.You’ve got a book to promote, but you aren’t sure how to style it for a product photoshoot? No worries. With a little creativity, some good lighting, and minimal frustration (hopefully), you can take your own book marketing photos.

If you’re a publisher or an author looking for consistent, high-quality images that sell books, there’s a point where DIY only gets you so far. That’s where a pro can come in—but we’ll get to that.

For now, let’s start with three levels of book photography, from simple at-home hacks to “Wow, this belongs in a magazine.”

Level 1: Simple and Easy DIY Photos (No Experience Required)

Let’s start with the basics. You don’t need fancy gear—just decent lighting and a some attention to detail.

Lighting:

• Natural light is your best friend. Find a window with soft, indirect light and shoot near it. Direct sunlight = harsh shadows = regret (unless you are deliberately using harsh shadows as an artistic choice, of course. See below.).
• If you must use indoor lighting, avoid overhead lighting–it’s not flattering on books or humans. A desk lamp with a soft white bulb angled from the side works in a pinch.

Design Tips:

• Keep it clean. A cluttered background will distract from your book. A simple desk, a neutral wall, or cozy blanket can work great.
• Use props wisely. A mug of tea? Cute. A whole chaotic spread of unrelated objects? Less cute.
• Watch your angles and framing. Shooting from above is a good option, but make sure your camera is level or your book cover can look distorted. And please, please, make sure your whole book is in the frame. Artsy angle and crop to focus on the title? Fine. Awkward tilt that cuts off two corners? No.

If you follow just these tips, you’ll already be ahead of most DIY book photos. But if you want to step it up . . .

This book needed soft and bright lighting. I used natural window light and a bounce card to fill in shadows.

Level 2: Getting a Professionally Styled Look with Composition & Lighting Tricks

You’ve mastered the basics, now let’s make your shots more dynamic. This is where you start playing with angles, textures, and lighting techniques.

Lighting Upgrades:

• Use a white foam board to bounce light back onto the book, filling in the shadows. (Bonus: It’s only a couple dollars).
• Experiment with fairy lights or candles for a soft, moody glow. Just don’t set anything on fire. Though, if you do, get some behind-the-scenes shots.
• Create your own softbox. Point a bright light towards your set at a 45 degree angle. Diffuse the light by hanging a white sheet between the light and your set. Ideally your light’s bulb should be a neutral daylight cast, not yellow. BAM, pretend window.

Composition and Styling Tricks:

• Props: Choose props that either 1) match your book’s content, 2) mirror elements from the cover, or 3) compliment the cover’s overall vibes. Matching the cover means if the cover has a clay pot on it, use a clay pot as a prop. This can get tricky depending on the cover. The other option is matching colors and tone. If the cover has deep blues and golds, pull in props that match. In the above photo for Praying Personalities, I used white linen and purple lavender to complement the cover’s vibes. The goal? Make everything look intentional and cohesive.
• Flat lays: The versatile shot that works wonders on social media. Can’t go wrong with this angle (unless you don’t do it right). 
• Rule of thirds: Instead of centering your book, position it slightly off to one side for a more visually interesting shot.
• Layering: Use different textures (a cozy blanket, an open notebook, flowers) to add depth and interest.

At this point, you’re well on your way to creating chef’s kiss book photos. 

Instead of matching the cover, I used props that complemented the cover’s colors and vibe of a novel set in the 1920s. 

Your Turn

Alright, time to put these tips to the test! Grab a book, play around with lighting and props, and see what magic you can create. Whether you keep it simple with a sunny window or go full-on art director with layered textures and moody backlighting, the key is to play around with it and don’t overthink (and avoid knocking over your carefully arranged setup in the process).

When you’re done, show off your masterpiece! Post your final shots on social media and tag me @breerosecreative with #breerosecreative—I can’t wait to see what you come up with! 📸✨

Level 3: Professional Book Photography for Publishers & Authors

While DIY photography is great for quick shots, there’s a reason publishers and authors turn to professionals for branded lifestyle photography. Consistent, high-quality images help build a recognizable brand, making book marketing easier across websites, social media, and ads.

Why Publishers (and Authors) Hire a Pro:

• Cohesive, branded imagery – Consistent visuals across all your releases = a polished, professional look.
• Lifestyle images that sell the reading experience – Think cozy bookstagram-worthy shots, vibrant flat lays, and scene-setting images that make readers feel something.
• Less time spent trying to get the “perfect shot” – You focus on writing (or publishing), the photographer handles the visuals.

I work with authors and publishers to plan and execute custom, branded lifestyle photography for book launches, marketing campaigns, and social media promotion. If you want visually stunning photos that tell a story and help sell books, let’s chat.