Help!! White background? Natural background?

[Former_Member]

Hey all!

I'm really lost when it comes to photographing my items. I started to make some changes to my store and I have cropped the pieces and left them with a white back ground. Some of my earlier photos are TERRIBLE. And I'm working to change that. I know photos can make or break sales.

Is this a good direction I am heading in or should I leave it with more natural photos?

Basically it comes down to white backgrounds or something in nature?
Would my flower rings do well outside?


This is my etsy-
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ValValVoom


This is my favorite store right now I just don't have that quality of a camera to take images like this.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/peachtreelane
(For real this girl is amazing!)

Thanks,
Valerie

[lolaandclementine]

Hi Valerie!
I think your photos look pretty good on a white background-your products stand out. I think blurry pictures or really dark ones hurt a seller.
Why not try to take photos outdoors? Honestly, unless you are dealing with a moving target the camera doesnt matter as much as you may think-natural light, to me, always looks better than a flash. I'd take some outside in natural light, you might be surprised what you get!
I don't know what type of camera you have, but if it has selections on it for landscape, close-ups, etc-to get that slightly 'blurry' looking background, use the portrait setting and make sure your focus is on your item.
But again, I think your items look pretty darn good on a white background. You can always try playing with color too; put a contrasting background to REALLY make your item pop ( aqua item, try to use a red or pink background, etc-you can grab yourself a cheap colorwheel if youre not familiar).

[Former_Member]

Thank you so much!
I have been experimenting with different places and light to take pictures. I just felt like everything was a miss.
I like the different color back ground idea if I stick to a color a line it might not be to wild. Maybe slightly muted contrasting colors.
Thank you again!
Valerie

[Former_Member]

I redid my store! I think it looks way better! Thank so much!

[LostApostle]

I think the pics look great! Not sure what it looked like before, but all the shots on that rock - really good, nice and clear, great continuity...looks great.
Good job!

[Former_Member]

I constantly juggle between a white background and a natural one. I always go back to the natural one! Some people's shots look great against a white background but I think that, just sometimes, they can also look a bit 'clinical.'

I didn't see your befores, but the afters look good to me.

[lolaandclementine]

Your white background photos were fine but I think these are even nicer :) You don't get the annoying shadows with natural light that you do with a flash, and they are more interesting-kudos to you!

[Former_Member]

Your photos look great! I did not see the before photos, either, but the new ones look great and have excellent consistency (which I love).

Kudos to you for taking the initiative to redo your shop, I know it's a big job (as I just did it myself).

Great work!

[Former_Member]

I like the outdoor pictures. If you wanted to mix it up a bit, you could show how they look on. Very pretty.