Creative Desktop Photography

Have you ever captured a photo of your desk? You may have noticed that it’s not quite as easy as it looks. In this post, I will guide you through taking outstanding pictures of your desk.


You may not know that many photos taken from desks don't look that way by accident but are arranged deliberately. Various items are placed in a way that tells a story or looks more visually appealing.


If your desk is unsuitable for this type of photography or is situated in a poorly lt spot, you can create a set-up on a wooden board or kitchen table. It needs to be large enough to allow for a little negative space. This is where I took the cover photo.


Carefully place your utensils so that they either catch the light or look accurate or intentionally chaotic. You can play with this idea in different ways. For instance by combining large and small items.


You can set the camera to create a shallow depth of field when the items are at different heights. You can see that here.

Try to take your photos straight on from above (don't tilt) – this takes a little practice as you can tilt in several directions. You can line up edges with the frame of your camera or perhaps your camera or your smartphone's camera has a grid that you can use as a guide.

Table photography looks good in soft, diffused light and a playful mix of light and shadow = dappled light.

The choice of what you include in your desk is also important. It's good to strike a balance between the different things you put there.



Here are some typical items you might include in your desk photo:

  • A mug with pencils and pens

  • A pretty notebook

  • A candle

  • Your glasses

  • A piece of a cardigan

  • Your favourite pen or a particularly beautiful pencil

  • Safety clips

  • Tacks

  • A pencil sharpener

  • Pencil shavings

  • Your hands

  • A cup of coffee

  • Your smartphone – your smartphone looks better than a computer screen, because a computer screen is not particularly pretty unless it is turned on and something is displayed on the screen. Watch out for reflections that might attract too much attention.

  • A book you are currently reading.

  • A desk lamp, easily shot from above, casting light on the tabletop.

Look for items that include repetitive colors and shapes.

This is an excerpt from the new “HOME” online photography workshop

Inspiration, TipsDawn HänschComment