light up round makeup mirror

13 CREATIVE CANDLE PHOTOGRAPHY IDEAS FOR STUNNING CANDLEIGHT SHOTS

If you’re seeking inspiration for capturing stunning candle photos for your blog or online store, these candle photography ideas are perfect for you. With these creative tips, you’ll be able to snap eye-catching images that stand out in a sea of similar product shots.

Take a Photo of a Candle in Hands

Human hands can bring life to a photo, adding history, character, and mood to the shot. The way a candle is held can convey different emotions or states. For example, placing a candle gently on a palm creates a cozy, intimate feel, while gripping it firmly with both hands can evoke a sense of confidence and determination. This subtle detail allows you to tell a deeper story through your candle photography.

Tell about the Components of a Candle

This candle photoshoot idea focuses on highlighting the often-overlooked details that make each candle unique. A close-up shot of the wick is a great choice, as different wicks burn and look distinct, and many people find the burning process fascinating. You can also capture an interesting shot by placing the candle’s cover slightly off to the side, allowing you to feature both the candle and its cover in a single, original image. This approach draws attention to the craftsmanship and subtle details that make each product special, offering viewers a deeper look into the candle’s design and burn.

Capture the Process of Candle Lighting

To bring this idea to life, you’ll need an assistant or a shutter remote control. Capture the moment right when the candle is lit to create a strong visual association that encourages viewers to imagine themselves doing the same.

For an even more impactful result, focus the shot on the candle itself, rather than on any body parts. Minimize other light sources to emphasize the warmth and natural glow created by the candle’s flame, enhancing the overall mood of the image.

Show the Process of Opening a Package with Candles

Including the packaging in your composition not only showcases the product but also reflects the overall service experience. A beautifully designed package, along with thoughtful extras like cards, notes, or small souvenirs, can communicate the seller’s care and attention to detail for the customer.

A craft box with filling is a timeless prop that works well for a variety of candle photography ideas. You can photograph the candles inside the box, highlighting their premium packaging, or place them next to a burning candle to create a warm, inviting scene that emphasizes the product’s quality and the thoughtful presentation.

Show the Size of the Flame

One effective candle photography idea involves using zoom, but it’s important to note that as the aperture changes with zoom, it’s often better to rely on a wide-angle lens for better results. The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM is an excellent choice for this purpose. This ultra-wide-angle lens allows you to capture the maximum amount of light, making it ideal for shooting in low-light environments. Its ability to gather more light ensures that your candle shots will be well-lit, even in dimly lit settings, while maintaining sharp focus and depth.

Include More Candles for a Well-lit Scene

Including multiple candles in the frame can help achieve the ideal level of illumination for your shot. This not only provides a stunning visual effect but also gives you more flexibility with your aperture settings. To maintain sharp, crisp images, try to keep your ISO under 400, as higher ISO settings can introduce noise. In a still environment, a shutter speed of 1/15th should be sufficient to capture the shot without any motion blur. This setup allows you to create a beautifully lit scene while preserving the detail and clarity of your candle photography.

Use Fabric to Match the Packaging for a Beautiful Background

To achieve a perfectly balanced color scheme in your candle photos, choose a light and airy fabric that either matches the candle packaging or is just a shade darker. This approach helps fill in gaps in the shot without overwhelming the viewer’s eyes or distracting from the product.

Additionally, the fabric you select should complement the candle’s aroma. For instance, a rich, heavy scent paired with dark packaging may benefit from a background featuring a textured or rough fabric to evoke the right mood and enhance the overall sensory experience.

Add Volume by Including Books

Books evoke a sense of coziness and a homey atmosphere, often associated with warmth and positive emotions. To create this inviting mood, place a book next to the candle and complement the scene with matching details, like a soft blanket or a warm beverage. This combination can evoke the feeling of relaxation and comfort, making your candle photography feel even more intimate and comforting.

Photograph a Candle on a White Background

Capturing a candle against a white background is a foolproof photography idea. White surfaces and backdrops can really enhance the appearance of candles, making them pop and giving the shot a clean, elegant feel. If your photo includes models, ensure their attire is also in light shades to maintain a harmonious look. Even if the candle itself or its packaging is light-colored, you can experiment with different tones or even apply shadow photography techniques to add depth and create more dramatic effects.

Proper illumination is crucial in every photograph, which is why professional photographers work hard to ensure light evenly spreads across the scene, covering every corner. Harsh shadows can disrupt the composition unless they’re intentionally included for effect. Diffused lighting, on the other hand, helps create a soft, balanced look and is ideal for achieving perfect white balance—something a spotlight can often fail to do. This type of lighting adds warmth and depth to candle shots, enhancing their natural glow without overpowering the image.

Take a Photo in a Simulated Interior

To capture eye-catching photos, your candle should seamlessly blend with the surrounding interior. Consider setting it within a scene, like a romantic dinner table or a serene bathroom, where the candle enhances the overall ambiance. When viewers see how the candle complements the composition, they’ll be inspired to recreate that aesthetic in their own home.

You don’t need to spend hours searching for the perfect location—sometimes creating a small corner of the desired setting is enough. For example, a makeup table with a mirror, some cosmetics, and a candle can be all you need to evoke a chic, inviting atmosphere. This simple approach lets the candle shine while also making the space feel lived-in and relatable.

Feel Free to Show the Entire Process

Showcasing the behind-the-scenes workflow is one of the most impactful candle photoshoot ideas. If you’re shooting in a factory or home lab where candles are made, try to capture images in natural daylight to minimize the need for additional lighting equipment, keeping the process organic and simple.

When documenting the candle-making process, embracing a bit of “welcomed chaos” can add authenticity and charm. Rather than focusing on perfection, allow scattered fabric pieces, beads, and tools to remain visible—these little details convey the hands-on, artisanal nature of the craft. You can also capture moments like the interim period before the label is applied to the jar, highlighting the stage of production when the candle is almost complete but still a work-in-progress. These types of shots provide a deeper, more meaningful narrative and connect the viewer to the creation process.

Convey the Smell through Associations

Associations and symbols are powerful tools for conveying the essence of a photo. When photographing aroma candles, incorporating elements that match the fragrance or color of the product can effectively evoke the scent. For example, if you’re shooting a raspberry-scented candle, adding fresh raspberries to the scene can help visually communicate the fragrance, creating an immersive experience for the viewer. This approach adds layers of meaning to your photo, making it not only visually appealing but also sensory-rich.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, candle photography offers endless creative possibilities to capture the essence, warmth, and beauty of candles in unique and engaging ways. Whether you’re focusing on the intricate details like wicks or incorporating symbolic elements that reflect the candle’s scent, each shot can tell a compelling story. From behind-the-scenes looks at the production process to showcasing candles in their natural environments, thoughtful composition, lighting, and props can elevate your photos to stand out. By experimenting with techniques like using multiple candles for better illumination, embracing imperfections, and carefully curating your setting, you can create images that not only showcase the product but also evoke a feeling or mood that resonates with your audience.

15+ STUNNING EYESHADOW LOOKS TO MAKE YOUR EYES TRULY CAPTIVATING

Beyond mastering complexion products like foundation and concealer for a flawless finish, enhancing your eyes is one of the best ways to elevate your look. A fantastic way to do this is by exploring and experimenting with various eyeshadow styles.

So, Beauties, it’s time for an eye makeup roundup! I love scrolling through magazines, Pinterest, and Instagram for makeup inspiration—it’s an excellent way to discover stunning looks to recreate.

Today, I’m excited to share some of my favorites that showcase the latest trends, along with a few impressive yet simple options for those of you just starting out!

If you’re feeling uninspired by your current eye makeup routine or simply seeking some fresh eyeshadow ideas, this post is perfect for you! Whether you’re a makeup novice or a seasoned pro, this roundup will provide you with plenty of fun ideas to try out! 

Every gal needs a diverse selection of eyeshadow looks to match different occasions and seasons! So, without further delay, here are some of my current favorites that will undoubtedly enhance the beauty of your eyes!

ADD DIMENSION TO YOUR EYES WITH DREAMY METALLICS

Illuminating eyeshadow looks are guaranteed to draw all eyes to you! This style is perfect for adding a captivating touch to your evening makeup and pairs beautifully with subtle, understated lips.

To achieve this look, you’ll need an iridescent eyeshadow for the center of your lid, a neutral shimmer, and a soft matte black.

Start with a shimmery peachy nude shade on your lid, then blend the soft black into the outer corners and crease to create depth and dimension. Extend the eyeshadow around the outer corners, paying special attention to the lower lash line. Finally, apply the iridescent eyeshadow to the center of your eyelid for that enchanting “lit-from-within” effect—pat it on and gently blend it out for a seamless finish!

BE SEDUCTIVE WITH METALLICS & CRISP-LINED INNER CORNERS

This eyeshadow makeup look is both glamorous and seductive, making it a perfect choice for a special occasion or a romantic date night! To create this effect, you’ll need a soft bronze eyeshadow, along with shades of brown and black. Additionally, have a black liquid liner on hand, and consider using a black pencil liner for your lower waterline, plus some mascara.

Start by applying the bronze eyeshadow to your lids, blending the brown into the crease, and using the black in the outer corners. I recommend creating an outer “V” shape with the black that sweeps into the outermost portion of the crease for added dimension.

For the black liner, focus on applying it in a sharp, triangular shape at the inner corners of your eyes. A liquid liner with a fine applicator tip will help you achieve precision, but keep some Q-tips nearby to clean up any mistakes. Begin by drawing a thin line along the upper lash line before moving to the lower.

Don’t forget to apply the bronze and black shades to your lower lash line, and use the black pencil liner if you want to define your lower waterline. Finally, finish off with mascara on both upper and lower lashes, or opt for false lashes for extra volume!

TWO ELECTRIFYING COLORS GIVE DOUBLE THE INTENSITY

Bright, vibrant pink makes a bold, eye-catching statement that is anything but ordinary! Pair it with a deep metallic blue for an incredibly stunning look that will leave a lasting impression. If you have blue eyes, this is a perfect way to incorporate blue eyeshadow without overwhelming your features.

To achieve this look, start by sweeping a bold pink onto your lid, building the pigment beyond your crease for added impact. You can also use a slightly darker pink to add depth in the crease, blending it both horizontally and vertically for a seamless transition.

Next, use either a cream eyeshadow or dampen your makeup brush with a bit of water before dipping it into your blue powder eyeshadow. Apply the blue along the entire length of your lower lash line for a striking contrast. Finish with black liner and a few coats of lengthening mascara on both your upper and lower lashes for a complete, dramatic effect!

TRY RHINESTONES FOR A SHOW-STOPPING GAZE

This is one of those eyeshadow looks you absolutely must try when you’re feeling extra fancy and want to make a statement! It’s glamorous and perfect for anyone looking to showcase their exceptional makeup skills. Plus, it’s a unique and stunning way to elevate your eye makeup!

To create this look, start with a cut crease. Keep the rest of your makeup simple with nude lips, light highlighting, and minimal blush. Here’s how to master the cut crease technique:

Begin by applying a light, semi-shimmery eyeshadow over the concealer, beneath your brow, and at the inner corners of your eyes. Then, apply rhinestones along the shape of your cut crease; it’s helpful to map out their placement before you start applying them.

Finally, don’t forget to add winged liner and lashes to complete the look and maximize its impact!

DAZZLE WITH A VIBRANT YELLOW & PURPLE PALETTE

To effortlessly add vibrant hues to your eyeshadow look, try using complementary colors. In this case, yellow and purple work beautifully together!

Purple eyeshadows—from lilac to lavender, plum, mauve, amethyst, and violet—look stunning on every skin tone! For a playful twist, apply a metallic violet eyeshadow along your lower lash line as an eye-catching accent.

Start by blending a matte yellow eyeshadow on your lids and in the crease. Then, sweep a metallic violet shade along your bottom lash line. To enhance the look, use purple eyeliner; a liquid or gel eyeliner with an angled brush is ideal. Extending the wing of the liner will help elongate your eyes beautifully!

Finish with mascara on both your upper and lower lashes, or opt for false lashes for extra drama!

KEEP IT SIMPLE WITH A POP OF COLOR

This is a fantastic way to add color without being overwhelming! If you’re seeking a quick and easy eyeshadow look, this one is definitely for you!

Pair it with pink blush and glossy lips for a lovely summer vibe—perfect for those hot months, ladies!

Start by tracing your inner lower lash line with a bright, vibrant metallic blue, leaving the outer third clean and concentrating the color on the inner portion for a striking effect. You can either dampen your brush before dipping it into the eyeshadow or use a cream eyeshadow for a similar result.

Finally, curl your lashes and apply mascara to both your upper and lower lashes to define your look!

GO BARBIE PINK GLAM & ADD A DRAMATIC CAT EYE

Isn’t this Barbie pink eyeshadow look just fabulous? Get creative and put a playful twist on your traditional cat eye! This makeup is all about having fun and layering different shades of pink for a gorgeous gradient effect. Remember, blending is key—the goal is for each shade to transition seamlessly into the next.

Start by applying a soft pink shade to the inner lid area, then use a bolder mid-tone pink for the center of your lid. Finish with a slightly darker rose shade on the outer crease and outer corner of your eye.

For the eyeliner, I recommend using a gel formula with an angled brush for precision. Create your wing at the outer corner of your eye, then connect it back to the lash line and apply it along the rest of your upper lash line.

For your lower lash line, mirror the colors you used on the upper lid. You can add a hint of soft pink to the inner section (optional), then sweep the mid-tone pink along your entire lower lash line. Use the rose shade on the lower outer corner, and apply black eyeliner from the outer to the inner eye.

To give this look an extra pop, add a white liner (or a nude one) to your lower waterline; this will instantly brighten your eyes and make them appear larger. Finally, finish with mascara or add some lashes for a more dramatic, glamorous effect!

NEUTRAL EYESHADOW WITH A SPLASH OF COLOR CAN INSTANTLY ADD FLAIR TO NATURAL EYE MAKEUP LOOKS

Natural eyeshadow looks are perfect for those who prefer a subtle, softer vibe. However, adding a bright blue to the waterline along with a lovely purple under the lower lash line elevates the look, giving your eyes an instant pop of creativity!

To create this look, start with a simple contouring technique using a neutral palette with brown and light shimmery shades. Apply the brown to the outer corner of your eyes, sweeping it gently through the outer crease.

Blend the eyeshadow down from the outer corner into the outer portion of the lower lash line for a seamless transition.

Next, apply black eyeliner (ink or gel) along the upper lash line. Finish the look with mascara or add some false lashes for added drama!

GO BRIGHT & ULTRA COLORFUL

This pop of light green paired with playful pink creates a vibrant and eye-catching look! Surprisingly, this unexpected color combination works beautifully in an eye makeup style like this.

Start by applying a subtle highlighter just under your brows, choosing a shade that is about one tone lighter than your skin. Focus the bright pink shade on your lids, extending it slightly beyond the crease—especially beneficial if you have hooded or semi-hooded eyes. For beginners, using a green eyeliner pencil along your lower lashes can make application easier.

Next, add your lashes, ensuring to clean up and conceal the edge of the lash band with a liquid liner for a seamless finish. Complete your look by adding a touch of mascara to your lower lashes, and you’re all set for your close-up, Beauties!

BRING OUT BABY BLUES WITH BURSTING WARM CORAL AND GOLD HUES

If you’re looking to make a bold statement, this sizzling twist on the popular sunset eyeshadow look is perfect for you! Featuring tropical shades that seamlessly blend into one another, this look creates a stunning gradient effect.

For this particular style, shades of reddish tones, coral, pinkish purple, and gold come together beautifully. The striking combination of coral and orangish-gold provides a captivating contrast that truly enhances blue eyes!

According to color theory, which I delve into in detail in my eyeshadow guide, warm eyeshadow colors with orange and yellow undertones create a dramatic pop against cool baby blue eyes. This is a fantastic way to make your eye color stand out!

THIS COMBINATION OF GREEN AND YELLOW IS PERFECT FOR GREEN-EYED BEAUTIES

Green eyes often feature subtle golden flecks in the iris, making both green and yellow fantastic color choices to create harmony in your look. For this style, you can apply a white or ivory shade under the brow and at the inner corner to brighten the eyes. Alternatively, you might choose to skip the third color entirely and go for a bi-color look instead.

Begin by applying a touch of eyeliner on the upper lid and smudge it out for a softer effect. Extend the green eyeshadow from the outer corner of the eye at about a 45-degree angle for a striking finish. Finally, enhance your lashes with a volumizing mascara or opt for false lashes, and don’t forget to add a little mascara to your lower lashes for a complete look!

MAKE A GREEN ENVY GRAPHIC EYESHADOW IMPACT

Graphic winged eyeshadow looks are a fantastic way to showcase your makeup creativity! This style focuses on bold shapes and vibrant colors. For this look, it’s best to use a cream eyeshadow for easy application, and if you need extra staying power, set it with a powder shadow after you’ve completed the design.

For beginners, I suggest using a piece of tape angled at the outer corner of your eyes to outline the wing’s edge. Position the tape upward and outward from each eye for precision.

Start by drawing the outer edge extending from your lash line with an angled or fine brush, placing it right next to the tape. Once you’ve drawn the lines on both eyes, compare them to ensure they match.

To maintain symmetry, break the shape into sections. First, create a straight line connecting the outermost point of your initial line back to the center of your eyelid at the lash line, forming a sharp, triangle-like shape. Next, move to the inner eye at the lash line and draw a curved line that connects to the triangle you just created. Finally, fill in the shape completely and finish off with a coat of mascara for added drama!

YOU CAN NEVER GO WRONG WITH A ROMANTIC MONOCHROMATIC LOOK…

If you’re not yet acquainted with monochromatic makeup, it’s all about centering your look around a single color, which simplifies the process and creates a cohesive appearance. This approach involves using the same color for your eyes, lips, and cheeks! The key to mastering this look is to keep the blush light and well-blended, ensuring it diffuses seamlessly without harsh lines. For those with dark brown hair and warm undertones, vibrant berry shades can be a great choice to enhance your complexion, just as showcased in the image above.

TRY PRETTY IN PINK EYESHADOW MAKEUP LOOKS

If rich berry shades feel a bit too daring for you, consider opting for softer pinks instead! Start by applying your lightest matte shade under your brows to create a highlight. Next, use a light pink eyeshadow on your mobile lid, then transition to a deeper, darker pink for the entire crease. Blend this darker pink so it extends beyond the crease, sweeping upwards and outwards at the outer corner of the eye to achieve a beautiful lifting effect!

Make sure to bring this eyeshadow down and around, connecting it to the lower lash line. Apply it directly beneath your lower lashes and blend it inwards, stopping just before the inner corners. For an extra touch of brightness, use a pale shimmery pink in the inner corners of your eyes. Finish off your look with a coat of mascara!

WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU COMBINE A GRADIENT STYLE WITH A WINGED LOOK?

Many of the same tips for Look #12 apply here too, Beauties! Just remember to incorporate a light shimmer for highlighting under the brow and at the inner corners of your eyes. For the wing, you won’t need to extend it as far as in Look #12 (which reached near the tail of your brows). Instead, aim for a more subtle wing. 😉

Start with the outer edge using a dark blue cream shadow. When drawing your next line, avoid extending it all the way to the center of your lash line. Instead, connect it at a point just beyond your iris. For beginners, look in the mirror and locate the outer edge of your iris. Imagine a line extending straight up from that point to your lash line, and make a tiny dot there.

Next, draw a line from the outermost point of your first line to this tiny dot. Then, switch brushes and work with the inner pink, blending backward to the light blue and finally to the dark blue. This approach will ensure the dark blue section acts as a guide for where to stop.

Finish the look by applying a pink shimmery powder eyeshadow under the outer two-thirds of your lower lash line. Then grab your mascara and apply it to both your upper and lower lashes, gals!

PLAY UP YOUR GREENS OR HAZELS WITH AN EMERALD HALO

A halo eyeshadow look featuring gold and emerald green is absolutely stunning for hazel or green eyes! If you have either of these eye colors, you definitely need to give this makeup style a try.

Not familiar with the halo technique? It involves carefully placing light and dark eyeshadow colors to frame the eyes, with a focus on applying the lighter shade to the center of your lids. This creates the illusion of rounder, larger, and brighter eyes.

Start by using a shimmering gold on the center of your lids to enhance the subtle hues in your iris and achieve that brightening effect. For the center of the lower lid, opt for a gold-toned pencil liner instead of eyeshadow. However, for the emerald green, stick with eyeshadow for a more vibrant look.

Add a touch of black liner to your upper lash line for definition, making sure to keep it thin and close to the roots of your lashes to create the appearance of fuller, denser lashes. Finally, finish with a few coats of mascara on your upper lashes, and you’re all set!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the world of eyeshadow offers a diverse array of stunning looks that can transform your gaze and elevate your overall makeup game. From vibrant color combinations to soft, natural finishes, there’s an eyeshadow style for every occasion and personal preference. Whether you prefer the bold drama of graphic wings, the subtle elegance of a halo effect, or the playful charm of monochromatic hues, experimenting with different techniques and shades allows you to express your creativity and enhance your unique features.