Former_Member
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Shop critique!

I'm definitely green when it comes to setting up a shop that really draws people in... any tips, pointers, things I can improve on, etc? :)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/aerialmelodies
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EclecticPrairie
Inspiration Seeker

Re: Shop critique!

Looks pretty good, but I found myself wanting the "main" picture to be completely in focus and almost a straight-down kind of thing, rather than a slanted view. Look at the shop of Lorelei Eurto, lorelei1141 (including the sold section). She's very successful, her pieces are similar to yours, and her photography style is similar to yours. One thing I LOVE about her shop is that she almost always shows the piece being worn (usually by herself; I guess she uses a timer on her camera). Some of her pieces I've felt kind of leukwarm about until I saw the picture of her wearing it, and then I thought "wow!" Even if you have to get a mannequin, or use a neighbor, I think it's something worth doing. I also know that she does most of her photography in the early morning light; I've heard early evening light is good too. I think that's a contributing factor to how good her pictures look.

Your closeups are good, but I'd say that EVERYTHING in the shot should be in focus. I know photography is a challenge; I'm struggling with it myself and I haven't even opened my shop yet. Your descriptions and measurements are also good.

Overall, I think you're doing excellent for a newbie. I hope to be able to do as well.
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Former_Member
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Re: Shop critique!

Thanks! My only concern about having someone actually model something is that some people frown on "worn" - even for a minute - jewelry. Especially so with earrings, though I've heard complaints about necklaces as well. I was thinking of trying to find a mannequin for the earrings, though. :)

Thanks again for the pointers!
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Re: Shop critique!

I think your necklaces are nice on the display, but I think it would be better if your background was a little less busy. As far as the earrings, I'm just wondering if the coloring is accurate. The paper you have it laying on looks orange. I like the hanging ones better, but it might look better with a more neutral color instead of the green.
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Former_Member
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Re: Shop critique!

I think we have sunshine on the radar for tomorrow, so I will take my haul outdoors to get some new shots I think. :) It's hard when you work a full time job - I'm an art student so I do relish natural sun if I can do it. Thanks for the advice!
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Former_Member
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Re: Shop critique!

I agree Aerial about the other advise. I like to see other backgrounds as well. As soon as I saw that you had a lot of your pictures with the printed background (book?) I was ready to move on. I like to see the earings on someone or dangling from something as long as the background isn't competing with your product or design. Too much background can easily turn people away. The morning outside shots should do you some justice. I look forward to seeing them. Have fun!
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Former_Member
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Re: Shop critique!

Yeah, I've been debating with the worn or not worn jewelry problem.

Personally, I prefer to buy jewelry that is just being displayed as is, not worn by anyone. So I've been sticking to that for my shop.

Is the consensus that jewelry should be modeled anyway?
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Former_Member
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Re: Shop critique!

Part of it for me is that I have stretched ears so I know what's going on inside those lobes even if you've showered a thousand times over. ;) I don't mind it so much myself because I know I can easily clean anything that I feel is at all suspect, but of course the world at large isn't going to want to sanitize something because of a photo. They'll just pass on by. :\ I'm a little torn, but think a fake model would be a good option instead now or a nice vase to hang the earrings from.
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Re: Shop critique!

That seems to be a toss up on modeling the jewelry. I personally don't think the earrings should be modeled, because many people might not want something that has already been worn. The necklaces and bracelets I would think would be fine if they are modeled. Just use your best judgement I guess.
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Former_Member
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Re: Shop critique!

I just want to say I love your writing/storytelling. I agree with the need for some devoted photo time and attention to the lighting and focus in particular. I would also suggest experimenting with some different backgrounds to give a little more variety to your look and feel.

As far as model vs no model, I'm having the same dilemma but haven't gotten any comments or feedback from customers themselves.
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EclecticPrairie
Inspiration Seeker

Re: Shop critique!

I can see where people would have reservations about buying earrings that have been worn. The reason I like to see those pictures, though, is because then it gives me an accurate idea of how they would look on me, and how long they are. I think a life-sized mannequin would be just as good.
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Former_Member
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Re: Shop critique!

Thanks, all! Definitely looking into the photo thing tomorrow morning. :)
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Former_Member
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Re: Shop critique!

I'm also very green myself...Could any of you offer me any tips for my shop? On my avatar, banner and photos?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/everafterandforever

Any advice would be MUCH appreciated...

Thank you all so much! :)
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Former_Member
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Re: Shop critique!

I wanted to give a big huge thank you to everyone's input! Took new photos and I LOVE how the natural lighting turned out. Thanks again, everyone! You all rock. :)
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