It seems like every time we scroll through Instagram and Pinterest, there’s a new trending book post. The book is staged perfectly in the photo so that it’s not only aesthetically pleasing, but somehow makes you want to read it regardless of genre. If you’re thinking about creating your own Bookstagram or book blog, photoshoots are an essential element.

You might think that the photos you see are taken by professionals on fancy cameras, but a lot of the time, its ordinary people snapping photos from a Smartphone. What turns a good photo into a great photo has to do with the staging of the book. Think about all the posts you’ve seen on your feed. What made them stand out to you? We’ve collected some tips when it comes to book staging that will help you feel more confident in capturing that killer photo.

1. Work with Those Angles

When it comes to book staging, make sure you’re capturing the book at its right angle. That usually means laying it flat and snapping a picture of the front cover. However, there is so much more that can be done! Test out different perspectives. Have the book open to a certain chapter or even standing upward with a few pages exposed. By capturing the book at different angles, you’ll add dimension while still showing off its beautiful cover.

2. Get Creative with Props

Many photos have props with their books. Before you go running to the craft store, try utilizing what you have at home. That can be some old china, décor or holiday decorations lying around the house, even flowers from your kitchen table. Adding these extra elements will give texture and life to the photo. The eye will be drawn to the book and the props surrounding it. However, don’t go overboard with the props or else you’ll get distracted from the book itself!

3. Play with the Different Colors

If the cover of your book is warm with notes of brown and honey, place some matching props around that. Utilize the yellow leaves from outside or even some leather decorations. Set the color theme. If the book has a very cool color, use cool-tone objects around it to emphasize the atmosphere, i.e. setting the possible themes of winter or isolation. The cohesive colors will produce an aesthetically pleasing photo and set the tone for the novel. Use the different colors to tell a story.

4. Find the Best Lighting

Consider using different lighting in the photo. Rather than the yellow light from the bathroom, what about the natural light from the window? Or if it’s a beautiful day, take the book outside and use the direct sunlight. The way the light hits the book can enhance the colors on the cover and even make it pop. Think about how when taking a selfie, it’s important to find the right lighting to achieve that picturesque look. It’s the same with books, so make sure to find that flattering light.

5. Don’t Forget about the Backdrop

The background of the photo is just as important as the book and props. If you’re taking an elegant photograph of a book, you probably don’t want your dirty laundry all over the floor in the background. Find a backdrop that will enhance the photo. This can be a white wall, the wooden surface of a table, or even a vast forest of green behind. The background sets the tone of the scene and doesn’t distract from the title itself.

6. Use the Content to Set the Atmosphere

Consider adding some matching props. For example, you could pair a cookbook with a metal whisk, or for a novel, maybe a pink bow that the main character wears. Having little hints of book content will help future readers identify elements they like to entice them into reading. It could even be a playful theme that makes past readers smile and want to pick up the book again. Think about some of the important elements or content in the book and showcase that in the photo.

Have any more book staging tips or a great bookstagram recommendation? Let us know below!