More photography questions..

[Former_Member]

Hi everyone!

So today was the first day in...well...possibly months that the sun really came out and I was so excited to take pics. I like how the larger paintings came out but all the smaller pieces I am just not getting the right shot. I am not sure what I am doing wrong, if you have any suggestions please let me know. I think we are having nice weather again tomorrow so maybe I will just move outside, today I did it near the window and there was a lot of sunlight.
Thank you so much if you take the time to look!

[CarolBradley]

Are all the shots in your shop the new ones?

Which are the ones you aren't sure about?

[Sapucha]

You have amazing paintings! Few suggestions - Maybe instead of setting up he paintings on a piece of fabric in the snow you could hang it on the wall to show what it might look like in a home. You can always add lighting to beef up the shots and use some sort of software to improve spots that need light (GIMP is free). Hang in there. I am always looking for new ways to improve pics in my shop too - I find this challenge somewhat exciting!

[Former_Member]

thanks for the input! Sorry, I should have clarified, the new ones are the first ones for everything but the mirrors. The ones in the snow were the old ones! lol!

[Former_Member]

Erin, I think you are right about putting them up on a wall, I will have to check out lighting for that. Thanks.

[Former_Member]

I personally like the art photos that have walls or backgrounds cropped out (as in just showing the actual art) I have noticed when it comes to editing if I crop it first, then enhance it, it generally worked better. Also, what kind of camara and/or settings are you using? If you can not borrow a better camara from someone, try the different settings on your camara to see what kind of different effects you get. Also, when I take photos of my items, I take 5-10 of each one, and pick the clearest one when I can see them larger on my computer. I just re-did all of my photos today, so I know what you are going through, it's quite the process!

[Former_Member]

Ruthie,
Your pics are awesome! I really love them, they look so professional. I feel like I have a long way to go!

[MyDistinctDesigns]

Ruthie,
Great job on your photos. How did you get the stark white background without washing out the colors. I have struggled with this for 3 months and am still no closer. If you don't mind sharing I would appreciate it.

thanks

[MyDistinctDesigns]

Ruthie,
Great job on your photos. How did you get the stark white background without washing out the colors. I have struggled with this for 3 months and am still no closer. If you don't mind sharing I would appreciate it.

thanks

[MyDistinctDesigns]

and Ruthie- awesome feather pieces!!!!

[Former_Member]

Sherry,
I would say the most important peice of not washing out the color is having a good photo to start with. We did not have a ton of light today in Oregon, but next to an open window I was able to get enough light without a flash. After I upload my photos I crop them first thing (I tend to get dark spots and shawdows in the corners of my photos, and if you crop it first you get rid of those). Most photo editing tools have some sort of "enhance" button, that's my next step. I have found that cropping before enhancing is important. Using the enhancement brightens up the white quite a bit, and then I only have to over expose it a tiny bit to wash out the white. If the photo is too dark to begin with you wont be able to get a bright white without washing out the colors as well.

[Former_Member]

1. I really do like your work... :)
2. The photographs are looking better. As everyone is talking about not having enough sun light, get a small photography light. was looking at one on amazon the other day for like 20.00

3. I dislike the including others works with the pics of the listing. Like on this one....
http://www.etsy.com/listing/91266677/turquoise-and-red-aboriginal-inspired
Oh Bold teal and red painting... 0o and a pink mirror...and a green blue one.... what?

I think one should use up all the photo space....but missing a photo or two is better then filling it with other stuff that isnt what they are buying.

[Former_Member]

I suggest to take the picture in a house setting to show the potential customers how it looks like in a house. it will show the scale too which is important.

Light is in demand. I personally like to shoot in door but I have a lot of light and large window. Good camera is a must equipment to have to start with and when shooting you can use white board to reflect the light this make huge different. good luck. Great paintings.

[Former_Member]

Okay, I did pics again today as we had more sun (something we dont get often!). I did indoor and outdoor and I think my shop looks better now. I am sure I will keep growing and changing the more I learn. Thank you all for your advice!