For our fourth how-to in this series, the Etsy Labs crew escapes the glare of the paparrazi just long enough to show you how to make your item photos look sharp and professional. From backdrops to cropping, learn how to make those JPEGS sparkle and shine!
And remember to stay tuned for our how-to next week!
Here are the previous ones in this series:
Etsy Holiday How-To #1: Packaging
Etsy Holiday How-To #2: Branding your Shipping Materials
Etsy Holiday How-To #3: Creating Labels and Hang-Tags
See more in the Seller Handbook!
[This video was originally published October 12, 2007. We're bringing it back for the '08 season!]
138 comments
Sign in to add your ownTeenAngster says:
Aw, man. Love the project runway vibe! Great tips!
4 years ago
samann1121 says:
Any chance these videos will be posted to YouTube? My computer hates these videos but loves YouTube.
4 years ago
TeenAngster says:
If you search for Etsy on Youtube, they'll come up.
4 years ago
anda says:
Lol, lookit my baby bump up there.
4 years ago
410BC says:
love this video and thank you guys for including us! <3
4 years ago
pookeh says:
fabulous tut!
4 years ago
naturalabstracts says:
Could you post a transcript of the video for those of us temporarily on Dino-Dial UP??
4 years ago
daniellexo says:
whomp dere it iz!
4 years ago
CaprichosDePapel says:
amazing tips! thanks guys!
4 years ago
athousandnonedreams says:
thank u guys soooo much (*_*) > 0 < ^ ^
4 years ago
mlcleavinger says:
The video on photography came up black and no sound. What am I doing wrong?
4 years ago
fernfiddlehead says:
That was great. I need these tips and I need a new camera.
4 years ago
chocolateandsteel says:
I love your How-to tips. I just sat here and watched all 4. I'm so inspired, thanks!
4 years ago
katelynjane says:
You guys are awesome!
4 years ago
miraartz says:
fyi I have high speed internet. But I can't hear what is being said.i donno why?
4 years ago
ahna says:
Hi - the photography vid was really great! I'd like to offer up an article I wrote about lighting. This is a technique I learned in college over 20 years ago and I'm happy to pass it onto you. http://artcreated.com/article_lighting.html
4 years ago
SandFibers says:
Great video on photography!
4 years ago
angelwraps says:
does anyone ever answer these comments, or do ppl just read them?
4 years ago
TeenAngster says:
We read 'em!
4 years ago
TeenAngster says:
And answer, when possible!
4 years ago
allunique says:
Just setting up shop.. Lot more to this site than My daughter told me....
3 years ago
ModFarmgirl says:
Great video! Thank you!
3 years ago
minouxjewelry says:
Excellent short and sweet video! Thanks for the white balance tip.
3 years ago
smmak2 says:
great info!! thanks so much
3 years ago
PinkCheeksStudios says:
I like it!
3 years ago
rikrak says:
another superdooper how-to, nicies! thanks again!
3 years ago
inspiredbyjenna says:
great tips!
3 years ago
Studio618 says:
Thanks for the photo tips. I love these how-tos. You make them look so simple.
3 years ago
prittyaht says:
wow! your timing is on the money! i was just saying how badly i need tips on this topic. digital is somehow so much harder than old school manual. thanks
3 years ago
LaveMeSoapCo says:
great tips but don't forget that magic of a light box <--see?
3 years ago
thatwinsomegirl says:
I loved these Holiday How-To videos last year and they are still absolutely awesome this year! Thanks for bringing them back.
3 years ago
neverenoughhours says:
Thanks for this!
3 years ago
arnym says:
Thank you!
3 years ago
BluCille says:
Those vintage camera earrings are neat!
3 years ago
LittleSnowflakes says:
Thanks for helping me rediscover "whitebalance". It's amazing what a person forgets when they have been out of the media arena for so long.
3 years ago
nfall2rt says:
Very helpful, thanks! I'm one of those impossible impulsive people that does before reading directions. Now to go flip through my camera manual....
3 years ago
bohemiababy says:
thanks for the tips! especially the white balancing one!
3 years ago
minniesheart says:
Fun and educational, thanks!
3 years ago
StudioAMF says:
I can always use help with photos! Thanks for the tips!
3 years ago
FluteTeacher says:
Very helpful. Thanks!
3 years ago
beachglassbaba says:
Great hints! Thank you.
3 years ago
KaleidoscopeKorner says:
i just made a light box out of cardboard, etc and then found this...so helpful...thanks so much for all your hard work(hahaha...looks like you had more fun than hard work!);)
3 years ago
MadEarth says:
thanks for helping us succeed, etsy labs!!!
3 years ago
ArtByShameka says:
Thanks for the tips. I've been using natural light when possible, but didn't know about white balance. Can't wait to see what's on the other videos. btw, you goofballs make laugh!
3 years ago
motherscraft says:
Great tips! I have that camera! Going to play! Thanks
3 years ago
busybeekreations says:
Great Tips ! Thank you.
3 years ago
Owlishly says:
I always forget about white balance, thanks for the reminder!
3 years ago
alankarshilpa says:
Thanks so much. I use macro and natural light for my jewelry photos. The white balance is a great idea. I'll try that now. Dita.
3 years ago
daya81 says:
that was adorable!
3 years ago
MYTV says:
Great video!!! Thanks
3 years ago
BibBon says:
I really took this to heart when it first came out and it helped my photos a lot!!! It's very funny to see my beginning photos and compare with my now photos. THANK YOU ETSY LABS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3 years ago
WatchingYouGrow says:
Thanks!!! That was soooooooo helpful. Let's see if I can put what I learned into practice!!!
3 years ago
MyDarlingBaby says:
cool stuff!
3 years ago
jewelrybyallison says:
Thanks so much for all the tips!
3 years ago
crazy4wind says:
crazy cool! thanks for great tips!
3 years ago
TheGreenZebra says:
What a great tutorial! You guys make it look so easy. I just spent like 2 days working on photographing my items. I love the picket fence idea or having a consistent background for your items so your buyers can identify your items right away.
3 years ago
krystalsbykrystallee says:
Awesome tips! Thank you.....
3 years ago
fatcrowpress says:
I just set up shop and I am hooked!! I am enjoying the helpful how to's. They are a huge help. Thanks for making this easy !
3 years ago
SANDYSAYLE says:
Thanks for the tips!! I'll have to check out the white balance...
3 years ago
inbloomdesigns says:
Great article! I am trying to transition from taking all my pictures outside (it is so cold out now) to inside, and these tips will be helpful!
3 years ago
whitecatdesign says:
I'm learning so much!! Thank you for all your info!!
3 years ago
BubbleyBoutique says:
Where can I find that Etsy.com TEE? I love that!
3 years ago
aromaticbodyoils says:
Lol, thanks for sharing!
3 years ago
VonlenskaVintage says:
i <3 etsy
3 years ago
VonlenskaVintage says:
to BubbleyBoutique: etsy labs sells their tee shirts from their username "etsylabs". they've got a bunch of really cool designs!
3 years ago
europegirl says:
Thaks, it was very helpful!
3 years ago
YourSpecialCharm says:
So helpful...thank you so much...esp. liked the idea of not using landscape so much, only portrait!
3 years ago
AzitasSurprises says:
i learned so much. thanks for sharing!
3 years ago
MBraze says:
Thank you ,thank you so much! very thorough and extremely helpful!
3 years ago
madebysam says:
great tips! Thank you very much etsy:)
3 years ago
mammysshop says:
Great tips! Thank you so much.
2 years ago
MadeByFire says:
Tnx. Great tips!!
2 years ago
bewitchment says:
i love these video rather than reading..i spend 6 to 8 hours a day online and everything looks the same i watched all 3 of the videos..loved them and will remember them more that a lot of stuff i have read....thanks for the great ideas and tips
2 years ago
DalkullanJewelry says:
Great article! The white balance tip was a definite 'light bulb turning on' moment for me. Thank you!
2 years ago
yosemitevintage says:
Oh bewitchment, you are so right. Love to see training on video! Yes Etsy, more videos for us to learn. I would love to see information on all the different lighting and light bulbs that are available and when to buy what. Thank you!
2 years ago
CarolinaTopet says:
THank you,I hope to improve my pictures !!!
2 years ago
APACHETEAR says:
IM GOING TO MAKE THAT LIGHT BOX TOMORROW THANK YOU SO MUCH
2 years ago
AChildsDreamParty says:
Awesome! Using the white paper to figure out white balance is genius! :)
2 years ago
MagMoment says:
That was helpful and fun!
2 years ago
LavenderField says:
great video! loved it, and loved the tips, thank you so much xxxx
2 years ago
Jackiegee says:
Cant seem to get the video to work :(
2 years ago
ModernMetalJewelry says:
Loved the tips! Many thanks!
2 years ago
FickleFrog says:
Great Tips, need to study my camera how too book. Thanks
2 years ago
IrelandBrady says:
TY 4 all the great tips! I especially like the concept of an identifying background, makes sense!
2 years ago
litapsilverj says:
Super fun watching the photo video. It helped me quite a bit. Never fiddled with the settings on my camera and did not realize it had the light setting! You guys rock!!! Thanks a gazillion!
2 years ago
litapsilverj says:
Super fun watching the photo video. Found out some things about my camera that I didn't know before. Your guys rock! Thanks a gazillion!
2 years ago
Simag says:
I L O V E your "How-to tips". I'm so inspired!!! THANK Y O U !
2 years ago
thenettiep says:
That was so fabulous, Darlings, simply fabulous!
2 years ago
ModernMetalJewelry says:
Fun video and great tips. Thanks!
2 years ago
urbanfusions says:
Thanks for sharing. You're all so cute!
2 years ago
PoplarRidgePottery says:
Great ideas!! I never thought about "cheeting" and getting more than one shot in a single photo. Thanks for the white balance info. too.
2 years ago
EmbellishYourself says:
Excellent!!
2 years ago
LovelandShadeTree says:
It's always good to be reminded how important our photos are, just in case we have gotten lazy. I think I need to revisit some product shots, thanks for reminding me.
2 years ago
sofisticata says:
Very nice and helpful! thank you !!! :)
2 years ago
AmericanHandmade says:
Great tips and ideas! thanks! I REALLY NEEDED THIS. I got a Computer instead of lighting for christmas so I'll have to make some kind of setup. I need better pictures on my site. Thanks again for some Great tips.
2 years ago
victoriaelizabethqoc says:
Thanks for the tips!
2 years ago
jewelryNgemstones says:
Hoping these tips will help my photos. Thanks a bunch
2 years ago
samsstuff says:
Thanks for the helpful advice! I am slowly redoing shop photos, so these are good reminders.
2 years ago
MelsBellsClocheHats says:
Simply fabulous!!! I learned more from this video clip than all of the articles, forum posts etc. I have previously poured over. I'm definitely going to increase my live model pics. Thanks guys! :)
2 years ago
MetroGypsy says:
Very informative but fun tips and advice! Thanks for the post!
2 years ago
jechorydesigns says:
That was very helpful,thanks!
2 years ago
jechorydesigns says:
That was very helpful, thanks!
2 years ago
saraparker says:
Thanks!! You guys are really helpful, and we appreciate it.
2 years ago
NADINEmedinadesigns says:
Thanks for the tip on distinct and easily identifiable backgrounds. I actually never considered that before now, but it makes perfect sense.
2 years ago
TheHourglassStudio says:
I needed this info, thank you
2 years ago
SugarvilleCandles says:
THE ETSY CREW IS THE BEST! You guys should have your own TV show on Bravo or E!--SERIOUSLY!
2 years ago
freyagushi says:
I take picture since years and still it helped me ! thanks a lot.
2 years ago
KNPhotography says:
Good tips. Except that White Balance is not for when your images look dark, but instead when they have a color cast to them (Often a problem when using incandescent or fluorescent lighting) EV is for fixing exposure problems; images to dark or to light. Don't get the two confused. :)
2 years ago
carlossantiago says:
super!!! thanks!
2 years ago
PinkTigerTextiles says:
Really great 'how to' have taken some notes and will hopefully be able to take better photos now! thanks!!
2 years ago
ozzana says:
great info! Thanks!
2 years ago
ilovetweek says:
AWESOME tips!!!..thanks so much!!!!
2 years ago
12anglesart says:
thanks!
2 years ago
elemegibere says:
Thank you!
2 years ago
ferozasjewelery says:
Thanks for sharing.
2 years ago
birdsinchandeliers says:
I had completely forgotten about the white balance on my camera. Thanks!
2 years ago
Yayahandicraft says:
Ohhh I have something new about my camera. Thank you so much!!
2 years ago
prayernotesbycynthia says:
Thank you! This helps so much!
2 years ago
Esria says:
Great tips! I didn't know about the white balance on cameras. I've got to try that. If it would allow me to take pictures indoors, I'd be so happy. Right now I take them outside and cloudy or rainy days are my enemy!
2 years ago
betinaworks says:
Wow! Such great tips! And right when I was ready to take a little drive over my camera. Thank you so much.
2 years ago
zueeuz says:
Thanks for ALOT of great information in a SHORT amount of time, appreciate that!
2 years ago
ChrisBDesigns says:
Fabulous. Great tips. Thanks
2 years ago
PureaAccessory says:
Motivating! Thank you!
2 years ago
LeslieGallery says:
i loved this video. it was fun and full of tips. thank you! i can't wait to get started.
2 years ago
flashbackintime says:
I needed this. Thanks much.
2 years ago
thedootdootstore says:
funny and informative! Best.
2 years ago
amytrimble says:
Great tips! Thank you.
2 years ago
ArtistaTree says:
Oh so true--getting great photographs is so important!
2 years ago
Savi says:
this is so cool, thanks for the tip...I've got my camera in hand and I'm ready to shoot some fab pics!!
2 years ago
wyllowscreations says:
GREAT VIDEO AND INFO. I LEARNED QUITE A LOT. I HAVE A KODAK EASYSHARE ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA AND WONDERED HOW AND WHAT I WOULD NEED TO GET THEM FROM MY CAMERA TO ACTUAL PHYSICAL PRINTS. DO I NEED SPECIAL PAPER FOR MY PRINTER,OR ARE THERE OTHER THINGS I SHOULD KNOW? ANY INFO WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED VERY MUCH! WYLLOW
1 year ago
thebizarreworldofjim says:
Yes! I love seeing all the great tips rolled into this awesome little video.
1 year ago
teepetals says:
Love all of these tips!
1 year ago
cannibalclothing says:
You guys a wonderful! thanx for exact measurements in pixels, and helping to make me more savvy on the photos. Can't wait to download any more photo tips into ma brain
1 year ago
welovecraftyTracey says:
Love the tip about the white balance setting on the camera. Thanks!
1 year ago
Bohemianchicjewelery says:
Me too,i agree with welovecraftyTracey!The info about the white balance is awesome,what a difference it makes.Well done!
1 year ago
MariaMercedesHat says:
This video is a good introduction to some basic aspects of photographing products! It’s a good suggestion to use natural light to get a realistic image of your hard-worked crafts; however, you depend on weather conditions to have just the right or constant illumination. Thank you guys for the video! Maria Mercedes’ Hat
1 year ago
sukisukivintage says:
Super helpful. I've been battling color issues with indoor photography and the white balance tip is something I will try. Merci
359 days ago
marygwyneth says:
OK OK I realize that I completely failed throughout my entire life in the "Hide the Thimble" game, i.e. hiding something in plain sight, but help, I'm stumped, feel free to call me stupid. Where on this page is the link to the video? Nowhere does my cursor turn into a hand when I mouse over the short intro at the top of this list of comments!
230 days ago