I even own a light cube!I am so photo challenged, and more I try, the more confused I seem to get. I’m currently trying to improve my jewelry photos, with not much success. Much of the information that I have gleaned has come from my jewelry related online groups, where they suggest a solid background in the black, grey, white scale, not using props. I did get some decent photos with a white background, but they just seem to be missing something, not really to my liking. So today I decided it was time for me to try using a black background, and found that I liked them much better than the white background. I fiddled with natural lighting, and artificial lighting. The natural lighting was more successful, but even though it’s a cloudy day, the sun moving in and out of the clouds, proved to present problems.
It has been recommended by other artisans not to use props, but out can the props away, why not try to take a chance and see if I could take a photo that I actually liked. Much easier to photography earrings if your using props, and yes, I liked the photos using the props.
Now I need to decide to watermark the photos or not to watermark the photos. In some ways a watermarked photo looks more professional, but the question is, does the watermark distract the viewers eye, as they view the jewelry.
I did come to a conclusion; I personally think my photos listed in my Etsy Store look better when I’ve used props. Yes, I like the black background, and props. Still need a lot of practice, as practice makes perfect. Now if I could make a decision on watermarks. Check by my blog or Etsy Store, and see how my photography improves…
12 comments:
My vote is for no watermark. I used to put a very subtle one in down in the corner but I've stopped doing that even.
One thing to consider is that items with a visible watermark never make the front page on Etsy. Treasury curators know this, so they won't select your items to include in treasuries.
Opinions vary on props. I'm a no-props person but I've seen some stunning photos that use them!
Tracy
Thank you! Your information about watermarks in invaluable. Never new that a watermarked photo would never make the front page of Etsy. No more watermarks for me....
I know that taking and posting good pictures is an ongoing struggle for many of us. You are doing a great job. It really is a matter of experimentation and what suits your product.
I personally like the props as long as they don't take away from the jewelry. I like the driftwood that you used. Natural items look great with jewelry!
Teresa
Hope to get some photos done this Tuesday, my day off. I did take some photos earlier today,but they still need work. I'll be doing a lot of practicing.
Kim
The driftwood is a root of a Weeping Cherry Tree, that I cut off a few weeks ago when I was doing yard work. I'm beginning to look at things very differently, and I see more potential in using props that are around the house.
Hello. I also didn't know that about Etsy and the watermarks...good to know! So, about the photos. I'm totally not an expert, but here's what I've encountered. I started taking pictures on black. It was dismal. I tried white, and it wasn't right. I finally settled on using scrapbooking paper backgrounds, and my favorite is a neutral sand looking background. It seems to go with everything. I usually throw in some fun pictures, also. And, I like props, as long as they complement the jewelry. :-)
I wanted to try more scrapbooking paper backgrounds,I do have some, but I wanted to try other backgrounds, our Hobby Lobby just had a sale, and almost no stock available. Waiting for them to re-stock. Almost purchased vellum paper to see how that might work.
I like the props. I always feel like a photo with just black or white or gray is just missing something. Try this....a tile from the home improvement store- ceramic or linoleum. I like the slate gray or terracotta for sterling & something a little lighter for copper. They give a little texture to the background without being distracting. ;-) No advice about lighting.....I'm still working it out.
Stacie
Buying some tile is on my list of things to do. In the long run I think the tile would be a better choice than scrapbook paper.My lighting is getting better, or should I say the lack of adding lighting.
Yeah, actually the photo in this post on the black background with the prop- I'm diggin' it ;-)
I've been photographing outside & REALLY want to be able to do it inside....late at night when everyone's asleep & it's peaceful. LOL it's on my to do list.
Stacie
I really like the black, but need to try other things. Writing another photography blog to post in a day or so. I'm in Georgia, and it's hard to take photos outside, it's either; to hot, to cold, or to rainy (maybe not so much rain lately), always lighting problems
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