Lit vs unlit shots
You need both types for a complete Etsy listing:
Unlit shots (for your main image):
- Shows label design, wax colour, and vessel clearly
- Bright, clean lighting; white or neutral background
- Easy to standardize across your range
Lit shots (for secondary images):
- Creates emotional warmth and ambiance
- Shows how the candle actually looks in use
- Dark or moody backgrounds work best
- Higher engagement on social media
Etsy recommends using your clearest, most informative shot as the main image. For most candle sellers, that's an unlit shot on a clean background.
Lighting setup for candles
For unlit product shots:
- Window light diffused through a white curtain
- OR a softbox at 45° from the side to show wax texture and label depth
- Place a white foam core reflector opposite to fill the shadow side
For lit flame shots:
- Dim the room but don't fully darken it — you need some ambient light on the wax and vessel
- Set your camera to expose for the candle, not the flame (the flame will be slightly overexposed — this looks natural)
- A warm-toned background (wood, dark linen) enhances the cozy feel
Backgrounds and props for candles
| Background | Style | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| White/off-white | Clean, minimal | Main images, marketplace listings |
| Dark wood | Rustic, cozy | Autumn/winter collections |
| Marble | Modern, luxury | Premium candles, gift sets |
| Linen/cotton fabric | Artisan, handmade | Indie brands, Etsy |
| Outdoor greenery | Fresh, botanical | Scented with herbs or botanicals |
Popular props: dried flowers, eucalyptus sprigs, crystals, stacked books, matches in a jar.
Camera settings for flame
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| ISO | 400–800 |
| Aperture | f/2.8–f/4 |
| Shutter speed | 1/60–1/100s |
| White balance | Tungsten (3200K) for warm flame look |
Shoot 10–15 flame shots in burst mode — flames flicker and you want to select the most visually interesting shape.
Etsy main image tips
- Use a 2000 × 2000px square image
- Keep the candle as the main subject, occupying at least 85% of the frame
- Avoid adding text overlays to main images — Etsy discourages it
- Test your thumbnail at small sizes — if the label is illegible, simplify the composition
For seasonal and lifestyle background variations, WaffleIQ can generate cozy interior scenes, outdoor botanical settings, and holiday environments around your candle photos.
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