I tried to use a background that would mesh with my jewelry style overall and make my store look cohesive. Now I am wondering if I should just use plain white background...it just seems so blah to me. I just don't know?
i think what you need to work on is brightening the photos. i have had to work on this a ton! try adjusting your white balance on your camera and using different functions to change the color. if i have a piece that is mostly silver or light in color, i use a darker background. just do whatever makes the jewelry pop.
I've been working on my picture taking too. I've found that when i take pictures in the morning in a north window and put a piece of white paper in the window that i get the best picture.
I agree that lightening your photos will vastly improve them! If they are still looking a bit blah after that, try a plain color background and see if that helps the jewelry pop even mlre. But it should be fine with the book background look, it's not too distracting
I agree- I think the photos are good, you just need to brighten them. I use picasa, it's a free download is you don't already have a photo editing program. You just adjust fill light, highlights, and shadows- the difference is amazing!
I always like the clean, minimal white background. It tells stories by itself. Mysterious and non suggestive. Go with your feeling, what feel comfortable for you. Dark pictures make the jewelry seem distant... away. It's not calling, not singing, just sitting there... blah. Love your works, especially this:
Very pretty items! I would agree with making them lighter. I've struggled with photos since day 1 and am currently updating them all. I have to use a light box because I do not have proper daylight coming through any of the windows. Thats's what I get for wanting a house surrounded by trees. :-)
I love your backgrounds. I think that using picasa or another program to brighten them will really boost the look of your shop. But keep doing the backgrounds, they're great!
Thank you all for the suggestions! I would love to actually make money on Etsy but it's so inexpensive and easy and it's an outlet haha! Just waiting for the day I can "Quit my day job" haha!!!
This is one of the BEST background tutorials I've ever read. She really breaks it down, and points out when plain is best... dark, light, texture... etc.
Wow I am impressed with below. I think this is what you should do more of
Crystal Shade Derr from CrystalShade says just adjust the exposure...i adjusted one of your pix and put it on my blog...let me know what u think craftonista2011.blogspot.com/2011/11/pretty-bracelet.html
Beautiful jewelry, beautiful shop, great pictures! I agree, make them a little brighter, that's all. JUST DON'T USE WHITE BACKGROUND - IT WILL KILL YOUR STYLE!
