If you're selling patches — whether as a patch maker, a scout shop, or an event organizer — great product photography dramatically increases perceived value and drives more sales. The good news: professional-looking patch photos don't require expensive equipment.
Lighting is Everything
Natural window light is your best friend. Place your patch near a north-facing window (in the northern hemisphere) on an overcast day for soft, even lighting with no harsh shadows. Direct sunlight creates blown-out highlights and deep shadows that obscure embroidery texture. A white foam core board opposite the window reflects light back onto the shadow side for even illumination.
Background Choices
White backgrounds show the patch clearly and work for catalog-style shots. Denim backgrounds (lay the patch on a piece of denim fabric) create an authentic, lifestyle context. Dark leather, moleskin notebooks, and maps are all backgrounds that work well with patches depending on their theme. Avoid busy backgrounds that compete with the patch design.
Camera Settings and Techniques
Use your phone's portrait mode for isolated product shots — it creates pleasant background blur that makes the patch pop. For flat lay shots, shoot straight down (perfectly perpendicular) with the camera positioned directly above the patch. Use the phone's 2-second timer to eliminate camera shake. Get close enough to fill the frame with the patch plus a small margin.
Showing Texture
Embroidered patches look best when shot at a slight angle (15-20° from horizontal) with a raking light that catches the raised thread texture. This gives the viewer a sense of the patch's dimension and quality. PVC patches look great straight-on because the 3D layering creates its own depth.