Using Models, or White Backgrounds?

[Former_Member]

I need some advice. I love the crisp look of the white backgrounds, but I also love the look of my jewelry on a model.
I have only done one photo shoot and I know they are not perfect, but a few shots are up in my store, and fill the other four picture slots with the white background photos.
I want your opinions on this topic please! Please be honest, and if there is anything else you see white your in there please let me know. We are all chasing after a wonderful etsy store!
Thanks, Samantha

[delisaboutique]

Hi Samantha - You have lovely creations!
I am not in the same field as you, so my advice is purely from a customer perspective.
I much prefer the clear white backgrounds as the front picture, this would stand out and appeal to me in a search. Perhaps the model pics could go in a different photo slot to suit all preferences.
Good luck! x

[OliCreations]

I think you can use both because both work...you could try, to give some cohesiveness, to take pictures of your models in front of a white background, so that it looks good with the pictures without the models....

[Former_Member]

Hi Sam I agree with Francesca- Its so nice to see your stuff on models so definitely include both in your five shots. If the background of the model is also white then you can mix and match the main shots which makes it interesting but still visually cohesive.

[Former_Member]

Thanks guys, it is good to hear these things. Based on what I am hearing I think a strong picture with a white background is the way to go with the first picture, everyone seems to love it! And I will still keep the pictures with my model in the second and third photos. I think it adds a touch of personal feeling to it. Thank you very much for your advice!

[OliCreations]

Yes when buying necklaces I definitely like to see a picture where it's worn (even just on a mannequin) because it gives me an idea of how it looks worn, where it falls, how long it is etc. It's all useful information!

[Former_Member]

I used to photograph beauty models a few years ago. What I would say is this: showing your products worn by models is important, but then it becomes really important to make sure you use the right model, pose her correctly, and get the right facial expression.

I like the model you are using, but she is working better in some pictures than others.

This is a good one - a mysterious and alluring facial expression:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/110052872/bracelet-glass-purple-beads-silver-metal

This one I'm not sure about:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/108538772/beaded-necklace-with-butterfly-pendant

She still looks pretty in the second image, but the smile distracts the attention a little, and makes the picture feel more like a portrait than a product shot.

If you're not sure about how the model looks in a particular shot (for example you don't like a facial expression but think your necklace looks great), you could try cropping the image so that you can see it's being worn, without the distraction of the face. I see you've done this in a few of your pictures.

I put a treasury together this morning, with some beautifully posed models. Some of them may give you ideas about how to create a mood in your pictures:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTcwMzI4NTV8MjcyNDAwMTk1Ng/second-summer-of-love

I hope this helps!

[Former_Member]

I struggle with the background issue as well; I LOVE outdoor shoots/photos, they are so much more interesting to me. In my case (vintage clothing) they also give a much truer image of the item. However, I see many sellers with just backdrops getting more hits on similar items - I think it likely works and is the preference of most shoppers. It's actually much easier than outdoor shoots are in any case, and I plan to move to doing them all that way, a least for the cover photos. Even though it's not my personal preference, as a seller or a shopper, I have come to the conclusion that it may be best to do all photos with a plain backdrop in your cover photos, as it does look more "catalog-y".

Totally agree with Brian as well. I think models should rarely smile, particularly when looking directly into the camera. It looks more like a portrait or a family shot.

[Former_Member]

Your pictures are excellent to me, love the white crisp look and it makes everything stand out

[Former_Member]

I like your photos. In my case I like both backgrounds.

Good luck! ;D

[Former_Member]

Brian's advice was very good. :)

[Former_Member]

If you use models, be sure to put in your descriptions that your customer will receive a new unworn piece, if they do. I know that the idea of other people wearing your jewelry before you get it doesn't agree with some customers.

[CourtyardCraftsGifts]

I prefer your items on the white or any background. I don't care for any of the modeled photos as I don't feel they feature the jewelry. I find the hair/clothing/wrinkles/model/facial expressions a distraction to your listed items for sale.

I feel that way about most items. To me, the photographs are selling the models rather than the jewelry, clothing, shoes, accessory, etc.

JMHO; Good luck!

[Former_Member]

Brian thank you so much! You went above and beyond for me and I love your input. Using models is definatly harder, especially when they are your little sisters, and you can only pay them in starbucks coffees. :)