Photography help

[daisyeyeshandmade]

I am working on trying to make my listing photos a big more cohesive. I sell a variety if different items, from banners to embroidered hoop wall art. I don't know if I want to just go all white backdrops or if I can do a mis of a couple of backgrounds. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[Former_Member]

Hi Aimee, I would love to give you some suggestions! First of all, I like your banner. Curious- did you design it or someone else. You have some fun and cute things in your shop. I think it's fine to have different backgrounds, but just make sure they go together and form a cohesive look. I reccomend limiting it to about 1-3 backgrounds for your size shop. Out of all your photography, I liked the ones on the peeling wood best. Perhaps try more of that? You could do photos on other vintagy wood as well, and try diff. colors too. I would try framing your typography birth announcement and photographing it in a frame. In the second row of your shop you have some embroidered items. I would try photgraphing those items on a similar background zoomed a little out. I think that would help. I reccomend using natural light for your photos as well. Also- one more bit- your shop announcement- I would word it a little differently. It may put customers off, it kind of sounds like you're not putting the customer first and you'll serve them, but on your time. I think just changing the wording would help be more customer- friendly. Hope that wasn't too much and is helpful!

[BeaconMills]

Simplify! That's the easiest way to put it. I am a little put-off by the mix of dark grass or rock backgrounds in with the light colored backgrounds.

Your use of the peeling white(ish) wall is probably your best (I agree with Kristen). It's interesting enough but, not too distracting from the products. Also, it reveals them well.

I'd be careful however, when shooting that wall (or anywhere else) in direct sun or shadow spotted conditions. I'm not saying not to do it, just be careful of having too much contrast between light and dark. Try shooting on it when its cloudy or overcast or completely shaded. Then make sure your camera is set for those conditions. Or you may need to warm up the color just a bit.

[MitchMcfarlanePhotos]

Keep it simple so you have only one or two backgrounds you always use. I like the white painted background the best.

You need plain backgrounds to avoid them being distracting to the item you are photographing.

Photograph on a overcast (but not dark) day to avoid dark shadows and contrasts. Don't use a flash as it messes with the colours.

Hope this helps a bit.

[Former_Member]

http://www.etsy.com/listing/122948848/superhero-birthday-backdropstars-and?ref=shop_home_active
I, personally, like this background the best. Without reading what the others have said, make sure it's a tad brighter. You don't want it to be in the direct sun, that creates too much shadowing. I would put all your items on this background too. Some of them would look nice if you hung a string across, then used a clothespin to hold the item on the string.

Taking pictures of banners can be difficult, I know for experience. Most of mine are 5 feet long and it's hard to get the entire banner in the photo without looking small and without shadows. Normally, the shadow castes is from me trying to get close for the picture. It takes time.

Practice with different things. You'll eventually find what you like.
Have fun!

[PICFiberArts]

I really like the white background also. Some of the other photos you can definitely crop in a little more. Like the boys in the cape. The others are a little distracting for me. Cute shop though!

[daisyeyeshandmade]

thanks everyone for all the help!!!
I so appreciate the honest feedback.
I do like the white painted wood the best, unfortunately that is the one side of our house that is about to get painted so I'm losing my backdrop :(

[daisyeyeshandmade]

Kristin, I just had all my banners and web stuff redone by Anne of Renovation Alley on etsy. I think she did a great job!

[Former_Member]

Cool, it looks nice :)