I just don't know what to do with my new listings!

[XnylsSketches]

I decided to give my shop a new look, horrible. And I've got new items. Now these items are really good, everyone who see's them buys them up from me. But online they aren't nearly as impressive. My camera won't take normal photos of them thye getting reflective surfaces even with the flash off. So I decide to scan them on the computer and those where pathetic. Sadly though better than the photographs, so I posted only a few of those. Here they are;

http://www.etsy.com/listing/91863593/pure-white-wolfie
http://www.etsy.com/listing/91863963/brown-wolf?ref=v1_other_1
http://www.etsy.com/listing/91861837/a-kitty-keychain-just-for-you?ref=v1_other_2
http://www.etsy.com/listing/91865380/commisioned-pieces
I have like a million of these here at home, whole bunch of different critters too not just wolves and cats but they wouldn't show up at all. So please, please, some help. Also pointers on my shop too. I'm ready to have a more efficient shop and to start making sales and a profit for once.

[Former_Member]

Without having seen your old photos ... did you ever try taking the photos in a light box? I used a tutorial I found somewhere on Etsy and built a cheap one from a big cardboard box, and it's great. One of these days I'm even gonna get around to retaking my old photos. Anyway, I think your cute pieces would look better hanging inside a light box, it would give them some depth and no shadows.

As for the reflective problem, I have the opposite problem -- need help too for things with glitter on them. It never shows up at all no matter how sparkly the piece is.

[HullStreetStudio]

That was my question too, how ARE you taking your photos? if you're using a light box or anything where you use lamps (never use flash, it just destroys detail) you can create a softer light by covering the lights with tissue paper or something of the sort. and then I would suggest just trying to take the picture from different angles until you aren't getting as many reflections.

[XnylsSketches]

I did use a light box had the same results, haven't tried the tissue paper on the light yet though...

[Former_Member]

When I was using a lightbox, I covered the outside of the cardboard box (it had "windows" cut in it) with a lightweight white fabric. Then I aimed the lights at my pieces through the fabric. That helps cut down on the glare you get with shiny objects. Now I open my front door and shoot there, but the lightbox would be a good idea in your case. I used daylight CFL bulbs in two lamps - you'll want at least two lamps to make sure you have sufficient light.

[Former_Member]

More than one light source- coming from each direction.
a lamp or light source on each side creates no shadows in the photo
it also erases any glare you would have from camera flash

A neutral tone background is good too- ivory, tan, beige, sand, etc. these colors dont get "washed out" and will contrast with almost any color (even white!) I use a few different pieces of scrapbook paper under my items when I photo.

[Former_Member]

Your products are adorable! I have a light box and I rarely use it. Instead, I have small table a place outside in the shade and place a gray board on top and my items on top of that. I have also, used gray paper I bought at a Michael's or Joanne's but, it needs to be matte, not shiny. Placing the setup in the shade alleviates the washed out look, the extra shine, and shadows. Next I use a tripod (although there are many people who don't need to) and set my camera to macro, check my "white balance", and on my camera I set it on program not auto. Sometimes my items need a prop. I hope this helps, let me know how you do.

[ElectronicGirl]

stop over at Ikea and maybe try getting a couple different small cheap lamps there? the paper ball ones have good soft diffuse which you can use to brighten up any dark shadows cast by your key light (aka: bright spotlight/desk lamp). normal studio lighting uses 3 light sources to balance the light and to get control over the reflections and shadows.

good luck :)

[Former_Member]

Also consider taking photos in different environments, like with keys on, hanging from an attractive hook, maybe. I think it's hard, with small flat items, to show them off properly without some perspective.

[Former_Member]

I would hold the item in my hand, take a picture with the other hand, and then fotofuze the background. if you haven't tried fotofuze.com, you should. take a look at the whiteness in my pictures for proof.

[Former_Member]

xnyl, have you photographed on a black background? It seems like they would pop off the page more with a contrasting background.

[Former_Member]

I adjust the white balance and image exposure on my camera settings and shoot without a flash. My photos were taken in a very fancy studio. I set up a cardboard box on my kitchen table and draped the box and the table with a white cloth (the box is the background of the photo). Lighting is a regular overhead incandescent light. I made any necessary adjustments in Photoshop. One of my photos has a pink cast to it that I wasn't able to fix in Photoshop but the colors on the bracelet are accurate. When I did Etsy two years ago I struggled with photos - they were always too dark. This time I refused to list anything until I could get a decent shot. I can't get outside right now because it's too cold but maybe once the weather warms up I'll try a more natural setting with props.