How to take photos of vintage pieces on Instagram

Vintage clothing must be photographed well, otherwise you won't recognize it. A bad photo will turn a vintage piece into an old rag, a good photo will show the material, the character and the reason you want it. When taking photos for @vintageroom31, this mainly worked for us.

Light is everything Natural daylight is the best and it's free. Stand by a window, put a piece on a table or hang it near a light. No artificial lighting from above, it flattens the texture and changes the colors. The golden hour (early morning or before sunset) gives a warm tone that suits the skin.

Background: less is more White wall, light wood, gray concrete, these are the best backgrounds. Patterned wallpapers, colorful blankets and intricate backgrounds distract from the piece. If you don't have a neutral background, buy a sheet of kraft paper for a few crowns, it works great.

Flatlay vs. on the body Flatlay (piece on a flat surface, shooting from above), great for showing the whole piece, details and attachments. Downside: won't show fit. On the body or on the shoulder strap, it shows the cut and proportions. Best combination: one flatlay with details + one body shot.

Details that sell Leather texture close up. Zipper with pendant. Manufacturer label. Lining with a pattern. These details will say more about the quality of the piece than any description. One good macro photo of texture is stronger than ten shots from a distance.

Caption and hashtags Describe the piece specifically: material, decade, brand (if you know it), condition, size, price. Add 5-8 hashtags at the end: #vintageprague #vintageleather #secondhandprague #pragueshopping and specific to the piece (#bikerjacket #vintagedenim etc.).