Sorry, photo feedback thread.

[Former_Member]

I hate asking these sort of questions as it seems like a 'look at my listing' thread but I've a genuine question.
Sold a print a few months ago and a friend took some pics before it was delivered. I had another look at them yesterday and decided to use them for the listing.
Question: should I bribe/pay/threaten him into taking photos for my other listings?

New Photos:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/86749017/large-guitar-art-print-based-on-a-gibson?

Previously the photos were similar to this listing:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/87116187/large-guitar-print-based-on-a-gibson-les

[Former_Member]

I'm not seeing a big difference between the two. I think your photos look great.

[TOMgirlApparel]

I like the second one better, it is brighter, but they both have a glare. Like you used the flash? Is there a way to take them in indirect sunlight with no flash? Then brighten in a photo editing program.

[Former_Member]

Sunlight? I live in the UK!

Seriously thanks for your opinions. I was erring towards the new set of photos but perhaps it's just getting tired of seeing the same images that's influencing me.

[Former_Member]

Hahahahahahahaha.. (I live in the UK... ). I can relate. Seattle here... Probably wont see the sun again till July!

[TheSortedBead]

i think your photos are good, though i do like the ones your friend did with the exception of the glare/reflections. would it be possible to take the photos matted and framed but no glass for reflection?

[Former_Member]

Yep I agree - the second lot are better but try and get rid of the flash.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the comments. I'll re-do the photos I think, they do look a bit dull to me but I'll bear all your comments in mind.

[Former_Member]

I think the 2nd too, less glare. But I guess it also depends on which one looks more like the original?

[Former_Member]

Take them in overcast natural light, avoid sunlight and flash as you get a nasty glare on them. If I were you I'd pan back from the pictures and do distance shots, I personally find them more appealing then close ups, and also you can't get a good idea of how the item will look in full.

The sofa picture in this listing is good:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/86751134/large-guitar-original-print-based-on-a

Just open up the curtains and take it in natural light. If you don't have a bright/naturally lit room in the house, borrow a friends! Pan out more, maybe have the guitar on the seat of the sofa with the frame above. Play around and think of composition : )

[Former_Member]

Thanks MB, I think a re-shoot is in order, the original one was a bit hurried with some budget frames as I was in a rush to get them listed .I'll make a larger frame and mount up and put aside a day. It's frustrating when you get feedback that the prints are 'so much better than the photos. Need to put more detail shots in too, I think that's what I liked about my friends set.

[Former_Member]

I know you didn't ask, [sorry, I get carried away] but another thing you can do to help boost sales, maybe....do you have a popular/high traffic guitar shop or a music shop nearby? I'd swing by and offer them a framed piece, see if they are in need of any artwork for their walls : )

Anyway, let us know how you get on with the photos, and just remember to take a step back from the frame ; )

[Former_Member]

Did that with a local recording studio with little success but I've just sent one out to a Dutch studio owned by a mate. We've a couple of music shops in Canterbury but they seem to be biased towards beginner (rather than pro/semi pro) where they can buy a guitar for less than one of my prints.