Hello again, I’ve spent quite a lot of time week researching business advice sites and photography tips. I read a thought-provoking article about photographing jewellery and textiles which compared the effects of using light and dark backgrounds and ‘real life’ set ups – using accessories and props to display the items.
I’d be really interested to know what any of you thought about the different backgrounds I’ve used below for the same items and which you think is best for showcasing things and which looks most like the sort of pictures we are supposed to aim for when selling.
using prop!
light background
or these-
light background
dark background
earrings with props!
light background
dark background
so over to Handmade Monday – all comments gratefully received!!
That’s a difficult one! Some look better on dark and some on light. But I think they are perhaps better without the props, but then again some items look better in context! Sorry not much help am I? Lol!
It’s all about CONSTRAST and a bit of Light Absorption… Solid backgrounds are best when dealing with a subject that’s multi-coloured and/or patterned. And try a colour that is about opposite on the Colour-Wheel [give or take a few degrees of Tone]. If your light-source is harsh, soften it with a fine sheer of fabric hanging between it and the subject to cut any glare. Digital photography can be a pain with hard light and certain colour frequencies.
Bottomline, use whatever makes IT look good!
😀
Photographing is always hard and backgrounds can be a problem. I always prefer to see props in shots (lifestyle) as a pic on a plain background does not entice me to buy. This could be because I have a lot of dealings with the US and they always prefer this style of photo than plain
Lovely makes and I live the plian white. I wonder if all our (different?) opinions are actually going to help xx
I think the dark looks great for some items. For props, perhaps doing a photograph of jewellery in or next to a jewellery box would help? You can always use several backgrounds if you’re displaying them on etsy (make use of the 5 slots)
I think for the headband its a good idea to show it on the model, it brings it to life more. With the silver items i prefer them on a light background, i think its a cleaner look. I love the page markers btw! x
I tend to think photography is hit and miss depending on the colour of the item. I try and photograph outside if I can as I find the colours appear more true to life. I think using a model is useful, it gives people an idea of how something looks when on.
Good luck 🙂 You visited my blog and asked about the baby crochet quilt pattern.
The granny square pattern can be found here http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bears-rainbow-blanket The owl I decided to add and have tweaked the pattern but this is very similar http://lovethebluebird.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/crochet-owl-pattern.html
Have a lovely week.
Ali xx
Thanks for the links – I need to get on with making!
I like the headband on the model too, but would prefer a plainer background which doesn’t distract from the beautiful colours in the wool.
It isn’t a one size fits all, I like contrasts so i like the purple head band on plain white and the white jewelry on black and the heart cushion on black and the earrings with red on white. It is all subjective though. Popping by from Handmade Monday
Hi, thanks for visiting my blog!
In answer to your question: I make my cuffs in one size. I used to add a button closure that could be moved to make it fit better, but my last one uses a bit of elastic to make it fit. I have yet to make more so I’m not decided about different sizes.
About your photographs: I think you should use both images for the headband. I would use the plain one as the main image: this will grab a person’s attention. The add the one with the model to the listing to really show how it is going to look so that a potential customer knows exaclty what they are buying.
Background is tricky: I usually prefer light but for some colors or textures dark is better. However make sure to edit your images to make the colors as accurate as possible. For instance, your bookmarks appear silver on the light background, but on the dark the appear slightly gold colored.
But the main thing is to try out lots of different things.
Hope this helps!
Liefs, Audrey
Thanks – yes the photos are showing different colours and I need to edit them. I am not sure what to do about my cuffs either!