Opinions Wanted

[ChallenCharms]

I don't think my photos have been helping my shop of late and have been trying to amend a few recently (as you may have noticed). I am probably going to take more photos over the weekend, so my question is simply this...do you prefer to see a simple plain background and the object or something a bit more obscure such as nature shots (with the item):confused:

I'd appreciate any feedback or words of wisdom :o

[*onewiseowl*]

i like obscure! but not everyone likes what i do.... i think probably with jewellery you need a background that enhances the piece and certainly doesnt detract from it.

[apooki]

I'm all for obscure too, I think as long as it doesn't detract from your jewellery too much. I've just re-done all my listings and just made sure I included a shot of just the item aswell, if that makes sense! :)

[lulufroufrou]

Argh Photos - they are so hard if your not a photographer. I have so much stuff "waiting" to be photographed.

I really like this one of yours http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=24801 Its diplays the braclet so nicely. I much prefer photos that a little different and always seem to check out the different ones first when I'm "shopping".
I had noticed that you were adding action shots :) I try to add one on a plain background as well just incase people want to see just the item but I'm struggling to get the "perfect" photos. Its hard when you have 2 year old running about let alone dare try to get her be a model. She bolts away even at the idea that I want a photo now :)
I found that picnik.com can help with a little cleaning up of the photos but sometimes you just want to take the photo and load asap

[LoveBird]

Photos can be so hard. I often try to get my clothes on a model when possible (they're not always willing!), because the flat shots don't really do them justice. Jewellery is different though.

I really like this one http://www.madeit.com.au/detail.asp?id=21353

Cool idea - still quirky, but the background isn't distracting.

[Chicken Ink. Creative]

OK photos can be the make or break of your item. I just joined the local photographic society and my husband bought me a Nikon D90 for my 30th birthday..... I am new to photography but this is what I know so far.....

FIRST: EQUPIMENT
If you can, invest in a good camera - more than a happy snappy camera. A digital SLR takes significantly better photos and as you learn to use it, you will find that the investment is worth it if you plan to do this on an ongoing basis. (Try Harvey Norman's interest free/monthly repayment/no down payment scheme. If you are clever and smart with money, it becomes like lay-by at home). Learn to use the camera properly. This will take time but you will be amazed what you pick up quickly. You will ALWAYS get a clearer shot if you use a tripod.

THEN: SOFTWARE
Forget expensive programs like Photoshop if you don't already have it. Lulu FrouFrou put me onto this AWESOME FREE online photo editing program - picnik.com. I use it daily and have never looked back. It is amazing what you can do to improve your shot (without changing things so much that the shot is no longer accurate). EVERYONE GO CHECK IT OUT NOW!!!!!

FOLLOWED BY: LIGHTING
Outside on an overcast day is always best if you can. Even if you might be shooting onto a background close up, do it outside as natural light can't be beat!

CONSIDER: POSITION AND FRAMING
This is where you question lies; and I agree with Lulu FrouFrou about her comment above - that is an interesting shot, shows the product well, has good lighting and interesting background. The rule is always that the product must be the centre of attention; the item must draw your focus, but it helps to be on an interesting background or situation as it gets attention. You can always take an interesting 'ín situ' shot and accompany it with another shot that has it on a plain background for clear inspection.
Also.... the rule of thirds, "The Golden Ratio" suggestions that if you imagine your photo is divided into a grid by 2 lines evenly spaced both horizontally and vertically, the 4 places where the lines intersect are the most interesting place to put interest points in a photo. Google 'Golden Ratio' for more info.

KEEP TRYING
Of course, if you are not happy, keep playing around until you get it right and seek feedback - which you have done! Perhaps when you hit on the winning formula, you can give your shop unity by shooting all items with the same style.

Good luck!

[Narelle]

That's funny you say that Rachael because I've been looking at your photo's & they've been inspiring me to try & capture objects with a little background, so you're obviously doing something right. ;)

I love seeing photo's with objects in them or little set-ups, I think it makes the photo interesting, of course as long as it doesn't distract from the item.

I've tried doing shots like that myself but really suck at it. So I keep mine rather clean & clinical.

Photo shoots are so time consuming!

[ChallenCharms]

Thanks everyone, especially Chicken Ink. Creative. I really appreciate the feedback and knowing others have difficulty with it too.

[shelle]

Nice camera Chicken Ink!! Nikon D90 (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/NikonD90) very nice camera!!! wish I had a husband to buy me a G11 (http://www.dpreview.com/news/0908/09081908canong11.asp?from=rss) I'm saving for it it's going to take me quite a few months but worth the wait :)

I like simple backgrounds I use a white sheet of paper and take my shots indoors close to a window. I do find that photos make a difference when selling an item. I sell a lot on ebay and the photos make a huge difference. When I photograph my flowers I need full sun to get the best results overcast or glary days drive me crazy they're extremely hard to photograph. I love this website (http://www.dpreview.com/) it's excellent for finding a great camera with full camera reviews and a learning section to help you understand the camera system. If you're ever in Melbourne Michaels (http://www.michaels.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=105&Itemid=56) do great courses.

I just looked at picnik (http://www.picnik.com/) great free website I use iPhoto or Photoshop. I use an IXUS (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/CanonSD700IS/page2.asp) for all my closeup shots I can't get the same results with an SLR the IXUS has an amazing macro feature which is just brilliant!!! I can get 2cm away from an object which is perfect!!! I take my indoor shots in manual mode no flash ISO800 Long Shutter 1" Exposure 0 Macro on. No tripod required the IXUS has a great system called IS Image Stabiliser so if you shake no problems!! It also has a great focus system by pressing the shutter half way lights & sounds indicate whether your object is in focus. Take a look at the review on the IXUS link above it helps to understand everything. If you have any questions please email (http://www.blogger.com/profile/14513914921685666478) I'm happy to help.

Hope it all helps?

[LillipilliLane]

I love the one you just posted of your first christmas gift (did you do that one). Great depth of field suited to the object, simple background - yet interesting without detracting from your main point of focus - the ring. Great colours, composition and scale. All contribute to giving this picture feeling- a lovely peaceful pretty shot. Hve fun...:)

[ChallenCharms]

I did Keryn, thank you for the nice comment :)

[ChallenCharms]

Thanks for the support Michelle. I told my husband I want a new camera, preferably an SLR (have been wanting one for a while) over the weekend. He told me to save up, lol. It's on my wish list along with a MAC laptop. Something tells me it'll be a while till I get either of them. Will have to make do with my Olympus 8.0 megapixel camera for the moment and the macro function.

I like the idea of taking photos near a window. Might try that one ;)

[shelle]

Hi again Rachael,

I thought you might like my blog post Artwork (http://michelleartphotography.blogspot.com/2009/09/more-20yr-old-artwork.html) I just added some photos I took with my Pentax SLR in 1991-93.

[MichArtPhoto]

Just thought this link might be good for Chicken Ink with your new Nikon D90. If you or your husband have an iPhone there's a new Nikon application to teach you how to take great shots.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0910/09102901nikoniphoneapp.asp