New here - hello, and help!!!

[Former_Member]

Hi!!! I just joined the team after finding the Handmadeology blog. Very excited to grow my business with the tips there, and I wanted to get your opinions on a question I presented to the Etsy Success Team...

What are your thoughts on my item backgrounds? For shop cohesion I have been using a natural brick background for informal pieces and a dark "vintage-y" vignette for more formal pieces like my bridal clutches. i like the brick but have heard all white or neutral backgrounds search better, especially for treasuries. So after getting some opinions on the other team threads I re-shot a few of my items on a neutral background. I'm not very happy with it for a few reasons, but I wonder what other eyes see when they look at both types of backgrounds. Thanks in advance!

[Meredithbead]

I like this picture
http://www.etsy.com/listing/70720762/shoulder-purse-in-black-and-gray-animal
but EVERY SINGLE other picture is too dark.

It's not a question of background -- it's that you need to photo-shop to bring out the highlights and make your pictures brighter.

[evelynpelati]

You do very nice work! My best advice to you would be to look at product photos that you like, that you feel are well done. Study closely what it is that you like about them and work on creating that kind of style for yourself. If they are using props or textured backgrounds, note how they are done. Good luck to you.
-Evelyn

[Former_Member]

Thank you for your advice! Meredith, I didn't realize that my photos were too dark, thank you for bringing that to my attention. It's good to have other sets of eyes and computer screens checking for these things!