Is it really best to use only white backgrounds in listing photos?

[Former_Member]

I've had my Etsy shop for almost a year, but I have recently been putting in a lot more work and have almost 50 items up....but few sales. I'm wondering if this could be a result of my photos?

Most of my photos display my knitwear on models in parks or on the streets of Montreal. I've chosen this aesthetic because I think it fits with my wearable accessories to show them in use. But I've read few times that any background can distract from the product or make it seem less versatile, and that a well lit photo with a white background is best.

Thoughts?

Thanks for sharing,
Kerri

[primalpainter]

Hi Kerry, I'm no expert by a long shot, but I've read experts who say that white backgrounds get more clicks. If I were you, I'd try a few with white backgrounds and compare the results in terms of views/sales over a period of at least a couple of weeks.

Personally, I like color and natural settings, but I have a tendency to go against the grain.

[primalpainter]

P.S. I think your natural background settings look great, kind of artsy and cool, and very appropriate for your products!

[WizardAtWork]

There's no reason you can't leave the colorful background shots in as your other 4 spots and do one on white for the thumbnail. Remember that a lot of people see those thumbnails really small and a cluttered background makes it hard to see how awesome your product is. Once they click on the first shot, they can see the park and artsy shots bigger inside the item listing.

[Former_Member]

My sales did pick up a bit when I switched to white backgrounds, but there could have been other factors (advertising, time of year, ect) that contributed as well so it's hard to say.

[LittleShopofElleSee]

I love the natural settings! Especially the ones with the brick wall, the fence, and the lady walking down the street. There's nothing wrong with a natural setting as long as it's artsy, and a great photo. It's always best when they are taken in natural light. Don't turn away from the natural setting, it's what makes you you!

I think what most people mean by the background being distracting is when the item is situated amongst other items, or on a loud background with a really wild pattern and then the item gets lost. Your items do not get lost!

[Former_Member]

I think it depends on the items. For clothes, or wearable items, like your knitwear, I think it's totally acceptable to feature them on models. That way we can really get a feel of what it would look like on. Pretty much all clothing is advertised on models. With jewelry, it's a little different, and white and plain backgrounds may be best. But scarves, and your headbands, and bowties I think work great on your models! Just make sure they stand out, which I think you are doing. Great work!

[AtelierNekozuki]

I like how you've posed your birds in pots, but I agree with WizardatWork; it can be busy and hard to see items at first glance. But if you've chosen to use the aesthetics of Montreal streets (yay, another Canadian!) to show off your work, I think you should stick with that, because it still adds to your already amazing work. :)

Katie =^..^=

[Former_Member]

the reason why they say a plain white background is better is because other backgrounds can distract from your product shots. as a rule i try hard to stick to plain white background but sometimes i have made a choice to use something different but when i do, i try to make sure that its not distracting and draws focus in.

for example right here there are black gloves
http://www.etsy.com/listing/75091437/fingerless-gloves-mitts-black-pure

but i thought that with the model's dark skin that a dark background would help draw the eye IN to the product.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/76846698/luxury-wedding-fingerless-gloves-5-white

but even here i find the background to be too distracting. i am keeping it because i just dont have the time to reshoot this now, but i will at some point, or have the background made plain white later.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/76846028/white-fingerless-gloves-alpaca-2-pairs

[Former_Member]

this is a great shot, but if the background was more plain i think it would be like much much better.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/80996819/fanny-pack-in-sea-foam-green-hand-knit

[Zehland]

I think your photos are amazing. But still, there's something...I don't know what.
I think it's that all the different backgrounds seem a bit distracting when looking at your shop. It would be nice to see a more cohesive look. Using all white backgrounds for the thumbnail can create that, but you might instead try using soft focus backgrounds that are simple and similar in color.

[Former_Member]

I haven't figured out the white backgrounds and I'm easily bored with photographing anyway. I have ended up doing my photoshoots the best I can in my kitchen in pretty much the same spot. I hope I can learn and grow, but right now I'm working with what I have and hoping it will sell! :)

I've checked out your shop and yes, it does have a busy background on the pictures, but I'm the kind of person that is drawn to these kind of photos, and they certainly wouldn't prohibit me from buying.

Sometimes it's all just overwhelming, isn't it??? Decision, decisions.

[Former_Member]

Thanks so much for all of your comments.

Yes, it is definitely overwhelming! But I think I will try a test with 2 similar items, one in a colourful and one in a white background. I will let you know if there's any difference!

Thanks again,
Kerri

[Former_Member]

Just saw your post and gotta say I love your photos. As someone who makes a lot of treasuries, I'm much more likely to feature a product that shows some personality vs one with white background. Given that Etsy has encouraged us to use social networks and promotional tools to advance our sales goals, the type of photos you're taking seem on target.

One small technical suggestion to think about -- it seems your photos have been taken at different times of day. I'm sure this is a tricky issue since you live in a northern climate and probably have a zillion extra details to attend to because you're using live models, but you might consider trying to even out the lighting among your photos so there is even greater consistency. Good luck!

[SleepingKnight]

I think white backgrounds find their way to more treasuries as well. Especially with smaller items.

[Former_Member]

Hi,
I think you just need to keep building on what you are doing well already. You have a fab collection of the products being worn - essential for knitwear. Now add some simple, clear pics, I don't even think white background is necessary but just clear.
I have loads of items with white backgrounds which didn't capture the imagination of Treasurers, then I took a pic with a ring and my hand in a fist and got in 3 treasuries immediately, I think it's because it is emotive and tells a story.

For example I love the little owl, maybe retake the pic with him on that crazy brass tree without the note pad and pop that as the thumb nail - very cute!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/80139827/great-horned-owl-needle-felted-ornament

I'm still learning myself, so hopefully this helps!
Jo

[Former_Member]

I'm pretty sure for me that my products do better photographed sitting on vintage furniture. But then again, my whole store operates on the premise that buyers think my items look like they belong in 1890. So I place them in settings to help that imagery.

Fotofuze is a free website that will let you edit out backgrounds so they are white, or you can use Photoshop. I found both turned out worse for me than just leaving the photos as is.

[Former_Member]

I love your birds in the scenery!

I agree with primalpainter: Try a few with a white background and then gauge if there are any changes.

*Keep in mind I'm still very new*: I took all of my pictures with colored and textured background, but I didn't get many hits. I then spent an entire afternoon retaking many of my pictures with white backgrounds and I have seen a difference in traffic - not huge, but enough. It is painstaking, especially dealing with lighting, but it may be worth it.

Good luck! Your products are beautiful!

[redemptionart]

This discussion has helped me also. I am torn between my Hawaii environment and a plain white background. Now I know I can do one plain white for viewing purposes..duh! That's why I love the etsy family!
Aloha,
Connie

[Former_Member]

Hi Kerri! I Love all kinds of Pictures depending on what is in a shop. Your Pictures are Wonderful and I get a very warm nice feeling inside when I enter your shop. That makes me wanna stay and look around.

I use mostly white backgrounds myself but also pictures with color depending on the product I choose.

[Former_Member]

I really love your photo's. They show your item in everyday environments.
I see you are only in 12 circles. I would advise you to add more circles so you can have more exposure of your items.
I started by adding you to my circle.
Walk in the Sun

Suzanne Marie

[Former_Member]

I don't think that white backgrounds are necessary at all. The big thing is just to use a background that is not distracting, and that makes the product stand out.

You can see if you look at Punqd's pictures that they look AMAZING and the product stands out even though there's not one white background there. =) The backgrounds you use can create a certain "feeling" when a buyer goes into your shop. If your pictures are clear, your product pops, and the lighting is right, then the pictures will look great and treasury makers AND buyers will love it. Check out this pic... it made it to the front page!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73278327/womens-clothing-jacket-maxi-shrug-hooded

Hope this helps! Good luck! =)

[Former_Member]

Thanks so much to everyone for all of your feedback! I really appreciate all of the kind words and advice.

[Former_Member]

I don't think the background has to be white. But to be honest, I can see the difference in your shop photos. The items photographed against a natural wood background, a brick wall, etc.. The item stands out. But the ones taken in front of plants, wooded areas, and lots of details, are more distracting. My eyes were drawn to the items I could see right away.

~Linda

[Former_Member]

I don't think the background needs to be white -- just clean and professional, with good lighting to allow your products to stand out. I took a look at your pictures and in some of them, because of where the camera is focused and the background and various other factors, it's kind of hard to tell what's for sale without reading the description. Whatever background you choose, be sure your items are clearly the focus.