Help!...Photographing Lamps

[Former_Member]

Part 1) Does photographing on all white backgrounds also work best for table lamps or should they be setting on a piece of furniture? Part 2) Since I work with stained glass it's important to get photos with the light on which is typically more effective with at least a somewhat darkened room [especially if there’s a reflective pattern to be seen] but that goes against the suggested rules for keeping pics bright. Thankfully there 5 spots for various types of photos but should the 1st photo (seen when searched) be with the lamp “off” in a well light room or “on” with a somewhat darkened room? Glass can look very different depending on light. Help! What do I do????

[HausofAriella]

I think that the first photo should be of the lamp off and in a well-lit room. That's how the lamp is going to appear most of the time. I think that showing how the lamp looks lit is good too, but it should be in the later photos. Personally, I think that lamps look best on a plain table with a solid background, since that gives me a feel for how they look on furniture without distracting me from the lamp itself. That's just my two cents though. Your lamps are gorgeous by the way.

[Former_Member]

Both? Actually, I have seen a number of vintage shops here do something that bridges both of those things. They have a nice wood table up against a white wall with the item sitting on top of it (off, for lamps). That way, the item looks natural on top of where it will most likely be, plus the background is neutral. I dunno if I would photograph the lamp on because it would probably never come out the way you want it. Also, it's up to the buyer if they want to put in a different type of light bulb.

[Former_Member]

Thank you Anella & Ashley. Your thoughts are a great help. You've made some good points : ) I can see how first photos always being of the lamp(s) off would give a more cohesive look to the shop. I'm planning to revamp my shop soon, when I have some new items at add.

[BethWold]

I would try doing a bright room - daylight - but not direct sunlight, and the lamp on. This is how interior decorating shots are often done - daylight and all the lights on. It tends to look bright and glittery, and if done right gives it a pro photographer look. Here's two examples, the first is pendants but gives you the general idea.

http://www.houzz.com/photos/1065692/NeMo--New-Modern--modern-entry-other-metros

http://www.houzz.com/photos/870901/Tree-House-Kiawah-Island-modern-living-room-charleston

If you go to www.houzz.com you'd probably instantly find a lot of photos lit this way.

You'll also want to turn off your flash, and move the lamp a little ways from the wall - at least a foot if you can, a couple might be better. I think the setup on your Cross Design main picture is probably your best setup. Just move the lamp further from the wall- maybe even move the table further from the wall. That way the wall is a little less in focus and the lamp will pop more.

You can also include photos of a darkly lit room too, as other photos can always help, but I would give this a try, if you can get it to work it will make your photos look like they came out of a magazine. :)