Makers in Focus

Photographing Your Work with Confidence with Joleen Cronin

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 based in County Kilkenny to 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.

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.

Please note this programme is in conjunction with newly established Kilkenny Craft Guild and only eligible to makers and small businesses based in Co Kilkenny. 

About Joleen Cronin, Host

Joleen Cronin 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.

This workshop 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.