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hi everyone i'm a little new to the selling world and would like to know what are some of the best techniques to get the best looking photos? like what attracts customers or really helps the item stand out in photos? c: thank you in advance.
-milky
10 Replies
NATURAL LIGHT. Can't say that enough. Next to a window if you have to. Cover the window with white tissue to diffuse the light so you don't get a glare. Experiment with different times of day and locations. Don't use artificial light unless you ABSOLUTELY can't avoid it.
Strobist (blog) has a great tutorial on how to make a photo "booth" of sorts and suggestions on taking photos
great advice! thank you so much NyxysTreasures your items are all pictured very beautifully. thanks again! c:
These articles might be helpful:
http://www.storenvy.com/topics/2524-new-tutorial-how-to-take-great-pictures-of-small-products
This might be a better link:
http://blog.storenvy.com/2011/11/02/how-to-take-great-pictures-of-small-products-beginners-guide/
wonderful links SakuraDesigns, thank you so much they were extremely helpful!! i really think my photos came out great, better than expected. c:
What a great question! My advice is to watermark. It just puts your brand on your photos also.
Thanks for dropping those links Sakura.
As far as watermarking goes, I definitely understand the positives of doing so, but personally think it distracts from the product and comes across not as professional.
HartOfKaren I thought of that too after seeing some other shop photos but Adam does bring in a good note there. So I'm considering retaking my photos outside next time for better lighting and no watermark. c: Thanks for all the advice everyone!
I agree with NYxys...I am a photographer as well and have been shooting products for many years. Natural light is the way to go, just find a set up that works for you. Then use Photoshop to enhance your lighting if you have to.
If you're like me and a) don't get much sunshine and b) have no place to put a studio setup, consider a mini lightbox.
I bought this one and it's been invaluable: http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/cameras-photography/a205/?srp=1
For backdrops I went to the closest craft store and bought some scrap pieces of fabric.
Take a LOT of photos. If you plan to post 5 for each item, take 50. Shoot different angles, different lighting, different backdrops, different camera settings. Take close-up photos for details. Immerse the product in its intended atmosphere - if it's clothing/accessories, get a friend to model it; if it's a plushie, put the critter on a bed with some pillows. Is your item bright yellow? Try it on a grey background. Is it white? Try something with a muted dark blue. Pick colors that match the mood. Have FUN with it, but make sure that your product is always the focal point.
Practice practice practice. The more photos you take, and the more experimenting you do with your subjects, the better your images will become!
One more thing: No cell phone pics. I broke my own rule on that this morning and I'm tempted to just hide the item until I can take a better picture. Even if all you have is a simple point-and-shoot pocket camera, it will produce better images than Instagram.
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