands).
👉 Pro Tip: Think of these shots as your bragging rights. Show the artistry that sets you apart from mass-produced pens.
3. Lifestyle Shot: Tell a Story
This is where your pen leaves the product table and enters the buyer’s imagination. Lifestyle shots say, “This isn’t just a pen. It’s part of your life.”
Ideas for lifestyle shots:
Place the pen next to a leather journal or an open notebook with a half-written page.
Put it in someone’s hand mid-signature (great for graduation/wedding gift vibes).
Stage it with props: coffee mugs, glasses, or a laptop for a workday feel.
Holiday sets — add pine branches for December, tassels for graduation season, roses for Valentine’s.
👉 Pro Tip: These shots are your emotional connection. They’re what convince someone this pen is not just pretty, but personal.
Multiple Angles / 360° Views
Remember: buyers can’t pick your pen up. They can’t twirl it in their fingers. It’s your job to give them every view they’d get if they were standing at your booth.
Tips for multiple angles:
Photograph front, back, side, and nib.
If the pen caps, show it capped and uncapped.
Add a quick 360° video or GIF using a rotating platform .
Bonus: Use a pen stand to showcase elegance and balance.
👉 Pro Tip: More angles = fewer buyer hesitations. The more they see, the easier it is for them to click “Add to cart.”
5. Lighting Hack: DIY Your Own Photo Studio
Here’s the secret: you don’t need a thousand-dollar setup. You just need even light. A light box removes shadows and glare, turning “meh” photos into professional ones.
Two options:
Buy an affordable light box (Amazon has several under $50).
Here’s a great affordable lighting box on Amazon . You can also DIY your own with a cardboard box, white paper, and LED lamps.
DIY with a cardboard box: cut out the sides, tape white printer paper or fabric, and shine LED lamps through. Instant soft light!
Pro Tip: The right light box makes even smartphone photos look pro. Don’t overthink gear — focus on lighting.
Bonus Tips to Boost Sales With Photos
Show scale: Add a ruler or place the pen next to a common object so buyers see the size.
Include packaging: If you ship in a gift box or velvet sleeve, snap a photo. Presentation matters!
Use editing wisely: Adjust brightness/contrast if needed, but keep colors true-to-life.
Photos can feel intimidating at first — especially if you don’t consider yourself a “photographer.” But here’s the truth: you don’t need perfection. You need clarity, good lighting, and a story. Every photo is practice. Every listing teaches you something new.
✨ Keep going.✨ Post even if you’re scared.✨ Remember: buyers don’t need perfect; they need honest and compelling.
Your pens deserve the spotlight. Give them photos that sell.
Next Steps
Want more help? Pair these photos with strong Etsy SEO keywords and engaging product descriptions, and you’ll have a listing that not only gets clicks — it gets sales.
👉 Check out my full guide: Etsy SEO Basics for Pen Makers.
Download the Pen Photography Checklist
Ready to level up your product shots? Grab our free printable checklist to make every photo count.📥 [Available on our Product Photography Page]
Your pen has a story—make sure your customers see it. Try today’s tips on your next listing, and then come tell me how it went. I love seeing how makers like you bring your materials to life.
👋 Want more tips like this for handmade sellers?
Join my free email list for weekly inspiration, writing tools, and creative ideas to help you grow your shop.
💬 Need help crafting your content, finding your story, or building a brand voice that sells?Book a free intro call—I work with makers who want to sell more by saying more.
And hey, let’s be pen friends:
Or just email renaealk@gmail.com if you’ve got a question.
Comments