Shop Makeover OR Does Etsy have a 'HOUSE STYLE'?

[CariJaneHakesJewelry]

Posting this up in the hope that it helps some people out with photography and general shop appearance.

I got an email from a fellow Etsyian telling me I should take better photos of my products. I thought my photos were good - but she was right - and she confirmed some concerns I had lurking in the back of me mind. She gave me a much needed KICK to start sorting my shop out!!

It is still work in progress.

I hope it helps.
http://hybridhandmade.blogspot.com/2011/05/does-etsy-have-house-style.html

[Former_Member]

i read this link and it makes a good point!

[Former_Member]

I just read your blog! I have a photo problem too! I just keep trying to improve all the time but I must admit even though I have used photography as basicly my main tool in my artwork textiles I am not skilled with my camera technically and while trying to photograph my work my head is often melted trying to make it look right they are too dark its a nightmare. Good luck with sorting it out!

[CariJaneHakesJewelry]

Escargot - thank you for taking the time to read the post - I hope it was helpful.

Mariposavintage - well, as you can see, for me it has taken a year of fiddling around. I have a very basic camera but do edit the photos on my mac with the package that comes with iphoto - that and tons of natural light - although I should imagine it is a different matter altogether for art work. Have you tried scanning your images?

[Former_Member]

I am going to let you in on some really cheap tricks to good photos.
Make a box. As a buyer I want handmade, but I don't want to see dirty laundery in the background. We've all seen those pics. I also don't want to see yellowed out, dark or blurry pics. I am shopping with my eyes.
.
You don't have to be a photographer to take great product pics.

*Get a card board box that is right for the size of your items. Remove the top flaps and one side.

*Choose your background. You can use poster board, wall or contact pape., You can also use gift wrapping paper or fabric. Cover the inside of your box with it.

*Take your photos outside in natural light. The best time is on overcast days because you don't get harsh shadows. I prefer to shoot between 12 and 1:30 pm when the sun is over head.

* Take many photos. You have a better chance of getting that perfect "IN FOCUS" shot.

* If your camera has a manual scene selection tool try different settings. If you are shooting a white or light background use the snow setting.

* Finally crop and adjust the contrast for the best results.

It is really that simple. If you don't have a specific place like a deck, balcony etc. plan a day to take your items to the park. You will also generate curiosity and possibly get some sales!

It is always better to have a high megapixel camera. If you can't afford to run out and get one, try HSN (Home Shopping Network) they have flex pay. It is like layaway except you get to have the item when you make the first payment. Then you just make a payment each month.

I hope this was helpful. If you have questions feel free to ask;)

[Former_Member]

Thank-you so much Hybridhandmade,

Now I realize my photos have too many props so people can't really see the piece. Back to the drawing board.

[Former_Member]

thank you for the blog post link, some great ideas shared!

[CariJaneHakesJewelry]

Great photo tricks from fbessetials! The white box method is a GOOD one and works really well with small items - that is pretty much everything on Etsy! I agree - you want to focus on the product not the wooden floor or the duvet it's photographed on!

And yes GwynndasGems I was totally guilty of too many props. When I first started out on Etsy I saw some lovely photos that sellers had done with vintage cotton reels and little flowers. I was trying to re-create that feel but I think it just swamped the jewellery. Less is More, as they say.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for sharing the blog post. You make very good points.

At this point, my shop still looks a lot more like your "before" picture than an "after" shot. But I am still learning.

I do believe Etsy has a "photography uniform" it wants to subconsciously instill in sellers. Kind of like a Hipster Chic look.

I'm trying to fight it, but I am not clearly not winning here :P

[Former_Member]

Great make-over, and I love the last paragraph of the blog entry -- great sensory images.

[CariJaneHakesJewelry]

Oh BellaSublime - I love the look of your photos! It's all so bright and juicy! I agree, there is a certain Etsy 'vibe' - but I'm sure its more of a collective vibe that feeds from everyone. That said, I'm sure we all emulate the looks that we see on the Front Page.
WormeWoole - thank you for taking the time to look at the post! I love the fact that we are all these little 'shopkeepers', we are all working in our studios / kitchen tables and would probably like nothing more than to meet our customers in person, let them try on a couple of things and have a chat over a cup of tea!

[Former_Member]

This was a great post.
I have been busy revamping my shop for the last month. Slowly adding a couple items with better pictures everyday.
The result have been an amazing change of a crowded, "yellowy", and random shop TO A "clean", "white", and coherent Etsy Shop.
It's a never ending process...I"m not saying I"m finished! :)