How to photograph pottery
Every artist needs better photos, faster.
But let’s be honest—some days you nail it, other days your glaze colors look totally off, and you have no idea why.
The inconsistency is maddening, and the time it takes is time you’d rather spend making.
That’s exactly why I created these photography resources—to give you the skills for consistent, accurate photos without becoming a camera expert. As a professional photographer married to a professional potter, I’ve distilled 15+ years of knowledge into practical, jargon-free techniques that get you results fast.
You don’t need to know what f2.8 means to take a great photo of your pottery.
And I’m here to show you exactly how to do it, even with your cell phone.
The Classes
The Maker’s Photography
Styling System
Perfect with cell phones or regular cameras
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MPSS is perfect for makers who want to sell more work online by learning how to style photos that make people dream about owning your pieces—not just looking at them. This course works for beginners and intermediate photographers alike, and you can use either a cell phone or a regular camera.
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You'll master the foundational principles of strong, dynamic photography: composition, color theory, and prop styling. These principles work whether you're using a cell phone or a DSLR.
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Binge it in 2 days (with practice time) or take one 15-minute lesson at a time over 6 weeks. You get immediate access after checkout and lifetime access to all materials.
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No problem! MPSS focuses on composition and styling fundamentals, not camera settings. Over 300 students have taken this course using only their cell phones.
Beyond Auto: Learn to photograph in Manual Mode
For when you’re ready to take full control.
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This course is for makers who are ready to ditch auto mode and take full control of their camera. If you're tired of battling with your cell phone's limitations and ready to level up, this is for you.
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By the end of this course, you'll shoot confidently in full manual mode. The course covers the 4 primary camera settings - aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance - how they work together and how you can outsmart them all to get the results you dream of.
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You can binge all 5 modules in half a day with time to practice, or go slower with 30-60 minutes per module. After checkout, you will have immediate access to the full course and lifetime access to all materials.
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This course is specifically for “regular” cameras such as DSLRs and mirrorless that allow you to photograph in manual mode. If you are uncertain whether or not your camera is suitable feel free to send me an email (education [at] makers-playbook [dot] com). If you're sticking with your cell phone, check out the Maker's Photography Styling System instead.
Note: Android users with manual mode capabilities may be able to apply these concepts, but purchasing this course to use with a cell phone waives the 30-day money back guarantee.
5-Minute Photo Fixes
Coming Soon!
A short, practical video workshop walking you through the six most common photo mistakes killing your gorgeous artwork, and exactly how to fix every 👏single 👏 one 👏 of them 👏
No new equipment needed. No editing required.
Better photos immediately, even just using your cell phone.
The Maker’s Complete Lighting System
Coming in 2027!
In the meantime, we’re covering all your lighting questions during our Monthly Photo Q&A sessions inside The Community. Click below to learn more about Community membership perks and join us!
You might already know some of our students…
“Brilliant course Rebecca, thank you. Feel like I have learnt so much in such a short time. Love the way you layered up the content week by week.”
Jackie Wright of @jackiewrightceramics
Before
After
1:1 Coaching
Photography coaching, business strategy, or a bit of everything.
A 1:1 virtual coaching session is completely customized to whatever your creative business needs most right now. We can dive deep into photography challenges, talk through pricing and marketing strategy, or fluidly move between all the interconnected aspects of running a small maker business. Together, we’ll create actionable steps that help you move forward in a way that works for your specific life.
Don’t take my word for it…
“Rebecca has created a masterclass that is a perfect marriage of basic photography concepts and specific product photography details that will help you achieve photos that are both beautiful and true-to-life.”
Adrienne, @whitemarkceramics
Want ongoing photography
support?
(plus so much more)
Join The Community for monthly photo Q&As plus business resources you won’t find anywhere else.
Each month inside The Community, I host a Photo Q&A where members can submit questions in advance and either attend live or watch the replay. But photography support is just one piece—membership also includes quarterly business masterclasses (on topics like Instagram strategy, pricing, financial systems, and SEO), live implementation sessions, co-working hangouts, and ongoing support from fellow makers who understand what it’s like to make a living from the things we make.
At $42/month, this is our most economical option, and you can start or pause your membership anytime.
Free Photo Resources
Bite-sized tips and peeks behind-the-scenes
The courses walk you step-by-step through the full photography process, but if you’re just looking to troubleshoot a specific problem or want to get a feel for my teaching style first, these free videos are a great place to start. Whether you need a quick answer while you’re glazing or want to preview how I break down photography concepts, these quick tips give you practical guidance you can use right away.
Popular
Videos
Overwhelmed? Here’s your first step.
Grab the free Product Photography Foundations Guide—a quick-start PDF that covers the essential principles every maker needs for better photos. These foundations are the root of everything else: the free videos, the courses, the guidance I share in 1:1 sessions and Community Q&As.