Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, shooting from home is one of the best ways to sharpen your skills. By looking around your house and using your imagination, you're sure to find plenty of inspiration for an impromptu photo shoot. We've included some of our favourite tips below, as well as 5 essential items to have in your kit to grow your photography from home.
A burning desire
Fire is a visually eye-catching element that most of us are able to capture in various ways around the house — tealights, candles, or even an open fireplace. Bright flames are a great way of experimenting with strong contrasts, a technique sometimes called chiaroscuro in the art world.
Here are a few basic ideas to investigate:
- Use reflective devices, such as a mirror, to see how this affects the flame.
- Use longer shutter speeds and discover how this affects the flickering flame.
- Use a faster shutter speed and see if you can capture a sharp image of the flame.
- Play with contrast, emphasising the brightness of the flame against a dark background.
Note: Although fire is fun to photograph and you can come up with some great images, always exercise caution and safety above all else.
Photographing your food
Social media is flooded with images of food, and for good reason — food photography is a legitimate and highly valued commercial skill. For generations, food has been a common artistic subject, and making it look visually appealing is a core technique of any commercial photographer.
Successful food imagery takes into account the following important factors:
- Lighting
- Contrast
- Balance
- Plating
It's also important to understand how a particular meal is designed to make you feel, and produce images accordingly. For example, fruits and vegetables convey health and freshness, while a decadent dessert calls for elegance and indulgence.
Food is one of our favourite subjects — and to top it off, you get to eat the results when you finish shooting!
Photographing your pets
Do you really need a reason to take loads of pictures of your favourite furry friends? Pets make fantastic photography subjects, and the real challenge is uncovering something fresh and unique that captures the spirit of your animal.
A quick scroll through Instagram will reveal a wealth of inspiration — some pets have even become influencers! This is also a great, stress-free way to practise shooting a live subject, and many of the techniques you perfect here can be applied to people portraits later on.
5 essential items to grow your photography from home
There are many items that belong in your photography kit — useful not just for home shoots, but for your next outdoor adventure too. Here are the most essential.
Tripod — If you don't already have one, get one now. A tripod is a great way to reduce image blur caused by camera shake, and it's also a fantastic tool for improving your compositional skills.
Phone Mount — You don't need a DSLR or mirrorless camera to improve your photography. A phone mount lets you get the most out of your smartphone camera.
Portable Studio Lighting Kit — The major obstacle to indoor photography is the lack of natural light. A portable lighting kit is a great way to combat that and take full control of your shots.
Remote Control — Firing your camera from a distance means no accidental bumps, which is especially important during longer exposures. It also lets you get in front of the lens and be part of the photo.
Macro Lens — Many of the most interesting subjects at home are right under your nose. Macro lenses can focus on objects that are very close, providing a life-size representation of small details you'd otherwise miss.
Accessories for the best home photography
Beyond the essentials above, a few extra accessories can take your home photography to the next level — think reflectors, diffusers, coloured gels, and a simple backdrop stand. These are affordable additions that give you far more creative control over your shots.
Looking for more home photography tips?
Don't forget to visit the Ted's photography blog regularly for gear advice, technique guides, and inspiration to keep your photography growing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camera settings work best for indoor photography?
For indoor photography, start with a wide aperture (f/1.8–f/2.8) to let in as much light as possible, a slower shutter speed (1/60s or slower if using a tripod), and raise your ISO as needed — typically between 800–3200 depending on your camera. Always shoot in RAW for maximum flexibility in post-processing.
Do I need a DSLR to take good photos at home?
Not at all. Modern smartphones are capable of producing excellent images, especially in good light. A phone mount and a basic lighting kit can dramatically improve your results. That said, a mirrorless or DSLR camera paired with a fast prime lens will give you significantly more creative control.
What's the best lighting setup for home photography?
Natural window light is your best free resource — position your subject at a 45-degree angle to the window for soft, flattering light. If natural light is limited, a portable LED studio kit gives you consistent, controllable results. Adding a reflector on the opposite side of your light source helps fill in shadows.
How do I reduce camera shake when shooting indoors?
Use a tripod whenever possible, especially in low light where you'll need slower shutter speeds. A remote shutter release (or your camera's self-timer) eliminates any vibration from pressing the shutter button. Image stabilisation on your lens or camera body also helps when shooting handheld.
What are the best subjects to photograph at home?
Some of the most rewarding home photography subjects include food, pets, plants, still life arrangements, candles and fire, and portraits of family members. Each offers unique challenges that build different skills — from controlling depth of field to working with natural or artificial light.