For those who don't use white backgrounds...

[Former_Member]

....how did you figure out what to use for your photographs?

I'm just getting frustrated. I got a new camera at the beginning of this year, not just for Etsy photographs but pictures of my kids as well, but I just can't not get it and my light box to work well together. Either they come out too bright, or not bright enough and they're blurry. I do try to lighten them up, but a lot of the times they still don't looks how I want.

Now outside my light box, the pictures turn out great - clear, crisp, etc. So I'm thinking of maybe trying some natural backgrounds. Just looking for other's opinions on maybe what to use and see examples from other shops that don't use the white.

[CarolBradley]

Are you using the light box outside in the full sun or indoors?

If you are shooting indoors without a tripod, I suggest putting the camera on a tripod. There is a good chance the camera is choosing a slow shutter speed of 1/30 second or less, which will give you blurriness if the camera is in your hand.

[HeatwaveBooks]

Right now my shop is a mix of white and black... I'm not that fond of the white personally but that's because I feel my jewelry stands out better on a black background. I know black isn't for everyone but it is another option :) good luck, taking good photos can be quite frustrating, just keep trying different stuff and you'll find what fits and then it'll get easier and easier! I still have to go back and fix quite a few of mine so it's almost a never ending thing.

[Former_Member]

I'm not sure what you're using for lighting, but natural light often looks best/is easier to use. Just try to avoid direct sunlight b/c it can be too intense. Hope this helps!

[Former_Member]

Read the instruction of your camera. I got new one two months ago and still have no clue how to use it right. I remember a famous photographer said: Read your camera instructions and you'll learn how to soot good photos.

[StuckOnSilver]

I just listed a piece of jewelry and reshot the photos half a dozen times to get it right. See if there is a brightness feature on the camera. Use a photo program to tweak your photos. I think that in most cases a plain background is best (less of a distraction) especially for the first photo of a listing. Good luck!!

[thelavenderpear]

I still like the white background. I often think black is too harsh. A white or soft gray is so much softer and less distracting. Of course, I'm not exactly following my own advice. I have an inexpensive camera and can't afford to upgrade at this time.. so i'm just dealing with what I have for now.

[Former_Member]

I prefer natural southern light.
I like to show my work as it is, with no sparkles, no fancy do-dads and no tricks.....I want my customers to know what they see is what they get.

Another things too, I want to see the side, back front and all possible views of what it is you hand make.

[PaperCreationsbyDeb]

I have some products listed with the white background and I got bored looking at them. It just doesn't seem to fit most of my shop items.
I started using my guillotine cutter as a background a while ago for some of my items and I think it complements them well.
My rubber stamps look so much better on this background, I think.
Here are examples of both. You decide:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/112575903/rubber-stamp-for-the-graduate?ref=shop_home_active_23

https://www.etsy.com/listing/179659688/mickey-mouse-rubber-stamp-by-ek-success?ref=shop_home_active_...

[BerkshireCollections]

Ashley - I like all of your photo's both on the black and on the white. I know most everyone suggest a white background, however I have found when looking at items while participating in treasuries, the white background for certain jewelry just doesn't to the piece justice. I also change my background for my tote bags, some of them especially if they have a light colored background in the bag, just don't show the detail of the bag if on a white background.
I feel you have to choose the background that will enhance your item the most.

[BeachFleaMarket]

Your photos look great. Good detail.
I use a mix of backgrounds to match my items. I think the popularity of the white background is just to try and get on the front page. I take pics outside in the shade. A worn piece of wood is one of my favorite backgrounds. Some of my items are scanned. I don't like the white on these.

[Former_Member]

I've been looking into buying a backdrop. In the summer, I can use my lawn to be my backdrop but winter is long here so must things have a plain white backdrop. I'm looking into getting something like this instead:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005LLN578/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A09435581JC8HJ6...

[Former_Member]

I've been researching alot into this recently. I think if your item is small, that a nice sheet of paper can be a great background. And if you have a craft store around, the immense variety that scrapbookers use is great. And the price is super low!

[SangriaSilverDesigns]

So much depends on what setting you have your camera and the lighting. I gave up on my lightbox, so now I'm shooting in natural daylight by a window. I shoot in manual mode and depending upon the artistic-ness (is that a word) of what I'm going for I choose the aperature and shutter speed. If the light required for the aperature is too low that you need a really slow shutter speed, you'll have to use a tripod. Anything below 1/60th of a second starts to show blur being hand-held. I took a class and the most helpful thing I took away from it was learning how to read the light meter and adjusting accordingly.

Not knowing your camera, it's important to read your manual and then just play around with it. Photos are the hardest and most time-consuming part of the process for me and is a constant work-in-progress. Good luck!

[creativemind]

These are all such good ideas! Photography is still something I struggle with, so I can't wait to try some of these out.

Some items look great on a flat white backdrop, others benefit from props and added elements. I sell a variety of items, and I think I've captured some better than others.

I also like using fabric for a background. I think it provides a softer look. And after every photo shoot, I'm reminded of Tommy Lee Jones in Coal Miner's Daughter, telling the kids "put the backdrop back on the bed now"!

[PoetryUnspoken]

I often use white backgrounds, and when using indoor lighting I use "daylight" lighbulbs as they more closely resemble sunlight. Other types of bulbs have hues like yellow or blue that the camera picks up.