Quicky question (photo comparison)

[clockworkfantastica]

Aloha!
Etsy Success team mates, I have a photo comparison question for you. I made a duplicate listing using two slightly different sorts of photos for the same product. Care to tell me which ones you think sell it better?

Any extra advice you can't resist giving is welcome too! So are your comparison photos if you have any in your shop. (or your product description comparisons etc.)

Here are mine
https://www.etsy.com/listing/120286777/unicorn-tiny-music-box-locket-somewhere

https://www.etsy.com/listing/120608537/unicorn-tiny-music-box-locket-somewhere

[Former_Member]

Personally I prefer the one without your fingers in it, but I would like to see them on a less distracting background. I think that I would use the first listing though as your thumbnail because it shows what the item actually is.

[clockworkfantastica]

Got it you prefer
- least distracting background
-clearest image of the front of the item

Thank you ma'am!

The idea of showing what the item actually is is a bit of a struggle for me. It's a pendant, but it's also a mini music box. Hard to know which aspect to make people aware of first.

[Former_Member]

I prefer the second image and I like the background you used in it. Even though it's a little bit distracting as Angie Hettinger stated in her post above but I find it matching. If you're thinking of adding another image for the item, you can add the cover of the locket like in the first image but without your fingers.

[clockworkfantastica]

Thanks Artisa. Yeah the rest of the photos in those listings show the interior, reverse side, etc.

[clockworkfantastica]

Okay, I'm getting the impression that using my fingers in the photo (intended to demonstrate the tiny size) is a big no-no for folks?

[AphenaJewelry]

As an old Unicorn collector (goodness, haven't gotten anything new in years) I would love to see the Unicorn in the main pic. That would draw me in.

[StuckOnSilver]

I think the picture with the unicorn front is best. Hate to be a contrarian!! But maybe with a less distracting background.

[clockworkfantastica]

Cheri from CherisJewelryBox says:

As an old Unicorn collector (goodness, haven't gotten anything new in years) I would love to see the Unicorn in the main pic. That would draw me in.
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Oh I love you already! You know, I stopped collecting in my teens, but recently have allowed a couple of vintage unicorns into my house again, and into my products.

[clockworkfantastica]

Bev from StuckOnSilver says :

I think the picture with the unicorn front is best. Hate to be a contrarian!! But maybe with a less distracting background.
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Thank you! The more people saying the same thing, the more it gets through to me that it's good sense.

[AphenaJewelry]

Ola I went a bit beyond my teens with it but then I don't know. It just kind of faded. My kids would occasionally buy me something knowing my love of unicorns but that was about it.

Looking at your listing I'm thinking it may be ok to let one back in - or two. :-)

They just have such a beauty to them.

[AphenaJewelry]

I need to actually go search Etsy - once upon a time I had a beautiful porcelain unicorn (I forget who made it! :-( ) and it got broken in a move to Germany. That is one piece I would love to find again. Off to play with unicorns.

[clockworkfantastica]

Cheri, this is the one I found here on Etsy a few months ago https://www.etsy.com/transaction/102415051
(which now hangs in a place of honour in my bedroom) and I found a great 80's unicorn print at a local yard sale.

Yay unicorns :-)

[CCreativeVisions]

I think the picture without your finger is better, brighter, crisper. The background does not bother me so much but since your title is unicorn tiny music box. I think the first picture should be of the unicorn.

[JudyStalus]

I like them both and am glad to see the lovely backgrounds, I am really tired of the stark white look.
What would be great is if you could make a little montage for the first photo showing both the front and the interior of the locket. I think they are both drawing points.
Its a lovely locket but the interior mechanics make it very special.
I don't mind your fingers at all, they actually help in showing size.

[Former_Member]

I like both photos. I think the photo you use should be the one that would appeal to the type of person you are trying to sell it to.
If you are targeting those who love unicorns/fantasy/cute things, use the photo with the unicorn showing.
If you are targeting a buyer who is into steampunk jewelry, use the photo that shows all the tiny parts and gizmos.
Best of luck!

[hazelgibbs]

I prefer the first one as it seems to give a clearer shot of the pendant.

[PiecesOfMePaperCraft]

I prefer the first photo because it shows the unicorn. The fingers don't bother me but the background is a little busy. I'm not sure if you created your own sheet music or not, but there is a way to lighten it up. I used sheet music as a background for my jewelry shop. I found printable music online and lightened it up in Photoshop before printing it. Instead of being bold black & white it's more of a light gray & white. It kept the focus on my jewelry. Another thing you can do if others don't like your fingers is to photograph it in the palm of your hand. It still shows size without showing your fingers as much.

[DontPanicDesign]

I prefer the second. I think it more engaging; I would click on it to see the rest of the photos. And I did.

[Former_Member]

I think I prefer the second picture. It shows that it's more than just a locket (way awesome!). However, I, too, would like to see both on a less distracting background. My advice is to start with white and build from there. In my opinion, white lets your items speak for themselves. They have lots to say!

[Former_Member]

I think you have to decide which feature (unicorn or music box) you want the first picture to showcase. If you use plain backgrounds, you can always try picmonkey.com to create collages (it's free).

Edit- my personal opinion is that the music box aspect is way more unique and intriguing than whatever is on the front of the locket.

[Former_Member]

I like the black and white better. I don't even mind that someone is holding it. It helps me determine the size of the pendant.

I noticed in your shop that some items was on white, which is what most people seem to prefer. However I don't think that there should be a one size fits all philosphy when it comes to how your photo are taken.

Good luck and much success!