Staying Sharp: Achieving Clarity and Crispness in Your Photos

terrain

Story by terrain

Published on Feb 07, 2008 in Seller Handbook

Photo by loadedhipspress

When you sell your craft online, photos are vitally important to your success. Without a physical item to touch and look at, your customers rely on your pictures as their tactile experience. Nothing will turn away a customer faster than a blurry photo with inscrutable details. Luckily, there are many solutions to this common frustration that can help you achieve a sharp, crisp, and alluring photo.

Set-up Solutions

Lighting: Good lighting is essential, because without it, your camera can’t capture the fine details and different tones and values of your item. A good source of light can be as simple as a bright windowsill. Direct sunlight, however, can wash out and overexpose your photo, so take care to either shoot on overcast days or diffuse the light with a sheer curtain or a piece of tracing paper taped to the window. Achieving good light levels indoors is trickier, but can be done inexpensively with a DIY lightbox and a pair of high-wattage full-spectrum industrial or shop lamps. When shooting indoors, be sure to have at least two sources of light, one on each side of the item, to avoid harsh shadows. Take advantage of your camera’s exposure values scale and white balance as well (see Bright Light, Big Color: Using EV and White Balance to Make Your Photos True to Life).

Tripod: Snapping a sharp photo requires a steady hand. The slightest movement of your hands or body, even the simple act of depressing the shutter, can result in “camera shake” – the blurring of an image that occurs when the lens is moved while the shutter is open. A tripod solves this problem by providing a stable base for your camera. The camera is affixed to the head of the tripod, so your hands are off the camera until the shutter is depressed. Tripods come in all sizes, from floor models ideal for taking shots of large items such as clothing or art, to tiny table-top models that are great for jewelry and other small items. In a pinch, if you don’t have a tripod, a bag of rice or other bean-bag type surface placed on the table top or on a stack of books can provide a stable enough base for you to angle your camera and snap a sharper photo.

In-Camera Solutions

Macro Mode: Taking clear photos of very small objects, such as jewelry, can be difficult unless you utilize your camera’s macro function. Read through your camera’s manual to determine how to switch your camera into macro mode. The icon for macro mode usually looks like a small flower. By switching your camera into macro mode your camera will be able to focus on objects as close as 2cm away, depending on your camera model.


Left: Photo taken with default camera settings. Right: Photo taken in macro mode.

Focusing: Most contemporary digital cameras have a two-step focus function that enables the user to select precisely what part of the item they want in focus. Try depressing the shutter button of your camera only halfway down, and watch for one or more rectangles to appear on the camera’s screen. The part of the image within the rectangle will be in focus. Once you see this rectangle, fully depress the shutter button. Generally this rectangle will appear in the centre of the screen, but if you want the focus of your image off-center, simply move your camera to the left or right while keeping the shutter button half-depressed, then press down all the way when the image is arranged as you wish. You may need to practice this technique several times before achieving a consistent result.

Remote Shutter Release/Timer: If camera shake is your main enemy, you might consider purchasing a remote shutter release for your camera. This is simply a button on a cord that when plugged into your camera, allows you to depress the shutter without touching the camera at all, completely eliminating camera shake. You can also achieve a similar result by utilizing the timer on your camera.

Depth of Field: Ever see those artsy photos that are sharp in one part of the image, and blurry everywhere else? You can create that effect by utilizing depth-of-field. Depth-of-field refers to how much of the area in front of or behind the subject of the image is in focus. A “shallow” DOF means that very little of the image is in focus – perhaps only the item itself, or even just a small part of the item. A “deep” DOF means that most of, if not all the image is in focus, including the foreground, subject, and background. DOF can be complicated to understand, but essentially it is composed of a geometric sequence called “f-stops,” which describe focal length divided by the aperture diameter.


Left: Photo taken using f-stop f/8, resulting in a deep depth-of-field (in focus from back to front). Right: Photo taken using f-stop f/2.8, resulting in a shallow depth-of-field (in focus up close, blurry far away).

The smaller the f-stop (i.e. f/2.8), the shallower the DOF. The higher the f-stop (i.e. f/16), the deeper the DOF. If you have a manually operated digital camera or a camera with an “Aperture Priority” mode, you can take advantage of DOF to create some great photographs. To get that sharp-in-front-blurry-in-the-back effect, switch to Aperture Priority and set your f-stop as low as it can go. In most cameras without an add-on macro lens, f/2.8 is the lowest possible setting. Focus the camera carefully on one part of the item by depressing the shutter halfway as described previously, then snap your photo. Again, this can take some practice but the effects are worthwhile.

Post-Processing Solutions

Photoshop: Levels: Using the Levels function in Photoshop can help to bring out the details in too-dark or too-light photographs (for tips on how to use Levels, see this article).

Photoshop – Unsharp Mask: Although the name seems counter-intuitive, the unsharp mask function in Photoshop is the quickest and easiest way to sharpen your photos during post-processing. Unsharp mask uses a combination of sharpening and blurring edges to increase contrast, whereas the sharpen function only sharpens, which can lead to unwanted edge pixelation. There are three controls that make up unsharp mask: amount, radius, and threshold. The amount slider controls how much contrast is enhanced. It can generally be left between 100-150%. The radius is the most important slider, as it designates how far to look for anything that might be considered an edge.


Left: Photo before using Unsharp Mask. Right: Photo after using Unsharp Mask. 

This means that a low resolution image should have a lower radius setting than a higher resolution image. A good rule of thumb is to take the photo resolution and divide by 200. Set the radius at the resulting number. For example, if resolution is 180dpi, set the radius to 0.9. Threshold basically withholds the results of the other two sliders, so it can usually be left at 0, unless you have unwanted grain in the photo that needs smoothing. Be cautious to not over-sharpen your image, or it will look pixelated – good sharpening is subtle and enhances the photo without overpowering it.

Final Tip: Practice, practice, practice! One of the great advantages of digital photography is that you can take endless numbers of photographs with no waste, so don’t hesitate to take the time to figure out which of these techniques can work for you.

Happy snapping!

For more photography how-tos, go here! Also, terrain is an experienced photographer and has shared her expertise with the Storque before, so for more of her how-tos, go here!

Discuss: 227 comments

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  • bornlippy

    bornlippy says:

    Wow! GREAT article. Thanks Terrain!

    4 years ago

  • organicbeginings

    organicbeginings says:

    Fantastic easy to understand article ,, thank you terrain

    4 years ago

  • abitabite

    abitabite says:

    A lot of peoples number 1 problem on etsy is not using enough light, so i am glad you addressed this first. Often i see people throwing all kinds of tips and ideas out there, when the photo would be 100x better if they just used more light. Lets not forget after all, "photo" means light.

    4 years ago

  • eclipse

    eclipse says:

    These articles are great, I need a new camera and then I'll reread them again. You really explain the jargon in simple English, thank you!

    4 years ago

  • UnePetiteEtoile

    UnePetiteEtoile says:

    Wonderfully written. Thank you.

    4 years ago

  • opalpoems

    opalpoems says:

    Easy and helpful tips, well written and great photo examples... Thanks Terrain :)

    4 years ago

  • dangerousmezzo

    dangerousmezzo says:

    Great article, terrain, thank you so much!

    4 years ago

  • Blondezillabeads4fun

    Blondezillabeads4fun says:

    Oh THAT'S what that button is for !!!! Thanks so much for making it understandable once again Terrain ;>) I find your articles MUCH more understandable than my camera's manual :D

    4 years ago

  • terrain

    terrain says:

    Thanks everyone and thanks to the Storque folks for publishing it! I am really just an amateur though compared to the many amazing and talented photographers here on Etsy. I agree with Abitabite about light - a good source really does solve most problems. Sunny days can be few and far between where I live so I use a combined total of 500 watts to shoot indoors. Eclipse, you can do lots with even just a basic camera - mine is only 3.2 mgp. I'll be upgrading soon though!

    4 years ago

  • Schmutzerland

    Schmutzerland says:

    This article was so helpful! I was struggling with my photos for a while. Great helpful tips and I love the examples!

    4 years ago

  • cynthiamillar

    cynthiamillar says:

    Thanks Terrain...I'm about to launch my site and your tips came just in time...

    4 years ago

  • BrickMillStudio

    BrickMillStudio says:

    *happy sigh* another excellent article with a bunch of useful tips from terrain.... thank you!

    4 years ago

  • whitepaw

    whitepaw says:

    Excellent article terrain!

    4 years ago

  • eliwill

    eliwill says:

    thank you. this is something i continually work on. gemmafactrix had a great suggestion in an article and i use it all the time: take a lot of photos and then choose from them during the editing process.

    4 years ago

  • daniellexoAdmin

    daniellexo says:

    fabulous article! i'm going to keep this one bookmarked FOR SURE. thanks, terrain.

    4 years ago

  • LiSoCards

    LiSoCards says:

    Wonderful tips- thank you!

    4 years ago

  • ColibriDreams

    ColibriDreams says:

    Thank you again! I just wish my camera would work - the zoom got broken, grrh! Oh well, have to try these tips with boyfriend's camera!

    4 years ago

  • sixsisters

    sixsisters says:

    Great help for everyone no matter what stage you are in .

    4 years ago

  • shannon75

    shannon75 says:

    Very good article. These techniques really work.

    4 years ago

  • EttiandOttisOddments

    EttiandOttisOddments says:

    THANK YOU! As someone to whom a lot of this sounds like alien speak, this was put in a way that I think I can figure it out!

    4 years ago

  • hellome

    hellome says:

    LOL. Thanks for mentioning the flower icon. All this time, I didn't even know if my camera could do macro or not. Going through the manual = hard. Pushing a few buttons and finding the flower icon = easy!! Thanks for the no brainer. :D

    4 years ago

  • emilyaugust

    emilyaugust says:

    This is a really great article to reference. I am printing it out and saving it somewhere!

    4 years ago

  • jen0910

    jen0910 says:

    Good article. I agree that Depth of Field can make pictures look a lot better but, you have to make sure you don't go overboard. I have seen some pictures on here where the DOF is so shallow that it is no better than having a blurry picture. Also, having a picture of the item (if its jewelry) on a person really helps the viewer get a better idea of the piece.

    4 years ago

  • jenlo262

    jenlo262 says:

    Great article! I'm going to save the link to post in the "how are my photos" forum threads!

    4 years ago

  • unleashedpen

    unleashedpen says:

    Thanks for that well written article. I finally understand how to use the Aperture Priority mode.

    4 years ago

  • shopbonnin

    shopbonnin says:

    I always use Levels, but never knew about Unsharp Mask. Thanks for that detailed and easy to understand explanation. I'm going to give it a try.

    4 years ago

  • anandi

    anandi says:

    Awesome article, and your photos are beautiful!!

    4 years ago

  • mesalinens

    mesalinens says:

    Thank you Terrain. Shooting for this format is very different. I am looking forward to using your advice to improve the quality of my shots. My biggest problem is color shift. I think your suggestions will help me achieve a truer color.

    4 years ago

  • katelynjane

    katelynjane says:

    Terrain, I saw you in the Flickr TransCanada group (: Good article!! Thanks for posting (:

    4 years ago

  • mamaziel

    mamaziel says:

    Thank you! I've been pestering the forums trying to figure out exactly what I'm doing wrong and gathering tips. I don't know how I missed this article because it answers most of the questions I've been agonizing over. Thank you!

    4 years ago

  • cherdak

    cherdak says:

    Thank you for this wonderful article ! I'm really not good at taking great pictures, but after reading this I'll certainly improve.

    4 years ago

  • rikkicondon

    rikkicondon says:

    so helpful! thanks

    3 years ago

  • Ginevra1

    Ginevra1 says:

    Thanks for the great article. I learned alot.

    3 years ago

  • anandi

    anandi says:

    the example photos are great. awesome article.

    3 years ago

  • AmandaYuDesign

    AmandaYuDesign says:

    Thanks a lot! such a useful article.

    3 years ago

  • Merylmayd

    Merylmayd says:

    Thanks for that - ever so useful. Can't wait to start fiddling.

    3 years ago

  • Rachelsaprons

    Rachelsaprons says:

    Thank you, great!

    3 years ago

  • queenartist

    queenartist says:

    Thank you for the tips, what wonderful insight! I shall go ahead and utilize it to better my photography! Thanks!

    3 years ago

  • GoodWitchCreations

    GoodWitchCreations says:

    Wow. Thank you so much for this article! I recently joined the Etsy community and I've been practicing and experimenting constantly. The article basically lets me know I'm in the right direction. I really enjoy the amount of help and support that is provided here. Thanks again. Tara

    3 years ago

  • LystraK

    LystraK says:

    thanks for the article.

    3 years ago

  • TheHayPatch

    TheHayPatch says:

    Thanks for the tips.

    3 years ago

  • BeadinBabe

    BeadinBabe says:

    wow awesome article, thanks so much! I have some work to do!

    3 years ago

  • TiLTcreations

    TiLTcreations says:

    Always love the tips from the Storque! Thanks

    3 years ago

  • krystalsbykrystallee

    krystalsbykrystallee says:

    Learned alot in here also. Thanks

    3 years ago

  • bluestarbutterflies

    bluestarbutterflies says:

    Time to hunt down my camera manual!

    3 years ago

  • gaboodles

    gaboodles says:

    great help!

    3 years ago

  • tootsmagee

    tootsmagee says:

    I wanted to add that you can download a program called Photofiltre that will help you make your pictures look better. It's not as fancy as photo shop but it's easy to use --- and free!!

    3 years ago

  • AzizaTrendz

    AzizaTrendz says:

    This really did help me alot and I am going to make some changes today.

    3 years ago

  • ILoveYoYo

    ILoveYoYo says:

    Thanks a lot. It is very helpfull...

    3 years ago

  • TeddybearsTrinkets

    TeddybearsTrinkets says:

    Very helpful!! Thank you!

    3 years ago

  • BeastlyBeasties

    BeastlyBeasties says:

    Thank you for a really helpful article. My photos are not as good as I would like them to be, your article will really help me decide which camera I need to buy, and how toimprove my images.

    3 years ago

  • sveltlan

    sveltlan says:

    Very helpful and easy to understand. I am bookmarking this to refer back to when I redo my pics.

    3 years ago

  • ElsaAndEm

    ElsaAndEm says:

    I have such a difficult time with photos, and have always wondered how those hand-picked sellers do it. Thank you!

    3 years ago

  • BeverlyAnn

    BeverlyAnn says:

    Very helpful...thank you! I will be redoing all of my photos to help promote my pieces. I really like the home-made light box as it always seems like I am taking my pictures at night. Thank you again!

    3 years ago

  • livecreations

    livecreations says:

    great article, thank you

    3 years ago

  • inkadinkadoodle

    inkadinkadoodle says:

    Thanks! Can't get enough pointers about the photos.

    3 years ago

  • hanginmoon

    hanginmoon says:

    Thanks, life is a continue learning process.

    3 years ago

  • Tanith

    Tanith says:

    Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! You were able to explain a couple of things I was already familiar with in a way that actually made sense to me!

    3 years ago

  • whatmedia

    whatmedia says:

    Excellent article. Photography is really important and this article gives some easy steps to improve. When I write for the blog, I always look for good photography. Sometimes the work is great but there is no usable picture.

    3 years ago

  • purpletights

    purpletights says:

    What backgrounds are you folks using for your photos? I'm seeing some nice neutral colors and patterns, but where are you getting them? And do you take them outdoors and take the photos there? Is black velvet out of favor?

    3 years ago

  • sterlingsunjewelry

    sterlingsunjewelry says:

    Thanks for this! I knew about most of this but will now check my camera for manual f-stop settings. Plus, the Unsharp Mask info is v. helpful.

    3 years ago

  • sterlingsunjewelry

    sterlingsunjewelry says:

    Re- black velvet. The trouble is that when you're in macro, any teensy tiny little speck looks like a football and things you never thought were there will turn up on the image loud and clear! I found that velvet was terrible for this even after I'd brushed it to oblivion. So far, some of my best results have been with a saturated color (black or rich brown), non-reflective paper bought at an art supply store.

    3 years ago

  • hulupputree

    hulupputree says:

    Ah yes, very useful indeed - photos are well tricky!

    2 years ago

  • tartanbean

    tartanbean says:

    This is really helpful information. I haven't been pleased with my photos. I'm going to take some time in the next week to try out your tips. Many thanks for taking the time to post them.

    2 years ago

  • mibellasophia

    mibellasophia says:

    love this article.

    2 years ago

  • wwcsilverjewelry

    wwcsilverjewelry says:

    wonderful and very helpful. Thanks so much!!

    2 years ago

  • ExoticFlavour

    ExoticFlavour says:

    Great tips, thanks a lot ^^

    2 years ago

  • steampunkjunq

    steampunkjunq says:

    Love this article. Thanks! :)

    2 years ago

  • amyluo

    amyluo says:

    Thank you for sharing these tips. I was wondering if it's possible to do DOF on a non-SLR camera?

    2 years ago

  • FunSizeDesigns

    FunSizeDesigns says:

    Just what I needed! Thank you.

    2 years ago

  • IrelandScott

    IrelandScott says:

    Thanks for sharing the tips. This has been totally helpful, as I've been trying for a few days to take pictures like those above.

    2 years ago

  • BirdhouseBlessings

    BirdhouseBlessings says:

    Thank you! Next step will be redoing everything I have already done, but it will be worth it.

    2 years ago

  • TealJewelry

    TealJewelry says:

    I love photography and appreciate all the useful tips! Thanks!!

    2 years ago

  • EarringVixen

    EarringVixen says:

    Wow great article, thanks so much for the great tips, I never heard of some of those camera features before! I need to try them out :)

    2 years ago

  • TeTelesTai

    TeTelesTai says:

    I have been struggling with photos for months. I found this article to be very helpful and hopefully I will put all of the information to good use. Thank you for your time and willingness to help.

    2 years ago

  • 2harrisons

    2harrisons says:

    Great tips on getting those clean close ups, no easy task for me. I think this will really help. thanks so much.

    2 years ago

  • RomanceCatsAndWhimsy

    RomanceCatsAndWhimsy says:

    Very helpful information! Thanks for the great tips!

    2 years ago

  • aoisart

    aoisart says:

    Thank you for the information!

    2 years ago

  • Bluebelldesign

    Bluebelldesign says:

    Great info. Thanks!

    2 years ago

  • kinaloon

    kinaloon says:

    I'm going to try your DOF advise in my next series of photos. Thanks!

    2 years ago

  • timdan

    timdan says:

    Thank You! I'm just starting out, and the biggest problem was my blurry camera pictures! This article was MOST helpful.

    2 years ago

  • Bohemianchicjewelery

    Bohemianchicjewelery says:

    This is fantastic information,i get the holding the button down on the camera half way until your in focus,it definately makes a big difference..now i will have to revamp some of my pics..and great work to those who have got it down pat!!bravo!

    2 years ago

  • chameleongirl

    chameleongirl says:

    Great article. So glad I read it too! Will be bookmarking this one for future reference as I often struggle to stay uber-sharp and your advice is very clear to follow. Thank you!

    2 years ago

  • eclecticbysari

    eclecticbysari says:

    Awesome! Dankeshane!

    2 years ago

  • studiometalsmith

    studiometalsmith says:

    such useful information, thanks!

    2 years ago

  • Simag

    Simag says:

    THANK YOU !!!! Fantastic article AND very easy to understand!

    2 years ago

  • jessielawson

    jessielawson says:

    thanks for a most inspiring article!

    2 years ago

  • earthexpressions

    earthexpressions says:

    Thanks for sharing this interesting tips!

    2 years ago

  • earthexpressions

    earthexpressions says:

    Oops!! ...these!!

    2 years ago

  • BeyondStitches

    BeyondStitches says:

    Thank you so much for the wonderful tips!

    2 years ago

  • MyCuteBoutique

    MyCuteBoutique says:

    This will help me in posting better pictures, thanks!

    2 years ago

  • AnomalousBits

    AnomalousBits says:

    Awesome! Thank You :)

    2 years ago

  • SimpleJoysPaperie

    SimpleJoysPaperie says:

    Great tips. I love MACRO mode on my camera!

    2 years ago

  • Enuwbe

    Enuwbe says:

    Thank you Terrain! Great tips for everyone! Photography is a continual process. I will be practicing these tips for sure!

    2 years ago

  • nenafaye

    nenafaye says:

    Thank you so much Terrain! Photography is the "toughest" part for me, this helps a LOT!

    2 years ago

  • Jrisco

    Jrisco says:

    great ! thanks :)

    2 years ago

  • ArrayedAndAdorned

    ArrayedAndAdorned says:

    Love it! Thanks!

    2 years ago

  • factoryjunkie

    factoryjunkie says:

    thanks so much for the tips!

    2 years ago

  • zigwicks

    zigwicks says:

    Fabulous tips! Thanks :)

    2 years ago

  • slapsakky

    slapsakky says:

    thanks for the tip ,i am very new at all this stuff.any help at all means alot.thank you again.

    2 years ago

  • Scallyrags

    Scallyrags says:

    Great article, very helpful Thanks

    2 years ago

  • LavenderField

    LavenderField says:

    Good tips, thanks for this article.

    2 years ago

  • fabfabrique

    fabfabrique says:

    you mean i should use my camera's settings?!? who'd a thunk? :)

    2 years ago

  • barefootweaver

    barefootweaver says:

    Thanks for all the great tips! I'm learning and retaking all the time!! :)

    2 years ago

  • newsprout

    newsprout says:

    Thanks for the great tips. I am still working on improving my images and appreciate all the help.

    2 years ago

  • LizzyBdesigns

    LizzyBdesigns says:

    Wonderful Article...thanks for posting this. I am very new to photographing jewelry & am surely learning day by day~thank you!

    2 years ago

  • noodlefo

    noodlefo says:

    Great article. Useful information and easy to understand.

    2 years ago

  • Vulpesera

    Vulpesera says:

    Wonderful article, and infinity helpful...thank you!

    2 years ago

  • LisaFerinDesigns

    LisaFerinDesigns says:

    this is great--thanks for going beyond the basics!

    2 years ago

  • mammysshop

    mammysshop says:

    Oh my word i just tried one of your tips and what a difference. Didn't know my camera could do that. I'm embarassed!

    2 years ago

  • ItalicAmpersand

    ItalicAmpersand says:

    Good to know - thank you!

    2 years ago

  • LuMagoo

    LuMagoo says:

    I can't wait to try some of your tips. For me, taking photos can be one of the best or worst parts of posting something new. Thanks ;)

    2 years ago

  • RenuRedo

    RenuRedo says:

    NICE

    2 years ago

  • TutuFairy

    TutuFairy says:

    THank yoU!

    2 years ago

  • mysticpieces

    mysticpieces says:

    Yea - thanks for the tip on macro mode!

    2 years ago

  • MeliBMaui

    MeliBMaui says:

    Great tips! Thanks a million Etsy

    2 years ago

  • CostumeBijoux

    CostumeBijoux says:

    Thanks so much for the micro mode tip - I never knew my pics could come out this well!

    2 years ago

  • vrixa

    vrixa says:

    Thanks. Useful info.

    2 years ago

  • jabberjewels

    jabberjewels says:

    Thank you for all the helpful hints. I am one of the people that are having a major problem with photos. I do take photos of jewelry that come out blurry. I switched the macro mode and my ISO to a higher speed and pictures are coming out better. I really hate when you buy a new camera, they don't teach you how to use it. Thanks again.

    2 years ago

  • sweethead

    sweethead says:

    Great info. Hopefully, I can take my pics to the next level!

    2 years ago

  • McGregorgirl

    McGregorgirl says:

    this is excellent! thanks for all the helpful tips. I will be re-doing my photos over time...

    2 years ago

  • TheNightjar

    TheNightjar says:

    awesome, TY

    2 years ago

  • smilingbluedog

    smilingbluedog says:

    Thanks for these valuable tips... I'm still working on the photos, but am improving, thanks to folks like you :)

    2 years ago

  • girlscout103

    girlscout103 says:

    I never knew about the macro setting for my camera. Thanks for this information; I am going to try it and hope it makes the difference in helping attract customers to Milagros..

    2 years ago

  • KasaCollection

    KasaCollection says:

    i need to try macro too

    2 years ago

  • SeptembersSapphire

    SeptembersSapphire says:

    Thank you for this Terrain, what a great piece of information, very helpful.

    2 years ago

  • TatusWelle

    TatusWelle says:

    Great tips. Marking!!

    2 years ago

  • Pearlk2

    Pearlk2 says:

    thank you for the tips

    2 years ago

  • Dorijewellery1

    Dorijewellery1 says:

    Thanks so much, I do agree that photos help to sell. Very helpful information

    2 years ago

  • ArtfoolDesigns

    ArtfoolDesigns says:

    Great tips, thanks!

    2 years ago

  • vintagegirldezigns

    vintagegirldezigns says:

    just what i needed...I've been looking for some good photography tips. thanks:)

    2 years ago

  • ItsAllInTheBag01

    ItsAllInTheBag01 says:

    Great tips!! Thank you!!

    2 years ago

  • PreciousPromisesAust

    PreciousPromisesAust says:

    Thanks for the article. I wasn't 100% happy with my photos. I am glad I now know how to tackle it. Sam.

    2 years ago

  • javagirls

    javagirls says:

    Thanks. I just got a new camera, and now these new tips. Can't wait to reshoot!

    2 years ago

  • PookThy

    PookThy says:

    thank you for this!

    2 years ago

  • delightfuldaisy

    delightfuldaisy says:

    Great article!

    2 years ago

  • CCrafters

    CCrafters says:

    Great article!

    2 years ago

  • chocolatecreative

    chocolatecreative says:

    I know photoshop well and that is an advantage when working with photos, it has saved many times when the photos weren't good enough!!

    2 years ago

  • BeaucoupBandit

    BeaucoupBandit says:

    Very informative and helpful... can't wait to take crisper and clearer pictures!

    2 years ago

  • teddydesigner58

    teddydesigner58 says:

    Thanks. The information about the f-stop is most helpful.

    2 years ago

  • SewObsession

    SewObsession says:

    think i need a new camera and maybe a tripod to go with it, thanks for great information

    2 years ago

  • kathartstudio

    kathartstudio says:

    Thanks for the great tips!

    1 year ago

  • nansglam

    nansglam says:

    Thanks for all the great tips!! F-stop and Photoshop editing are ones I need more practice with so thanks for the detailed info! Much appreciated!

    1 year ago

  • KristyLynnJewelry

    KristyLynnJewelry says:

    Never thought of using the tripod...thanks for the info and help!!

    1 year ago

  • ikabags

    ikabags says:

    Wonderful tips- thank you!

    1 year ago

  • sewblessedstitches

    sewblessedstitches says:

    Thanks for sharing all the wonderful tips. This is something we are always trying to improve. Thanks!

    1 year ago

  • ShantyTownMadness

    ShantyTownMadness says:

    thanks for the fancy tips!

    1 year ago

  • LittlestCharmFactory

    LittlestCharmFactory says:

    Fantastic tips! Thanks so much

    1 year ago

  • AardvarkBeadsAndGems

    AardvarkBeadsAndGems says:

    Thank you for the very helpful tips!

    1 year ago

  • SewWriteCreations

    SewWriteCreations says:

    Great tips - thanks for sharing them in understandable language. Wish the owner's manual did same!

    1 year ago

  • ArtisticIntentions

    ArtisticIntentions says:

    Great tips! Thank you!!

    1 year ago

  • BabbidgePatch

    BabbidgePatch says:

    love the tips ~ practise session in my near future!

    1 year ago

  • OldNewAgain

    OldNewAgain says:

    Great post!! I am tripod-challenged, so I use a bag of beans (dry, of course).

    1 year ago

  • WebWorksFiber

    WebWorksFiber says:

    I adore the wonderful articles on photography. It is so important. This one is especially helpful. I have finally mastered the macro, now on to the f stops :) thanks for sharing your knowlege

    1 year ago

  • SallysCreativeHands

    SallysCreativeHands says:

    Thanks so much for this information. I feel kind of dumb, having had a digital camera for years and not knowing anything about the macro mode feature. It will undoubtedly change the quality of my jewelry pictures. Again, thanks for taking the time to write this info down for those of us who don't read their camera owners manual.:)

    1 year ago

  • akaCINDERS

    akaCINDERS says:

    I've been having terrible problems with my close up jewelry pics. I recently realized I have shaky hands. I just took a pic with these tips. Steady camera resting on surface, macro setting, f/2.8 and it is the BEST picture I have ever taken. Thanks so much.

    1 year ago

  • CindyEllison

    CindyEllison says:

    Just the term "white balance" seems to imtimidate me but this article has helped me so much ... I am gonna tackle it! ♥ Thank you!

    1 year ago

  • PappyBoutique

    PappyBoutique says:

    so that is all the mumbo jumbo my mother keeps trying to tell me (she is a photographer) about when she sees my photos of my product...will start paying attention to this now!!!

    1 year ago

  • lilruby

    lilruby says:

    Thanks terrain- Taking good jewelry photos remains a challenge but I'm getting to the point where I actually enjoy it! Next I need to get an editing program and learn how to use it.

    1 year ago

  • dorkorama99

    dorkorama99 says:

    Great tips, and also reassuring that I am babystepping in the right direction. Although now I'm worried my avitar is overexposed! yikes! =) Thanks for this!

    1 year ago

  • turiana07

    turiana07 says:

    Thanks for the info, it is much appreciated.

    1 year ago

  • trinityrocks

    trinityrocks says:

    Good tips! TU

    1 year ago

  • beachglassshop

    beachglassshop says:

    thank you soo much for the tips!

    1 year ago

  • kingscreekpottery

    kingscreekpottery says:

    I ALWAYS need help and more advice on taking good photos, so thank you, thank you, thank you! Keep them coming...any advice on photographing larger pieces (like, pottery for example!!) would be greatly appreciated. I swear in my next life I will be a jeweler- easy to carry and small ;) Thanks again~

    1 year ago

  • envydesignsjewelry

    envydesignsjewelry says:

    Thank You! Great tips!

    1 year ago

  • SolderingSisters

    SolderingSisters says:

    Great tips! We've been playing around with the aperature settings. It takes time to figure it out, but it is worth it!

    1 year ago

  • adornativity

    adornativity says:

    This article was very helpful. I am currently shopping for a new camera, and have been overwhelmed! There may be hope for my photos yet! Thanks for posting this!

    1 year ago

  • lilybluedesign

    lilybluedesign says:

    Thank you for the great info! It does take lots of snapping to get the right photo and lighting is everything. When I first started - I spent more time on photographing than I did on my craft. It will get easier. But - WOW - when you do get great ones - you'll be grinnin - ear to ear! It is worth your time - after all -the photo is the tool that sells your craft.

    1 year ago

  • EvelynMcCPetersArt

    EvelynMcCPetersArt says:

    Fantastic tips, I am just starting to photgraph small items and this was very helpful!

    1 year ago

  • goddesslydia

    goddesslydia says:

    Fabulous tips. Thanks so much.

    1 year ago

  • CharlieErnestNErise

    CharlieErnestNErise says:

    I always wondered what that flower button was for...even though I could have just read the instruction manual.

    1 year ago

  • CounterFitCakes

    CounterFitCakes says:

    Thanks for the info!

    1 year ago

  • WOODLANDSNATURALS

    WOODLANDSNATURALS says:

    Great shutterbug info, the tripod is the best tip I have used for micro photos. I will use a lot of your tips to improve my portfolio of photos thnx so much! Cris

    1 year ago

  • MaudesEmporium

    MaudesEmporium says:

    Thank you for the great explanation! Appreciate it very much.

    1 year ago

  • thebeadgirl

    thebeadgirl says:

    great tips...very clear :)

    1 year ago

  • smilingbluedog

    smilingbluedog says:

    Thank you! I've learned a lot from this article. There's always room for improvement in my photos.

    1 year ago

  • gabeadz

    gabeadz says:

    Very Helpful! Thank you so much!

    1 year ago

  • alyson1234

    alyson1234 says:

    I like the 'depth of field' info. I've always referred to that as "the sweet spot". Glad to know there's an actual name for it.

    1 year ago

  • sparrowsalvage

    sparrowsalvage says:

    Unsharp mask is my hero.

    1 year ago

  • Lilybellesjewels

    Lilybellesjewels says:

    This was a fantastic article. Thank you so much. I almost didn't read it because I never seem to get the hang of the photo tips articles, but this one was awesome. Easy to understand, and very, very interesting. Once again, Thank You So Much!

    1 year ago

  • sweetmellyjane

    sweetmellyjane says:

    Great article!

    1 year ago

  • JL67

    JL67 says:

    AWESOME! Thanks for sharing... :)

    1 year ago

  • citlali

    citlali says:

    You've explained this like no one else has to me. I actually get it! Thank you so much!

    1 year ago

  • OpusMuse

    OpusMuse says:

    I've always love getting my hands on any tips & tricks to take my jewelry photography up a notch. thanks so much for the informative article. the demo with photos is great!

    1 year ago

  • ScrapHouseDesigns

    ScrapHouseDesigns says:

    Thanks so much! I've always been afraid to break out of the auto mode on my digital SLR - I think maybe now I can. Great advice!

    1 year ago

  • CucJewelry

    CucJewelry says:

    Great article. Thanks for sharing!

    1 year ago

  • ForeverGlassFlowers

    ForeverGlassFlowers says:

    Thank you so much for this article. I've always LOVED photos and have a great camera but when I read the owner's manual I always end up going right back to the "auto" mode. This article lays it out "user friendly"!!! Thank you!!

    1 year ago

  • DFLDesign

    DFLDesign says:

    GREAT! Well-written, clear -- especially the Photoshop tips:) Thanks!

    1 year ago

  • Adornmentsjewellery

    Adornmentsjewellery says:

    Thanks for this article. The bit about setting the radius was especially helpful in demystifying that whole function. I use Picnik for my post processing and always was puzzled by this but knew that it was important. Tx again!!

    1 year ago

  • BombshellRehab

    BombshellRehab says:

    Wow! Just used the "unsharp" function...wish I had known about it sooner. It really works! These are great tips for the self-taught as myself.

    1 year ago

  • JordanRou

    JordanRou says:

    Great, great, great tips! Especially the macro-mode! Getting detailed close shots is always so frustrating - until reading your article I had no idea my camera had this function! Thanks a million!

    1 year ago

  • Lillypicadilly

    Lillypicadilly says:

    Thank you so much I understand more and will practice more. GB.

    1 year ago

  • RipandStitchDiva

    RipandStitchDiva says:

    Wow! Thanks so much for a great article!

    1 year ago

  • RELMoriginals

    RELMoriginals says:

    Great, I will try some of these tips.

    1 year ago

  • TheGlassyLassy

    TheGlassyLassy says:

    What a fabulous article! Tons of new stuff for me to try, thanks!

    1 year ago

  • ArtisanSoapSpa

    ArtisanSoapSpa says:

    Thanks so much for this awesome mini-tutorial. I learned some things.

    1 year ago

  • nykki

    nykki says:

    Very helpful, thank you.

    1 year ago

  • BodaciousBiddies

    BodaciousBiddies says:

    Thank you!!! My photos have definitely gotten better but hey there is always room for improvement and depth of field! Grins...

    1 year ago

  • MattiOnline

    MattiOnline says:

    Great work!!

    1 year ago

  • aml01

    aml01 says:

    Finally an article on shooting jewelry. Lots of helpful tips. Thanks

    1 year ago

  • GemstonesByBren

    GemstonesByBren says:

    Hmmm...sounds as if I need a newer camera...my jewelry sells well locally but my photos need help...thanks.

    1 year ago

  • ipopdesigns

    ipopdesigns says:

    The tips on using the aperture settings I found to be especially helpful. Thank you for sharing.

    1 year ago

  • CourtneyCopeland

    CourtneyCopeland says:

    Thank you for the tips! I know photos are SO, SO, SO important to our businesses, but I usually just opt for macro mode and take a ton of pictures until one is just right. Your suggestions sound easy to do, so I'm going to try playing around with some new settings!

    1 year ago

  • DappleGrey

    DappleGrey says:

    such great tip and artical really helful

    1 year ago

  • FableAndLore

    FableAndLore says:

    Great, great article. Thanks!

    1 year ago

  • DareDevine

    DareDevine says:

    Very helpful! Thanks :)

    1 year ago

  • newmoonglass

    newmoonglass says:

    In all the info I've seen about photograpghing your art, I've never seen any stained glass. It is a whole other animal, believe me...I could use some tips specific to stained glass...

    1 year ago

  • SterlingByRebecca

    SterlingByRebecca says:

    Taking good photos is one of my biggest challenges and obviously I'm not alone.... thanks for the tips!

    1 year ago

  • cripplecreekglass

    cripplecreekglass says:

    THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! This was so incredibly helpful :)

    1 year ago

  • GemdropsoftheFalls

    GemdropsoftheFalls says:

    GREAT advice, thank you!

    1 year ago

  • onegearclothing

    onegearclothing says:

    Wow. I've really been completely ignorant of the powerful impact of good product photography. I feel kind of foolish! ;-) I'm amazed at what a difference you can achieve even with a simple point-n-shoot idiot box like I have if you just switch it over to MANUAL mode, play with the exposure settings and put it on a tripod. Last week my pics LOOKED like I just didn't care, the ones I took yesterday and today look exceptional. And it's the SAME camera, just using the tips in this article. Amazing result from a $0 investment!

    1 year ago

  • GreenBirdDreaming

    GreenBirdDreaming says:

    thanks! I dusted off the tripod and carefully studied your photoshop unsharp mask tips and took super in focus photos! first time! usually I have to take ten and go through them to find the one most in focus...

    1 year ago

  • bbags22

    bbags22 says:

    Photography is a neverending learning lesson!

    1 year ago

  • MurDesign

    MurDesign says:

    Really good advices from the semi professional point of view! Good job!

    1 year ago

  • Zeedubya

    Zeedubya says:

    Great article. One is always learning with photography

    1 year ago

  • renegadeperceptions

    renegadeperceptions says:

    Really great. Thank you! I need to sell some stuff in my shop so I can afford a tripod... ;) it is a vicious circle, but it's all fun :)

    1 year ago

  • SharpMtnCreations

    SharpMtnCreations says:

    Thanks for the tips. I still have sooo much to learn about photography :)

    1 year ago

  • KooKooCraft

    KooKooCraft says:

    i have never heard of unsharp mask before :) thanks!

    1 year ago

  • leighsdesigns

    leighsdesigns says:

    Thanks for all the great tips. I have a digital camera that I still don't understand all about it. Thanks for tip on macro mode. You make it more understandable.

    359 days ago

  • cherrytime

    cherrytime says:

    Great article. Thank you for sharing your tips.

    348 days ago

  • ArtisiansYOKO

    ArtisiansYOKO says:

    Thank you so much this is very helpfull

    334 days ago

  • InspiredMindDesigns

    InspiredMindDesigns says:

    thanks for the info on depth of field....now to determine if my point and shoot has any flexibility in that department! ;o)

    285 days ago

  • Petrascrafts

    Petrascrafts says:

    I am still trying to take pictures of my jewellery but they look so blurred. I did not know about the Micro, so I just tried to take photos with the default setting on the camera. I have a lot to learn!

    249 days ago

  • Petrascrafts

    Petrascrafts says:

    Actually I meant Macro mode (not micro). Thank you for the tip. I am trying to find out right now how to do it.

    249 days ago

  • CaraMiaBella

    CaraMiaBella says:

    Great article! I linked it in my blog http://caramiabella-art.blogspot.com/2012/01/manifesting-success-taking-great-photos.html Thanks for all the info! It helped alot! ..Carrie...

    146 days ago

  • RenataUniqueGifts

    RenataUniqueGifts says:

    Thank you for all those reminders. Never too many times! Ready? Snap! ( the photos).

    126 days ago

  • esd2snap

    esd2snap says:

    I shoot a lot of prepared food... finding your article helpful... curious to know where you can purchase high-wattage-full spectrum bulbs, if they are expensive and just how high in watts? thanks in advance, Emily www.tipsfromtown.com

    121 days ago