Photographing items
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Using Photos on Etsy
Dyno http://dyno.etsy.com 11/18/06
this brief guide gives info on the use, sizes and cropping of images on Etsy:
download the PDF right-click (PC) or control-click (Mac)
***see also Photos for more tips***
Learning Your Camera Settings
Mrs.Dragon http://mrsdragon.etsy.com 02/13/07
- White Balance--this setting allows you to take a picture of something that you know to be white (like a sheet of paper) and your camera will adjust until it is "true" white. This is useful if your photos look too yellow and is especially important for sellers with white/light products (for example greeting cards.)
- Macro--this setting helps your camera focus on small details within your image and is usually represented with a small flower image. This is helpful if you are photographing small items or trying to take detailed close-up shots.
- Exposure--this setting allows you to control the exposure time of the picture. This is useful if your photos are extremely washed out (too much exposure) or dull (too little exposure). The range on most cameras is -2 to 2 and is usually set to 0 by default.
- This image shows the difference your exposure setting can make: http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=389111424&size=l
- Self Timer--this setting allows you to push the button and have the picture actually be taken a specific time increment later (on my camera, a Nikon CoolPix 3200, it's 10 seconds). This can be useful for taking pictures of yourself modeling an item or to help you take less blurry pictures if pushing the button causes your camera to shake.
- Color Options--my camera (a Nikon CoolPix 3200) has a setting called "color options" where you can change from regular to black and white or sepia shots. Which is all great, but the hidden gem there is an option called "Vivid". This setting helps all of the colors pop more--especially reds which are notoriously difficult to photograph. This is very useful if your colors seem "drab" or "off" for no real reason.
Color Correcting Photos with PhotoShop
Dyno http://dyno.etsy.com 01/15/07
This PDF gives step-by-step for basic color adjustments in PhotoShop. It covers things like changing the color cast of a whole image, changing the color of part of an image, improving image contrast. I put it together really quickly, so it's not pretty but it should get you started:
download the PDF right-click (PC) or control-click (Mac)
Lighten Dark Photos with Fireworks MX
tinybirdarts http://tinybirdarts.etsy.com 11/02/08
A common problem in taking photos indoors is that the item may appear too dark to really see all of the details, despite what the picture looks like in your cameras view screen. This tutorial shows a few simple basics you can use to make the picture look great using Fireworks MX.
Tutorial Link
A PhotoShop Template for Image Listings
Dyno http://dyno.etsy.com 01/15/07
This is just an electronic template for creating photos in your store listings. it shows what a photo will look like when cropped for the feature/gallery size. It is set up in a square format so the entire image will appear at thumbnail size. It also has some basic color correcting and contrast improvement options. For those who use PhotoShop but don't know the program well it can be a quicker way to improve images and preview how they'll look when posted. :
download the .zip archive containing the template and PDF instructions
right-click (PC) or control-click (Mac)
Helpful Advice for layout
staceyrebecca http://staceyrebecca.etsy.com
Think about marketing your product. These photographs aren't merely a way to show all angles of your item. It's a way to entice and entertain your potential buyers.
Before you start, it might be helpful to go through various magazines and catalogs you're drawn to. What do those magazines have in common? What do their photographs have in common? In our home the JC Penny's catalog gets thrown out, but Pottery Barn Kids tends to float around for weeks. The reason? "Oh honey, I want to keep it for inspiration." That inspiration can eventually lead to sales.
There are a myriad of websites out there for tips about product photography and they're very helpful! Become familiar with your camera and the macro button.
My favorite is helpful website is: Table Top Studio it gives general product photography tips. If you want more specific tips for things like jewelery or floral, see here
This is how you are presenting your business and your product. Serve your product and yourself well with inspiring, clear photography.
Photographing bags, purses, and other items with compartments
Buyers have often mentioned that they would like to see as many angles as possible of a bag, especially the inside as well. For me it works best to first have quite a close up shot of an interesting detail, but still clearly showing what kind of an item it is. For the other pictures you could take a shot of the whole bag, some more detail shots (eg the back) and perhaps even one of the bag being worn. This gives a potential buyer a good feeling for how big the bag is.
Photographing small items
Good macro shots are a must. Etsy sellers have come up with all kinds of different backgrounds, but it is important not to overload a picture, keep the background simple so the jewelry or other small item can stand out. When considering what type of setup you will use to display your pieces, think about who your target consumer is, and what you want your item to convey. Is the jewelry fun and playful? Perhaps brightly colored backgrounds would get a better reaction than a sterile white background. If, on the other hand, the piece is classy, intended for an evening out, a very professional looking display may be the best route to take. Concerning earrings it is important to keep in mind that some people like to see them photographed being worn, but you have to consider hygiene. An option would be, if you sell more than one of a similar item, to photograph a pair which you keep being worn and take some macro shots of the actual item. Whatever you photograph an item with, always mention what the buyer will get!
Links to On-line Resources
- Incredible collection of Etsy Forum threads on photography
- Table Top Studio'
- [1]'How to build a lightbox for next to nothing
- [2]' How to do an advanced product shot with the above lightbox
see also Lightboxes
