Friday, March 27, 2009

Experimenting....

......with some of my photo shots.
I usually set them up against a white background, but in the last few days I have done some experimenting with angles and poses etc...
So, usually I use this kind of photo as the main image (and I still have on my website)
...but for Etsy (which seems to be a little more arty) I decided to do something a little different.
This photo took me ages to get right. I was standing in front of a mirror trying to get the image sharp whilst trying to keep my other arm and the camera out of shot......It was not fun! It's a difficult thing to do - trying to keep the camera steady with one hand...And another....
Once again, this took ages.....
Where's my model when I need him?
As a matter of interest which photos do you like the best?
I would love to know, then I wouldn't have to stand in front of a mirror in such an awkward pose wondering if it was worth the effort.....
Kathryn. XX

25 comments:

Fee said...

Hi Kathryn,

Gorgeous clutch bag - I like the white background shots best - It clearly shows the item

Anonymous said...

Lovely bags. I like the modelled shots best just as a photo, but the white background shots are best to show off the bags. If I'm buying something online I really like to see detail, and the white background ones do that well. The modelled shots give a better sense of scale though. I think you might need to do both!

rachelmp said...

I'm with Lara. I think the white shots look clear and crisp and show the detail of what you are selling. I like the final photo too, but I would use that style more in a header or side panel style shot to give a more casual feel to the items. Hope it helps!

sandra said...

I think the details show up equally in both. So if the dark background is a lot of messing about, stick with the white background.

A Bite of Country Cupcakes said...

I like the last shot!
Very ohhh la-la
But your items you make would look good on a dogs back!

Sew Useful Designs said...

Hi Kathryn! I particularly like the last pic, and I think the great thing about using yourself (or anyone else) as a model is that it gives the bag scale. Also, a great contrast with the dark background as it gives interest with light and shade. The white backgrounds are equally as nice though... especially if you are selling the finished product and not the actual design. Not that i'm an expert! They are beautiful bags and beautifully made too! Very chic! Vikki :-)

marie said...

All the photos look great ~ but I prefer the ones where you are holding the bag. It's a nice perspective on the size of the bag.

Love the pink bag!

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

Hi Kathryn,
Very clear, sharp and proffessional looking photos - where's Master 8 when you need him? LOL.
I actually like both styles. Nice to see the bag in use and in scale but the bag really stands out against the white background. Okay, that hasn't really helped - has it? Sorry. Love the bag by the way.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

Hen said...

As you can have 5 images on Etsy, both would be good. Given that the main image is very small when it's in that massive list of everyone's bags, it makes sense to just have a big image of the bag close up. But it's a good idea to have the photo of you with the bag too; I've actually had people request this sort of photo so they can see the scale of the bag, ie. how big it is. I usually shy away from taking them because as you can say, it's pretty darned difficult trying to photograph yourself!
Hen x

karen said...

Hiya
I'm with hen house on this one if your allowed more than one photo then why not use them.
The white background show's off the shape and detail very well and the one with the model give's an idea of size.
Perhaps you should employ your little model full time I'm sure the pink bag will really suit him hehehe

Mrs Jelly said...

It's hard isn't it thinking of imaginative ways to photograph something. I like the one of you holding it straight because you get a really good sense of scale. That's what I struggle with, making sure people know how big/small something is.
If I were to photograph ME holding a bag, I would have to do some serious stomach-breathing-in and butt-clenching!

LoloDesigns said...

I love the pictures with you holding the bag, always prefer it when I can see items 'in situ' as it were makes the size better to visualise. Oh and the bag is absolutely stunning xx

Holly said...

I like both! You can upload multiple photos on etsy so you should definitely include both types! The one on the white background is crisp and clean, whereas the one with you holding it gives a great indication of the size - and from a sales point it's always great to have the customer visualising themselves holding/using the product. Since you can't actually put the product in their hands, this is the next best thing!

~Holly

http://twocheeseplease.livejournal.com

Kate said...

I think they are all great photos!

Unknown said...

That pink bag is scrumptious! I love it! SEW pretty! I love the bling! I'm with Kate, I think they are all great photos, too! :)

pams pretty designs said...

Gorgeous bags,very pretty.I think if you can carry on taking the photos of yourself,or get your little man to model,you should have both sets of photos.Love the white background but also nice to see it being held,people can then picture themselves with it and how it would look,Pamx

SG said...

They are beautiful! I like them both, you did a great job modeling!

Anonymous said...

Lovely clutch. Love the pink one especially. Nice job.

The Pink Poodle said...

hi kathryn....gorgeous bags..

I prefer an item against a pale background..less distracting and focuses on THAT object...
but if for etsy you want to be more "arty"..then the LAST one is the go in my opinion..

hope this helps..
xx andrea

Kelly Casanova said...

I definately agree Etsy is more "arty", so the "real" background is appropriate.
The white background looks more classic which seems to be well suited to your website.

silverpebble said...

Just beautiful - such lovely vintage-style. Your new style photos are great! Not sure your model would have been keen...hehe!

OhSoVintage said...

I like the bags photographed against the white background best. Pretty bags.

Anonymous said...

I like both types of 'shots'. Although white is great for picking up detail, I like 'action' shots of how they can be used. Do you have a camera tripod? If not invest in one, you can get great ones from Big W or Kmart for under $40 & then use the timer delay on your camera. I have really started noticing a huge difference when I use the tripod, no shaky shots & you can recall the shot without moving the camera to much for the next shot.
~S~ xxx

NoƩmia said...

Uaaaauuuuuu! They are lovely!
I like more the second photo.

shabby*vintage*dreams said...

OMG!!!!!!! those bags are stunning!! GEEZ your a clever little chickie!!!
LOVE em!!
mands