The Art of Knitting and Crochet Photography

In the world of knitting and crochet, the ability to capture the beauty and intricacy of your creations through photography is a skill that can truly make your work shine. It’s a skill that I, Kristin Omdahl, have honed over my extensive career both in front of and behind the camera. With decades of experience as a professional model, tv personalityl and photographer, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless knitting and crochet designers, publishers, and enthusiasts, capturing the essence of their craft through the lens.

Photos of my first career as a professional model:

My first photo shoot at age 11 in the John Casablancas Modeling School, Detroit, Michigan.

My first cover at the age of 15 in Detroit, Michigan!

The front of my first composite card with Elite Model Management in Chicago, IL at age 13.

The back of my first composite card with Elite Model Management in Chicago, IL at age 13.

The front of my second composite card with Elite Model Management in Chicago, IL and New York City, at age 15.

The back of my second composite card with Elite Model Management in Chicago, IL and New York City, at age 15.

Throughout my 20-year career as a knit and crochet designer, I have had the pleasure of designing and publishing nearly 1,000 patterns (so far!), each a testament to my passion and dedication to these beloved crafts. This journey has not only allowed me to create a vast portfolio of knitting and crochet designs but has also given me invaluable insights into the art of photography specifically tailored to showcase handmade creations.

Photos on set of both “Knitting Daily TV” and “Knit and Crochet Now”, the two PBS craft shows when I was a cast member on each of them:

Kristin Omdahl on the set of Knit and Crochet Now!

Kristin Omdahl on the set of Knit and Crochet Now!

Shay Pendray and Kristin Omdahl on the set of Knitting Daily TV (PBS)

Shay Pendray, Eunny Jang and Kristin Omdahl on the set of Knitting Daily TV

In this article, I am thrilled to share my wealth of knowledge and expertise with you. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter looking to showcase your work to a wider audience or a beginner seeking to improve your photography skills, this guide is for you. Together, we will explore the nuances of knitting and crochet photography, from mastering lighting and composition to selecting the right gear and perfecting post-processing techniques.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the tools and know-how to capture stunning photos of your knitting and crochet projects, elevating your craft to new heights. Join me as we embark on this creative journey, where every click of the shutter brings your handmade masterpieces to life.

Check out My Gallery for inspiring knitting and crochet photography examples.

The Importance of Great Photography

Photography plays a pivotal role in the world of knitting and crochet, and before we delve into the technical aspects, it’s essential to grasp why photography is an indispensable element of these crafts. High-quality photos have the power to elevate your knitting and crochet projects in various ways:

Showcase Your Craftsmanship: At the heart of every knitting and crochet creation lies the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into it. High-quality photography acts as a window through which you can proudly display the intricate details of your work. From the delicate stitches that form intricate patterns to the vibrant spectrum of colors that breathe life into your projects, great photography captures every nuance. It’s akin to preserving a piece of art in a frame, allowing your audience to appreciate the skill and dedication that go into each stitch.
Attract Attention: In a digital age where visual content is king, eye-catching photos are your most potent tool to capture the attention of your audience. Whether you’re a knitting or crochet enthusiast looking to share your creations on social media or a pattern designer hoping to showcase your designs to the world, compelling photography is the magnet that draws people in. Vivid colors, well-composed shots, and striking visuals can stop people scrolling through their feeds and make them pause to admire your work.

Think of your photographs as the “storefront window” for your knitting and crochet projects. Just as a beautifully decorated storefront entices passersby to step inside, outstanding photography invites people to explore your creations further. It’s the initial impression that can spark curiosity, admiration, and, in some cases, even inspire others to take up these crafts themselves.

Photography in knitting and crochet is not merely a technicality but a powerful means of storytelling and connection. It brings your creations to life, communicates your passion and expertise, and entices others to join you on this creative journey. So, as we delve into the technical aspects of photography, remember that behind every great shot lies the potential to captivate, inspire, and share the joy of knitting and crochet with the world.

Mastering Lighting Techniques

In the realm of knitting and crochet photography, the mastery of lighting techniques is paramount. The way you illuminate your creations can make the difference between a lackluster image and a breathtaking one. To capture your projects effectively, it’s crucial to consider the following aspects:

Natural vs. Artificial Light: Understanding the nuances of natural sunlight and artificial lighting is the foundation of exceptional knitting and crochet photography. Each light source has its unique advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them can significantly impact the outcome of your photos.

Natural Sunlight: The golden hours of early morning and late afternoon bath your creations in warm, soft light. This lighting is particularly enchanting for showcasing the intricate details of your stitches and the vibrant colors of your yarn. However, it comes with the constraint of time; you must plan your photoshoots around these hours to harness the magic of natural sunlight.
Artificial Lighting: Artificial light sources, such as studio lights, offer consistency and control. They allow you to set up your photography environment regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. This controlled lighting is advantageous when you need precise illumination for your projects. However, mastering artificial lighting can be a skill in itself, as it requires an understanding of equipment, angles, and settings.

Shop my lighting tools on Amazon here

Diffusion and Reflection: Once you’ve selected your light source, the next step is to manipulate it effectively. This involves the use of diffusers and reflectors to shape and control the light.

Diffusers: Diffusers soften harsh light by scattering it, creating a gentle, even illumination that minimizes harsh shadows and highlights. They are particularly useful when shooting in direct sunlight or with strong artificial lighting. By placing a diffuser between the light source and your project, you can achieve a more flattering and balanced result, showcasing your work without distracting shadows or blown-out highlights.
Reflectors: Reflectors bounce light back onto your subject, reducing shadows and adding highlights where needed. They can be used in conjunction with diffusers to further manipulate the light. Reflectors come in various colors, allowing you to adjust the color temperature of the light falling on your project.

In essence, mastering the interplay between natural and artificial light and the skillful use of diffusion and reflection tools empowers you to create knitting and crochet photographs that do justice to your craftsmanship. These techniques enable you to highlight the intricate details of your work, emphasize the texture of your stitches, and present the full spectrum of colors in your yarn. As we explore further in this blog post, you’ll gain insights into how to harness these lighting techniques to capture the essence and beauty of your creations.

The Art of Composition

Composition in knitting and crochet photography is akin to the painter’s skill in selecting the right canvas and arranging the elements on it. It’s the art of arranging the visual components within your frame to create an image that is not just technically correct but also aesthetically pleasing. Here are some key considerations for composing compelling knitting and crochet photos:

Rule of Thirds: The “Rule of Thirds” is a foundational principle in photography composition, and it’s a concept worth mastering. Imagine dividing your frame into a grid of nine equal parts, like a tic-tac-toe board. The rule suggests that the most visually appealing placements for your subject, such as the centerpiece of your knitting or crochet project, often occur at the intersections of these grid lines or along the lines themselves. Placing your subject off-center in this way can create a sense of balance and visual interest. It’s a technique that can lead to more dynamic and engaging photos.

Background Selection: The background against which your knitting or crochet project is showcased plays a pivotal role in composition. Your choice of background can either enhance the beauty of your creation or detract from it. When selecting a background, consider its color, texture, and relevance to your project. A plain, uncluttered background often works well, as it allows your creation to take center stage. However, in some cases, a thoughtfully chosen background, such as a rustic wooden table, the beach or a lush garden, can complement the theme or mood of your project.

Styling: Setting the Scene: Consider the environment in which your knitting or crochet project is photographed. Styling encompasses the arrangement of props, accessories, and even models if applicable. It involves creating a visual narrative that enhances the story your project tells. For instance, if you’ve crafted a cozy winter scarf, styling might involve draping it over a chair with a steaming cup of hot cocoa nearby to convey warmth and comfort. If your project is a summery beach tote, a sandy beach with seashells and sunglasses could be the perfect setting.

Styling allows you to infuse personality and context into your photos, helping your audience connect with your creations on a deeper level. It’s a way of telling a story through visuals and inviting viewers into the world of your knitting and crochet artistry. The clothing the model wears with the knitting or crochet project is also important and how the entire ensemble interacts with the background is also important.

Learn more about color theory for styling in this article here:

Fashion Forward: Hand-Knit and Crochet Trends 2024

In essence, the art of composition in knitting and crochet photography goes beyond mere documentation. It’s about creating images that resonate, capturing the essence of your work, and inviting your audience to appreciate not only the craft but also the creativity and artistry behind it. As you explore these composition techniques further, you’ll discover how they can elevate your knitting and crochet photos to a whole new level of visual appeal.

Styling Your Knitting and Crochet Projects

Styling your knitting and crochet projects is a creative endeavor that can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your photos. It’s the art of adding depth, character, and context to your images, making them more than just representations of your craft. Here are some creative styling ideas to consider:

Props and Accessories: Props and accessories can be powerful tools for storytelling within your knitting and crochet photography. They can help convey the mood, theme, and purpose of your creations. For example:

Vintage Knitting Needles: Displaying your handcrafted scarf or shawl alongside a pair of vintage knitting needles or hand carved crochet hooks can evoke a sense of nostalgia and tradition. It connects your work to the rich history of handcrafting, knitting and crochet.
Colorful Yarn Balls: A pile of vibrant, neatly arranged yarn balls or hanks can not only add a pop of color to your photo but also highlight the range of colors used in your project. It’s a visually pleasing way to showcase your yarn choices.
Thematic Props: Consider props that align with the theme of your knitting or crochet item. For instance, if you’ve designed a baby blanket, adding baby shoes or toys as props can create a heartwarming scene that resonates with your audience.

Model or No Model: Deciding whether to include a model or present your work solo is a crucial aspect of styling and can significantly impact the story your photos tell.

Including a Model: If you choose to feature a model, it can provide context and a sense of scale to your creations. A model can demonstrate how your handmade garments or accessories look when worn, which can be particularly helpful if you’re showcasing clothing items. Models can also help convey emotions and lifestyles associated with your pieces. Ensure that the model’s attire and demeanor align with the overall theme you want to convey.
You CAN be the model AND photographer: With the right equipment and a sense of adventure, you can use the timer on your camera or photo, a tripod, to create selfie-style photography. It is budget friendly, efficient on time, and can be a lot of fun!
Watch a behind the scenes video of me creating a photoshoot for a crochet cardigan pattern here:
My Gallery</a> for inspiring knitting and crochet photography examples.</h3> Camera Settings and Equipment: The technical aspects of photography, such as camera settings and equipment, also play a crucial role in creative styling. Experiment with settings like depth of field to control the level of background blur (bokeh), which can help isolate your subject. Different lenses, such as macro lenses for close-ups or wide-angle lenses for capturing larger scenes, can produce varying effects. Consider the lighting conditions when selecting your camera settings. For instance, shooting in natural light may require different settings than working in a studio with artificial lighting. Take the time to learn about your camera’s capabilities and how to make the most of them to achieve the desired visual effects. In conclusion, creative styling is a dynamic and imaginative aspect of knitting and crochet photography. It allows you to infuse personality, story, and emotion into your images. Whether you choose to use props, include models, or go solo, the goal is to create photos that not only showcase your craftsmanship but also engage your audience on a deeper level, inviting them into the captivating world of your knitting and crochet artistry. Selecting the Right Camera and Equipment When it comes to knitting and crochet photography, the choice of camera and equipment can have a substantial impact on the quality and creative possibilities of your images. Let’s compare the benefits of using a DSLR camera with interchangeable lenses to the convenience of a smartphone and explore the advantages of tripods and remote shutter release: DSLR vs. Smartphone: <ul> <li>DSLR Camera: DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) cameras offer several advantages for knitting and crochet photography: <ul> <li>Interchangeable Lenses: DSLRs allow you to switch between various lenses, including macro lenses for close-ups and prime lenses for capturing detailed shots with a beautiful background blur (bokeh). This versatility empowers you to adapt to different shooting scenarios and achieve a wide range of creative effects.</li> <li>Manual Control: DSLRs provide manual control over settings such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, giving you precise control over exposure and creative options. This is particularly useful when you want to manipulate depth of field, control motion blur, or adjust for challenging lighting conditions.</li> <li>Image Quality: DSLRs typically have larger sensors compared to smartphone cameras, resulting in superior image quality, especially in terms of sharpness, dynamic range, and low-light performance. This is essential for capturing the intricate details and vibrant colors of your knitting and crochet projects.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Smartphone: While smartphone cameras may not offer the same level of flexibility and control as DSLRs, they have their own advantages: <ul> <li>Convenience: Smartphones are incredibly convenient and always at hand. They are excellent for spontaneous shots and capturing on-the-go moments. You don’t need to carry additional equipment, making them a practical choice for casual or social media photography.</li> <li>Editing Apps: Smartphones come equipped with powerful photo editing apps that allow you to enhance your images directly on your device. This can be especially helpful for quick adjustments and sharing your work promptly.</li> <li>Accessibility: Smartphone photography can be more accessible to beginners who may find DSLRs intimidating. Modern smartphones often feature automatic modes and AI enhancements that can help improve the quality of your photos without extensive technical knowledge.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> Tripods and Remote Shutter Release: <ul> <li>Tripods: Tripods are essential tools for knitting and crochet photography, regardless of the camera you use. They provide stability and eliminate camera shake, resulting in sharper images, especially when shooting in low light or with slower shutter speeds. A tripod also allows you to compose your shots precisely and experiment with different angles and framing.</li> <li>Remote Shutter Release: A remote shutter release is a small device or smartphone app that enables you to trigger the camera’s shutter without physically touching it. This minimizes the risk of camera shake, especially during long exposures or when your camera is mounted on a tripod. It’s a valuable tool for achieving sharp, blur-free images, particularly when capturing intricate details up close.</li> </ul> <h3><a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/kristinomdahl/list/2Y4T0RBPRR8GA?tag=onamzwwwstyle-20&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d">Shop my camera equipment tools on Amazon here</a></h3> The choice between a DSLR camera and a smartphone depends on your photography goals and preferences. I have used both over the years and I exclusively use my smart phone for both photography and videography now. DSLRs offer greater creative control and image quality, making them ideal for professional and enthusiast photographers. However, smartphones are convenient and accessible, making them suitable for casual or on-the-go photography. Regardless of your camera choice, investing in a tripod and remote shutter release can significantly improve the quality of your knitting and crochet photos. These tools help ensure stability, sharpness, and precision in your images, allowing you to capture your creations in all their detailed glory. In the world of knitting and crochet photography, the process doesn’t end with clicking the shutter button. Post-processing and editing play a crucial role in bringing out the best in your photos. Here, we’ll explore the use of photo editing software, such as Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Canva Pro, and discuss the balance between retouching and maintaining the authenticity of your work: Photo Editing Software: <ul> <li>Adobe Lightroom: Adobe Lightroom is a popular choice among photographers for its user-friendly interface and powerful editing capabilities. It allows you to adjust exposure, contrast, color balance, and more. Lightroom also offers non-destructive editing, meaning your original image remains unchanged, and you can always revert to it if needed. This flexibility is particularly valuable when fine-tuning the colors and tones in your knitting and crochet photos. You can purchase a variety of filters to make editing extremely fast and convenient, especially if you want all the photos in a collection to have the same effects.Purchasing filters for Adobe Lightroom can provide several significant benefits for photographers and image editors. Filters in Lightroom are essentially presets or adjustments that can be applied to your photos with a single click or minimal adjustments. Here are some of the advantages of investing in Lightroom filters: <ol> <li>Time-Saving: Filters in Lightroom allow you to apply a predefined set of adjustments and effects to your photos instantly. This can save you a significant amount of time compared to manually tweaking each individual photo, especially when you have a large batch of images to edit.</li> <li>Consistency: Filters help maintain a consistent look and style across your photos, which is particularly important for branding and creating a cohesive portfolio. You can develop your unique style or use professionally crafted filters to achieve a consistent aesthetic.</li> <li>Efficiency: Filters can streamline your editing workflow by providing a starting point for your edits. You can apply a filter, make minor adjustments if necessary, and move on to the next photo. This efficiency is especially useful for photographers who need to process images quickly for events or client work.</li> <li>Learning and Exploration: Filters can be an excellent learning tool for photographers, especially those new to Lightroom. By examining how filters affect various aspects of an image, such as exposure, color, and tone, you can gain a deeper understanding of the software’s capabilities and improve your editing skills.</li> <li>Creative Control: Filters offer a wide range of creative effects that can transform your photos. They can help you experiment with different styles, moods, and aesthetics without starting from scratch each time. This creative freedom can lead to unique and visually striking results.</li> <li>Consistency Across Projects: If you work on multiple projects or with different clients, having a collection of filters allows you to maintain consistency across various assignments while tailoring the edits to each specific project’s requirements.</li> <li>Professional Results: Many photographers and editing experts create and sell high-quality filters that can give your photos a professional and polished look. Investing in such filters can elevate the quality of your work and help you stand out in a competitive photography market.</li> <li>Customization: While filters provide a quick starting point, you can still customize them to suit your specific needs. Lightroom allows you to fine-tune the adjustments applied by the filter, ensuring that your edits align with your vision for each photo.</li> <li>Effortless Batch Editing: Filters are particularly useful when editing a series of photos taken under the same conditions or with similar lighting. Applying a filter to one image and syncing the settings across the batch can significantly simplify the editing process.</li> <li>Creative Inspiration: Filters can spark creative ideas and inspire you to explore new editing techniques. They encourage experimentation and can lead to unique and artistic outcomes.</li> </ol> </li> <li>Adobe Photoshop: Photoshop is a versatile image editing software known for its advanced retouching and manipulation tools. While it may have a steeper learning curve compared to Lightroom, it offers unparalleled control over every aspect of your photos. Photoshop is ideal for more extensive edits, such as removing distracting elements, enhancing details, or creating composite images. It can be especially useful when you want to achieve artistic effects or address significant imperfections.<a href="https://www.udemy.com">Udemy is an online education platform that has fantastic Photoshop Masterclasses</a></li> <li>Canva Pro: Canva Pro is an excellent option for those who prefer a user-friendly and web-based editing platform. It offers a wide range of tools and templates specifically designed for enhancing and beautifying photos. Canva Pro simplifies tasks like color correction, retouching, and adding creative elements to your images, making it a valuable addition to your photo editing toolkit.</li> </ul> I use all 3 of the above mentioned photo editing software programs. Like anything else, there is a time and place for everything. I primarily use Photoshop for photo editing in book layout for my self published books because I need high resolution files for printing. <h3><a href="https://www.kristinomdahl.com/2022/05/18/12-tips-for-self-publishing-your-books/">12 tips for Self-Publishing Your Own Book:</a></h3> <blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="cuaaCVRvu4"><a href="https://www.kristinomdahl.com/2022/05/18/12-tips-for-self-publishing-your-books/">12 Tips for Self-Publishing Your Own Book</a></blockquote> <iframe class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);" title="“12 Tips for Self-Publishing Your Own Book” — Kristin Omdahl" src="https://www.kristinomdahl.com/2022/05/18/12-tips-for-self-publishing-your-books/embed/#?secret=D5Tgw307hi#?secret=cuaaCVRvu4" data-secret="cuaaCVRvu4" width="600" height="338" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no">

I primarily use Canva Pro for social media posts and website images as they are web-friendly sizes and easy to resize for a variety of social media requirements. And Lightroom is something I use for all applications if I want to adjust the lighting easily and beautifully with filters.

Retouching vs. Authenticity:

When it comes to post-processing your knitting and crochet photos, there’s a delicate balance to strike between retouching for perfection and preserving the authenticity of your work:
- Retouching for Perfection: Photo editing software allows you to correct minor imperfections, such as dust spots, color inconsistencies, or distracting elements in the background. You can enhance the vibrancy of yarn colors, sharpen stitch details, and ensure that your images are visually flawless. Retouching is a valuable tool for presenting your creations in the best possible light, ensuring that viewers see the true beauty of your work.
- Maintaining Authenticity: While editing can enhance your photos, it’s essential to be mindful not to over-edit to the point where your work appears unrealistic or unrepresentative of its true form. Authenticity is key, especially if you’re sharing your knitting and crochet projects for educational or inspirational purposes. Avoid excessive retouching that alters the texture of your stitches, distorts colors, or creates an unrealistic sheen. Your audience appreciates the authenticity of handmade items, and overly retouched images may lead to disappointment or mistrust.
- Exception: I do like to change the background of my images sometimes. It is a convenient way to make a photo more exciting or seasonally appropriate. I live in Southwest Florida and often am challenged for photographing winter accessories in the tropical environment. Occasionally, I will photograph a scarf at the beach, go to Canva Pro to remove the background and then pop in a wintery background for the right aesthetic.
Striking the right balance between retouching and authenticity is a matter of personal style and the purpose of your photos. For product photography where visual perfection is paramount, some level of retouching may be necessary. However, if your goal is to showcase the true nature of your handmade items or inspire fellow crafters, consider embracing the imperfections and authenticity that come with handcrafted work.

Photo editing and post-processing are valuable tools in knitting and crochet photography. They allow you to fine-tune your images, correct minor flaws, and present your creations in the best possible light. Whether you choose Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or Canva Pro, the goal is to approach editing with a sense of balance, ensuring that your work remains authentic and representative of the skill and craftsmanship that go into your knitting and crochet projects. Ultimately, the aim is to create images that both inspire and accurately portray the beauty of your creations.

The art of knitting and crochet photography is a powerful skill that can elevate your craft to new heights. By mastering lighting, composition, styling, and utilizing the right equipment and software, you can capture stunning photos of your projects that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Continue Learning
- Explore Photography Courses to further enhance your skills.
- Check out My Gallery for inspiring knitting and crochet photography examples.
Kristin Omdahl patterns, books, handouts and videos are for your personal use only; additionally, up to 10 items can be made to sell from one design. Commercially produced products made from my instructions are prohibited. All Kristin Omdahl patterns, books, handouts and videos are licensed for single use and remain the intellectual property of Kristin Omdahl. This pattern may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise.

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The Art of Knitting and Crochet Photography: Capturing Stunning Projects

Photos on set of both “Knitting Daily TV” and “Knit and Crochet Now”, the two PBS craft shows when I was a cast member on each of them:

Kristin Omdahl on the set of Knit and Crochet Now!

Kristin Omdahl on the set of Knit and Crochet Now!

Shay Pendray and Kristin Omdahl on the set of Knitting Daily TV (PBS)

Shay Pendray, Eunny Jang and Kristin Omdahl on the set of Knitting Daily TV