10 Best Shoe Photography Ideas with Examples (2024)

By Andrew Collins | Last updated: Mar 25, 2024

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Shoe photography

Photography is an art that can help you earn a steady income. In addition, photographing products sold by companies is an easy way to advertise their products, so places like Nike and Adidas always use high-quality images of their products for marketing.

If you found yourself hooked on photography, you might be looking at some of the different things you can photograph.

Anyone can use shoe photography at home to further their photography skills. Shoes are a plain household item that everyone has at least one pair of around the house.

But what are creative ways to have a shoe photoshoot? How to take pictures of shoes to sell?

During this feature, we look at unique ways to capture shoes, and we aim to give you props for shoe photography that can be fun.

Let’s get started on the top 10 best shoe photography ideas.

Hanging Shoes

One of the most remarkable ways to position shoes for a photo shoot is by hanging them. You can find a rustic gate or window and hang a pair of Prada’s by the heel. When you hook the heel in you, give the image height while still being at eye level. Remember to focus on the shoes while using your background to accentuate the product.

Hanging shoes

Color Scheme Props

One way to give a shoe photoshoot a burst of color is by adding props. When taking pictures of a bland color shoe, place them slanted against a bright-colored box while making sure the background is the same color. When the tip of the shoe is rested on the box, and the other is flat on the ground, the viewer can see more of the shoe you are taking pictures of. You can also use this to experiment on different angles. For example, if you have a pair of black shoes, try using a white background but add a pair of black tassel drop earrings to your image. This also lets the user associate this shoe with the prop. Whenever they see black drop earrings, they will think of your image.

Color scheme props

Shoe Photography with Box

A box with a solid color like white or black is a great way to give your shoe photos an edge. You can create a studio look with minimal effort and simple lighting. First, find a box that is big enough to place the shoes in and has enough background covered. I suggest a box for a large appliance, and you can paint it using the color you prefer. Then, place the shoes inside and start taking pictures.

A solid box

Shoe Photography with Model

One great way to give shoes a complete look on someone’s feet is when someone wears a pair of shoes, the viewer can see the entire picture. They get to imagine what the shoes will look like on their feet. Try using models whose feet suit the shoe. If it is heels, try to make sure the model is well-manicured.

Shoes on a model

Shooting from Above

If you want to show off a pair of shoes in a fun way, try taking the shot from above. A high angle will allow you to shoot the shoes on great surfaces. You can even shoot from above while having a model wears shoes and sit cross-legged. Make sure their ankles touch the ground to give the photo angle a better view.

 From above

Shadow Work

Using shadows in photography has worked wonders in the past few years, so why not incorporate shadows into your shoe photoshoots? You can create a shadow effect by placing the shoes in front of a ring light or spotlight. You can also involve props to add more artistic shadows.

Shadow work

Flying Shoelaces

You can use many tricks to take magnificent pictures of any shoe with laces. Firstly set up a ring light or a spotlight to give you enough light. Position the light from a lower angle. Next, take the fishing line and tie it to the laces and back of the shoe. Place the shoe with laces attached in a homemade studio with an excellent background or green screen. You can also use a box that is painted in a color. Position a rail above the shoe, tie the fishing line on it, and pull the fishing line until it pulls the shoe and laces in the correct position. And then, you are ready for shoe photography with floating laces.

Flying shoelaces

Upside down

One of my favorite ways to showcase shoes is on someone’s feet resting against a wall. Firstly, the pair of sneakers are filled out when someone wears them. They can then lay on their back with their legs in the air resting against the wall, and the shoes will be upside down in the shoe photoshoot. Then, you can move around and adjust the angle at which you take the pictures.

Upside down

360 ˚ Shoes Photoshoot

360 ˚ is one of the coolest shoe photography trends that you can hop on. This allows the viewer to see the footwear and experience the product in full glory. This idea will need an extra tool called a rig, and a rig will help you complete the full shot smoothly without any mistakes when you move. You can quickly get a rig online or from a local photography shop.

360 degrees shoes photoshoot

Background Remover

A busy background distracts viewers from the focal point, which is why it is great to have access to a background remover or background changer. This allows you to photograph a pair of sneakers without having to deal with finding a calm background. Besides that, you can change background color in Photoshop easily.

Background Remover

Final Thoughts

If you are interested in marketing, you know that shoe photography is essential to selling shoes online or in-store. When a product looks appealing and exciting, the viewer wants to buy it, which is why it is essential to know how to do shoe photography if this is your interested field.

Shoe photoshoots are accessible at home if you want to build a portfolio to show people your talent. So go ahead and try some of these ideas to add some spice to your portfolio or work.

If you are not satisfied with the shoe photography backdrop, a handy background remover comes in handy to cut out shoes. This way, you can change the backdrop easily and make the best product photography for shoes.

Until next time.