Are you a maker, baker, farmer, creator artist, or small business owner interested in showcasing your work at a Made in Iowa market? We’re always looking to feature high-quality, Iowa-made products—but getting approved takes more than just filling out an application. One of the most important parts of your application is your product photos.

Here’s how to put your best foot forward when applying to be a vendor:

Photos Matter—A Lot

We can’t stress this enough: the photos you submit are what we use to decide who gets in. A great product might not make the cut if the photos don’t do it justice. When you’re applying, treat your photos like your first impression—because they are.

DO Submit:

• Clear, well-lit product shots on neutral or styled backgrounds

• Individual product photos, not groupings or cluttered tables

• Close-up images that show off details and craftsmanship

• Unedited product-only shots—we want to see the product exactly as it is

DO NOT Submit:

• Booth photos (we want to see the product, not your setup)

• Collages or image mashups (they’re hard to see and often low quality)

• Logos or promotional graphics (save those for marketing, not jury review)

• Blurry, dark, or out-of-focus images

Additional Tips:

• Less is more—3 to 5 quality photos are better than 10 average ones

• Keep it cohesive—show your strongest product line first

• No watermarks or filters—we want to see the true look of the item

• If your products are personalized/customizable, show a finished sample

Pro Tip:

Use natural light near a window, a clean background, and your smartphone’s portrait mode for simple, professional-looking shots. No fancy camera required!

Ready to Apply? Click on the button below and follow the instructions carefully. The stronger your photos, the
more likely you’ll be invited to join one of our upcoming Made in Iowa
markets.

Let’s celebrate the best of what Iowa has to offer — one amazing vendor at a time!