Local Enterprise Week 2026 - Makers in Focus

Makers in Focus

Photographing your Work with Confidence 

Strong photography plays a huge role in how customers see and value handmade products.  Makers in Focus is a practical, beginner-friendly workshop designed to help makers and creative small businesses take better photographs of their work using smartphones.

This workshop focuses on simple techniques that can be easily used at home. Participants will learn how to use their phone camera more effectively, how to improve lighting, how to style and photograph products clearly, and how to create images that work well for websites, online shops, and social media.   It will focus on helping participants gain confidence using the tools they already have, particularly smartphones, and creating images that are realistic, repeatable, and effective for everyday business use.

The session includes a live photography demonstration, showing how to build a simple product photography setup using minimal equipment. Participants will also receive guidance on capturing product images and natural “maker at work” storytelling photographs.

This workshop is ideal for makers, crafters, and creative entrepreneurs who want to present their work more professionally without investing in expensive equipment or studio space.

Participants will learn how to:

• use their smartphone camera with confidence
• improve lighting
• style and photograph handmade products clearly
• capture simple storytelling images of their making process

No photography experience is required, and all skill levels are welcome

10:00 - Registration and Refreshments

10:30 - Workshop commences

12:30 - Ends, however fresh teas/coffees available should participants wish to stay and network until 13:00

The workshop will be delivered by Joleen Cronin, on behalf of LEO Cork City, LEO South Cork and LEO Cork North & West

Joleen is a professional photographer and visual storyteller with over 18 years of experience.  Joleen has extensive experience photographing food producers, craftspeople and enterprises across Ireland.