Product Photography using Smartphones
- Level(s) of Study: Short course; Professional
- Course Fee:
Available at no cost to eligible individuals (see criteria below).
- Start Date(s): 17 September 2025
- Duration: 17 - 24 September 2025, Wednesdays 6-8.30pm (two sessions)
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Location: Kirkby-in-Ashfield
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Please note: This course is delivered through the Enterprising Ashfield project, which is funded by the Government's Towns Fund. Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is pleased to offer free (fully funded) places on this course to support individuals and employees of businesses that are based in the towns of Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Sutton-in-Ashfield.
The standard fee would normally be £225.
Professional-looking product photography is essential for any business; it can sell your product, make it desirable, build your brand image and reputation, and give you interesting content to post on social media.
On this course, you’ll have dedicated time to invest in getting your product photographs right using your smartphone.
Smartphones are great for delivering high quality images if used with the correct know-how.
They’re a quick way to capture your products, saving time and money in hiring a professional product photographer.
With a limit of 15 people on the course, you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your skills at home or work.
Here's what our previous attendees said:
"I took this course to improve my skills and to gain knowledge of the best equipment to buy. I am developing my own website and this course was really useful"
"This course helped me to learn about the camera settings on my phone, I really enjoyed the practical element of taking photos. It was helpful to learn new skills and meet people who run other local businesses"
"I can now use my phone to take good quality photos, rather than relying on a DSLR camera"
"This course was useful as I’m setting up a small business. I enjoyed using the equipment provided and now I know what to invest in for myself"
"I enjoyed being able to network with other local businesses. I also feel I know how to take photographs to suit social media"
What you’ll study
This practical course will show you how you can take better pictures using your smartphone and create impressive shots.
You’ll explore how to prepare for your shoot; from setting, styling and props, to how to get the most out of your camera phone settings and composition and editing using free apps like SnapSeed.
It’s ideal for anyone who struggles to create exciting images of their products and are frustrated with how their products are presented.
During this course you will:
- explore how to use and change the settings on your mobile’s camera
- understand how to effectively use camera orientation, position, aspect ratio and composition
- consider the best way to highlight key product features through your photographs
- look at how a few affordable accessories can improve the quality of your images
- create inspiring product photographs that have both an aesthetic and technical quality
- learn how to use what you have around you to its best abilities, including props and backdrops
- edit your images so they look like they were taking by a professional photographer
- plan and select images for your website and social media.
What will I gain?
By the end of this course, you’ll have gained valuable experience in using your smartphone camera effectively.
You’ll leave with professional looking product images that you can use for your website, social media and even for high quality print.
You’ll have a network of fellow businesses in the area to connect with, discover each other’s products and feel supported.
Certificate of attendance and digital badge
Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital certificate of attendance and a digital badge powered by Accredible.
Your digital credential is more than just a certificate – it’s secure, verifiable, and protected against fraud through encryption and blockchain technology.
They also come with detailed metadata, including an overview of the skills you have achieved on the course, evidence of completion, and assessment criteria if appropriate.
Share your achievements seamlessly with friends, customers, and potential employers online, and proudly add your badge or certificate to social media platforms such as LinkedIn, so all the right people can see it.
How you’re taught
In-person from the Summit Centre in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.
Please bring the following with you to the course:
- Products - 4 or 5 is ideal so we can do different styles of photos
- Desk lamp - ideally one with a flexible head (if you don’t have one you don’t need to buy one specifically)
- White tea towel
- Plain wallpaper/ backing paper
- Download the following software on phone - Snapseed
- Any props you want to include in the photos
- Smartphone
- Phone charger
Contact hours
17 - 24 September 2025, Wednesdays 6-8.30pm (two sessions)
Entry requirements
No photography experience is required, although you must be confident in using basic smartphone functions.
To be eligible for a place, you must live or work in the towns of Kirkby-in-Ashfield or Sutton-in-Ashfield. To check if your home or work postcode is eligible visit the Enterprising Ashfield postcode checker page.
Fees and funding
This course is available at no cost to eligible participants.
If you live or work outside the eligible postcode area, you can join our fee-paying Product Photography courses delivered on the City Campus.
How to apply
If you have any questions about this course, you can email EnterprisingAshfield@ntu.ac.uk or call us at +44 (0)115 848 2813.
