Taking great feet pictures doesn’t have to be complicated (or expensive). You don’t need a high-end DSLR or extravagant settings—though they can help. What you do need is a decent camera (your phone will work), patience, the right lighting, a few inexpensive props, and well-cared-for feet.
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Let’s show you how to get started!
1. Nourish your feet so they shine in your photos
Cameras and lights amplify imperfections. That small crack on your heel or dry skin that’s barely noticeable in person? It’ll show up clearly in photos.
Brands, agencies, and bloggers want to see healthy, well-cared-for feet.
You can increase the price of your feet pictures if your feet are exceptionally good-looking. So, if you’re a foot model or just someone who sells feet photos as a side hustle, here’s how to care for your feet.
Get a pedicure before the shoot (and regularly)
Book a pedicure before your photoshoot to keep your feet soft and free from cracks.
If you’re on a budget, DIY pedicures can work just as well. Here’s a quick guide:
- Fill up a tub with some warm water (this tub has a soothing vibration massage feature that we like)
- Add some bubble bath (this one has Epsom salt and chamomile), and a bath bomb to the tub (we recommend this one because shea butter moisture <3)
- Add some Epsom salt if your bubble bath doesn’t already contain it.
- Crush up the bath bomb and let your feet soak for 10 – 30 mins to soften the nail polish and your feet.
- Hold your nail polish remover (this remover is good) and cotton rounds on each nail for 10 seconds then swipe to remove any leftover nail polish.
- Use foot files like these to file away any dead skin and callouses.
- Scrape any toes and feet hair with facial blades like these.
- Clip your toenails using curved blade clippers like the one in this pedicure toolset to avoid nail breaks.
- Using your pedicure tool, hold back your cuticles and clean underneath for dirt.
- File your nails with a nail file.
- Massage a sugar scrub (the Tree Hut Shea scrub is good) into your feet to exfoliate and lighten scars.
- Rinse off the scrub and let your feet soak again.
- Dry off your feet and apply your favorite moisturizer (we like Palmer’s cocoa butter for its thickness and deep moisture).
- Seal the moisture in with oil (Jamaican castor oil is a good choice)
And here’s some advice for DIY pedis from Ginny Bowen, a New York-based foot model:
“If you prefer to DIY when it comes to a pedi, make sure you contour the nail to the toe shape. Don’t be tempted to cut straight across or you’ll have corners that stick out and damage adjacent toes. Likewise, if you cut deep down the side of a nail it can cause nail trauma and ingrowing toenails.”
Enter a recurring task in your calendar to book (and go for :D) a pedicure monthly. Or to do it yourself!
Additional Care Tips
- Invest in foot scrubs and masks to keep your feet smooth and glowing.
- Wear comfortable shoes and socks to prevent blisters (Ginny uses loafer socks.)
- Avoid walking barefoot outdoors to prevent cuts or injuries that might show up in photos.
- Steer clear of spray tans to avoid patchy results that can ruin the natural look of your feet.
- Wear soft cotton socks when sunbathing to avoid sunspots.
Even more tips:
- Tone your calves and thighs for modeling jobs that require full-leg shots.
- Don’t sit down or cross your legs for too long to avoid varicose veins.
- Adopt a healthy diet to improve blood circulation, skin health, and glow.
- Apply a moisturizer day and night to keep your feet skin supple.
- Always use clear nail polish as a base to avoid nail discoloration from dark nail polish.
- When you wear heels, minimize how much you walk or stand in them.
2. Learn some flattering poses
- Play around with your feet in front of the mirror always. Twist, tense, relax them. You’ll get to know your feet, and get a feel for what poses show them off best.
- At home or on the move, take photos of your feet in different backgrounds and settings to understand what lighting and colors flatter your feet/skin tone.
- Practice sitting down or lying down at odd angles to get perfect shots. Here are some shots you may try
Position #1 – crossed feet
Position #2 – on your tiptoes
Position #3 – toes pointed out
Position #4 – feet up in the air
Position #5 – soles of feet peeking out the covers.
There are lots of other positions you should try too. Just be creative and take photos for different angles and scenarios.
3. Use props to tell a story
Foot modeling isn’t just about capturing feet—it’s about telling a story. Props can transform your pictures from simple shots to artistic statements. Here are some ideas to get creative:
- Luxurious Bedding: Pose your feet on a plush duvet like this one or a textured blanket for a soft, elegant look.
- Unique Shoes or Painted Feet: Try bold footwear or paint designs on your feet to stand out.
- Surrealist Touches: Use props like fruit, flowers, or even money to create a story. Stomping on fruit or stepping on unexpected items can give your pictures an artistic edge.
4. Shoot early mornings or late afternoons
Expert photographers will tell you that the best lighting is natural lighting. Try to shoot during the “golden hours” (early morning or late afternoon) for soft, even lighting.
However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t have great results using artificial light or shooting at other times. If you’re using artificial light, invest in a good lighting kit to ensure your feet are well-lit and shadows are minimized.
5. Get to know your camera
It doesn’t matter if you’re taking pics with your phone or a fancy camera—what really matters is knowing how to make the most of your device.
Your phone’s camera is way more powerful than you might think! Here’s how to get the best shots without needing anything too fancy:
- Turn on Gridlines: Photos look better when things are lined up just right. Use the gridlines feature on your phone to help position your feet and props. It follows the “rule of thirds,” which just makes things look… better.
- Tap to Focus: Don’t let your phone guess where to focus! Tap the screen to make sure your feet are crystal clear, especially when you’re doing close-ups.
- Portrait Mode Is Your Friend: Got portrait mode? Use it! It blurs the background, making your feet pop like they’re in a professional photoshoot.
- Play Around with Angles: Try shooting from different heights or angles. Hold your phone up high for a cool overhead shot, or get low for something more dramatic. You’d be surprised how much difference the right angle makes!
- Good Light = Great Photos: Let’s be real—most phones don’t love dim lighting. Natural light is the way to go. Snap pics near a window or head outside to make your photos bright and crisp without the weird shadows.
Got a DSLR or Mirrorless? Here’s How to Step Up Your Game
If you’ve got a proper camera, you can do even more cool stuff. Here’s how to get the most out of it:
Experiment with Lenses: If you’re really diving into this, try different lenses. A macro lens, for example, can zoom in and capture every little detail on your feet—perfect for those close-up shots!
Learn the Basics: Get comfy with the settings like aperture and shutter speed. A low f-stop number (wide aperture) can blur the background and make your feet the star of the show.
Use a Tripod for Stability: A tripod keeps things steady, especially when you’re trying to capture all those tiny details in your feet.
Should I Hire A Professional Photographer?
If you’re new to feet photography or don’t feel confident in your skills, it could be worth it to hire a professional photographer.
Look for someone with modeling experience to get high-quality photos that stand out in your portfolio.
READ NEXT: Where to sell feet pics for good money.
