Real photos vs. digital files...

[Former_Member]

Which would be more likely to catch your attention?

As I hunt around to learn more about what other shops in my "niche" are doing to be successful, I am wondering how I should present my listings. I have run across plenty of shops who embellish t-shirts and onesies and to be more cost effective they upload photos of their (digital) designs -- like illustrations. These shops have been plenty successful! But, then again, I am wondering if real photos of completed products would be best and attract more views.

any thoughts? Would you be more likely to check out something that is a photograph or would you still find yourself looking at a file image? I have both on my site (more files than photos though.)

Because what I do is so custom, I am just not sure how i would get a picture of an already made product unless I give it away or trash it. hm...

[GreenOrchidDS]

I think having the 2 mixed is very effective way of showing your items....don't over think that part of it. In fact the way you have it is more eye appealing then all one way or the other.

[Former_Member]

Honestly, models catch my attention most. When they are just laying down, I won't really be able to tell if it is digital or not.

I think having a mix of the two is a good idea too, if for anything, experimental purposes. See which are getting the most views after a month, weigh in the variables, and the make the decision.

I would still suggest getting some cute kiddies to model off the shirts though.

[Former_Member]

Like what the other sellers already mentioned, a mix of the two would be fine. Having finished items listed will allow your customers to gauge the quality of your work and having digital designs will allow you to list more items without breaking the bank.

[studionubbo]

I'm the same with my prints. I'm going to do some photos this week to show the quality of the actual print and also a photo of my gift wrapping. I think it's good to mix it up!

[Former_Member]

I like that you have the two mixed together, but I REALLY like when the clothes are on a model-they seem so much more than just clothes than. For example:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/75230692/flower-girl-tutu-skirt-sized-6-8-girls?ref=sr_gallery_14&sref=&...
verses
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76554337/little-girls-fushia-and-lime-tutu-skirt?ref=sr_gallery_23&sref=...
If you don't feel comfortable taking the pictures yourself (or don't have access to children/adults to model for you) than ask a local photograher or a local college that teaches photography if you could work something out with them. A local college may be able to hook you up with a student that would work free/low cost so they can use the photos for their portfolio.

[WoolWench]

I think its nice to have both - the printed tee so I can see the placement of the print on it, the digital so I can have a good close up look at the details of the actual print - and I have to agree with the others - would be great to see the item modelled too!

I think just listing a digital image - well it gives me the idea that you dont actually have a teeshirt printed already and are trying to save costs by not having stock. If it works for other shops though, then who am I to say! Go with what you think is right, and see if it works :)

[Former_Member]

Thank you SO much everyone! I really appreciate you taking the time to give your opinion! You all make some excellent points -- I never thought about contacting people trying to build their photography portfolio. Brilliant! : ) thanks again!