Taking great photos of your work is key! How you present your artwork is just as important as the work itself, and more often than not it’s what makes the difference between someone understanding/buying your work. Flatness is one of the biggest obstacles to overcome when photographing 2D work and presenting it online. Context is everything; it is important to remember the item isn’t just an image on a screen! For flat 2D objects, such as drawings and prints, show a scanned version of the work, but also a shot with space around the work. You want to give your viewer an idea of the size of the piece, as well as its presence!
I am an object d’art! Not just a 2D image on your screen!
Before I begin, I must state that lighting is THE most important thing when photographing your artwork! Natural lighting is almost always the best way to show off your work and photographing near a window is one of the best ways to achieve this. When looking at the images below, note where the light source is coming from, you can tell by the shadows and contrasts in light and dark. In almost all of the photographs you can see the light coming from the right or left, and more likely than not it’s coming from a window! Keep this in mind when choosing where to photograph your art.Below you will find a number of great examples and ideas on how to photograph your work to its best advantage:
Frames
Frames give your work visual weight and make it more of an object. It not only gives your viewer an opportunity to see how your work would look framed but also what frame works best with your work. The power to visualize where you see your artwork and in what context is huge. I would recommend investing in a great frame that works well with many of your pieces and rotate different images in it to photograph your works. Also keep in mind where you photograph your framed work, where would you ultimately visualize your work hanging? Would it lean against your desk or hang on the wall of your studio or do you have a great room in mind in which you would hang it? If so, show it! Where you imagine your work to be displayed will help your viewer imagine where it could be exhibited in their own space.
Wood Surfaces
One of the best surfaces you can use to photograph your art is wood. Not only is it organic and natural but often adds warmth to your image and doesn’t compete with your artwork.
Holding Your Artwork
Holding your work not only gives the viewer an idea of the size of the piece (in relation to your hand) but also makes the work more personable, more accessible or object-like. We like to pick things up, hold them in our hands, become familiar with them through touch before we buy them. In essence you’re picking the work up for the buyer. Your hand becomes the viewer’s hand and allows them to view the work as an actual object.
The Art of Display
Giving your work context or creating a narrative surrounding your art can enhance your image enormously. There are a number of ways this can be done; some of the best include other objects that relate to your artwork and including other works of art displayed around the work or hanging in a group. Often this visual chatter adds to the energy and value of the work itself. Get creative, be inventive! Just make sure the objects or images you choose enhance your work of art and really add to its character. Make your photograph a work of art in itself! If you’re having fun staging and photographing your work, chances are the image will be fun for viewers to look at as well.
Editing
Once you’ve taken fantastically lit and well staged photos of your work you’ll need to edit.
Using Photoshop or a similar program, be sure to adjust brightness/contrast when needed as well as saturation and hue (perhaps your image looks a little green or the light a little too yellow, you can use the hue bar to adjust and change this). Also be sure to crop your image, getting rid of any unnecessary space or objects. Remember, when photographing your workl you are also composing a picture. Just like when you compose your work of art, you want to make your photograph as visually engaging and interesting to look at as the work itself. Choosing the right way to best showcase your work is key.
Things to keep in mind:
- Use natural lighting!
- Have fun photographing your work, it will show in your photographs!
- Only use objects, surfaces, or backgrounds that will enhance your work (you’ll know when it’s working when you like the photograph you’ve created as much as the work itself!).
- If someone’s attracted to the image of your work they’ll be attracted to the work itself.
- Once you’ve found a way that best showcases your work, be sure to photograph all your work in the same way; consistency is key in the presentation of your art.
Explore new and different ways in which you can best show off your art. Experiment, play, approach the staging of your work of art with as much enthusiasm as you bring to making the work itself — it will show!
If you’d like more tips, advice and critical feedback on how to photograph your work and build a better online presence checkout our online art courses @Pikaland with new fall courses including How to Survive and Thrive as an Artist Online , Visual Journaling and Making Your Mark. The core of our courses revolve around creative thinking that leads to the creation of new works of art (or new ways to creatively present existing works!) with weekly assignments, one-on-one critiques, peer input and a supportive community of artists in which to share and grow!
254 comments
Sign in to add your ownVintageEye says:
Wonderful tips...simply presented! Fabulous post!
1 year ago
polkadotmagpie says:
Love this piece, so helpful. Let's here it for chubby cats too! Thanks.
1 year ago
dbsj says:
Great tips and the chubby cats grabbed my heart as well...
1 year ago
monkeyandsquirrel says:
fabulous tips and ADORABLE art work! i love love love that little swimming kitty :)
1 year ago
BlueTrike says:
Thanks for the great article - the timing couldn't be more perfect for me as I just invested in a new Epson fine art printer and am in the process of preparing/photographing my artwork so that I can start offering quality archival prints in my shop. (I'm so excited at the possibilities - the prints it makes are gorgeous!) Mara
1 year ago
VivaGailBeads says:
Great Article! Thank you for the information
1 year ago
papercutworks says:
Thank you for these! I just started taking photos of my finished personalized map & dictionary cutouts while holding them in my hand, for example here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/51003502/home-is-where-the-heart-is-custom-map to give my shop visitors a sense of their size. Will put your other tips to work too!
1 year ago
julessabjewelry says:
These are fantastic suggestions - they'd all work very well for 3D objects as well.
1 year ago
MyCKs says:
Really helpful info! I'm getting some ideas already ^-^ Off to go photo some extra pics :)
1 year ago
JayHell says:
Brilliant post, very inspiring, just the kind of advice I've been searching for! Thankyou!
1 year ago
ChasingtheCrayon says:
Good article. Thanks for the great tips Amy and Jamie,
1 year ago
akcArt says:
Good reminders! Thank you for sharing!
1 year ago
QuigonHandmades says:
Thank you for this article, it is very helpful! My boyfriend is a painter and screen-printer. He is thinking about an Etsy shop, and I will probably be the one photographing his work.
1 year ago
papercutworks says:
One other tip I would add is including an image or a photo collage of work in progress - I think it adds a lot of interest! In one of my listings of a classic solid paper paper cut I display the "in progress" image as my main image: http://www.etsy.com/listing/45179442/two-hearts-beat-as-one-original-papercut because it's particularly beautiful - it's the veins and aortas of the "two hearts beat as one" design that eventually get discarded - or at least not featured on the artwork itself. I've received many compliments on that image!
1 year ago
AnnikaLane says:
Thanks so much for this post - this is a challenging aspect of the process for me. One (unsolicited) tip... sometimes it is helpful to remove the glass from framed pieces to avoid the glare... it is a hassle to put it all together again, but ultimately could be worth it for a better view of the art... Thanks again!
1 year ago
dragonhouseofyuen says:
great article with excellent hints and tips! thank you 3peoples for this :) definitely an article to bookmark!
1 year ago
WoodPigeon says:
Great tips thanks!
1 year ago
candacejean says:
Hooray Pikaland! Thanks so much Amy and Jamie for these helpful hints and reminders!
1 year ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
Thanks so much for so many great tips! Though I don't usually have many 2-D items in this shop, I do have some in another shop and these tips will definitely help! :)
1 year ago
bylynnkrestel says:
great tips for many items!! thanks, amy!!
1 year ago
afiori says:
Awesome feature! I like this: " Your hand becomes the viewer's hand and allows them to view the work as an actual object." However, I find it a bit difficult to use staged photos because the icons / little things falling down the front page on Etsy are SO small! With jewellery and small items like my notebooks it works but I find it very difficult with photographs since you want them to be seen clearly?
1 year ago
shannamastersdesigns says:
I have found that lighting has been the most challenging issue, when photographing my work. I am still experimenting, but this article offers some good points...mainly to have fun with it! Thanks.
1 year ago
JeweledAmbrosia says:
all wonderful ideas!
1 year ago
Asianexpressions says:
Wonderful tip! Thank you.
1 year ago
lindaketelhut says:
Terrific tutorial - fun to read and excellent suggestions. Thank you!
1 year ago
strawberryluna says:
Great tips and really important points. I've become a lot more comfortable using "real life" settings for my prints, especially in taking photographs of the silkscreen printing process, but I feel like I have tons to learn still. Your photos look terrific, well done!
1 year ago
Krystyna81 says:
Natural lighting is the best for taking photos. Often, you have to give your camera a range of values, especially if you are photographing very dark or very light work. I posed a few tips on my blog for this technique http://krystyna81.blogspot.com/2008/11/techniques-taking-photos-of-your-art.html
1 year ago
oldworldprimitives says:
Super-helpful tips accented by great photos! I just love Jamie's cat illustrations too. :)
1 year ago
GollyBard says:
Perfect timing for this article as I have been collecting frames to shoot my work in!
1 year ago
LeafandInk says:
This is a fantastic article. Well worth the read. We are always looking at ways to improve displays. Thank you. LeafandInk
1 year ago
inkmeup says:
really helpful... I always struggle with my 2d shots lots of ideas to try for next photo sesh!
1 year ago
tamaragarvey says:
great tips and i totally agree; i've sold a lot more prints since i started including a photo of the framed version in my listings!
1 year ago
rozzie says:
These are great hints even for non-2d work!! :) Thank you!
1 year ago
couve says:
Thank you for this post! It helps a lot! Cheers, Couve
1 year ago
annieWHERE says:
Great article and tips!! I recently found Pikaland Blog and have been enjoying my visits :) Thank you for sharing!
1 year ago
manvsgeorge says:
Great tips and lovely photos! I have been updating my shop to include photos of my greeting cards (before I had flat images of the artwork only). Tried a few backgrounds before deciding on teak wood. It makes such a difference! I still want to experiment with including some background objects... practice makes perfect, I guess! :-)
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Great tips I like the idea of holding something while its being photographed looks great!
1 year ago
1AEON says:
great article and helpful too, thanks!
1 year ago
lauraprentice says:
I have constantly struggled to properly and effectively and excitingly photograph my work! I sometimes feel like my images are boring. I have a significantly easier time selling my work in "real life" than online because the work has so much texture and many layers that are difficult to photograph. Natural light is definitely key. My current struggle is that I work all day long and there isn't any daylight when I am home to photograph! I have to wait until the perfect weekend. My tip: When you have everything set up and great light for photographing, photograph A BAZILLION things all in a row. I tend to have a huge pile that I can power through taking pictures in about an hour, and then I can go back and edit during the evening or on dark cloudy days.
1 year ago
pikaland says:
Jamie's cats are icons in the making! ;D
1 year ago
peaseblossomstudio says:
Excellent article! 3D photos of artwork are far more interesting than 2D ones!
1 year ago
Leocardia says:
Thank you for your great tips. I could put much more things in my shop, but I´m a bit reluctant to photograph my items, in case, the photos might be not so perfect as I would like them to be... But your tips are very encouraging.
1 year ago
ElizabethOHara says:
So many simple, do-able, inexpensive (free) to-dos that can enhance my work and help me sell? Wow! Thank you one and all! Love those kitties, love the examples each and every one. THANKS
1 year ago
awinthrop says:
Great article! I'm working on finding the perfect formula for photographing my artwork, I haven't been too satisfied with what I've got so far. This definitely helps!
1 year ago
jennifermorrisbeads says:
rozzie's right, these are definitely great tips for 3-d work too! thanks for such a helpful article..really well written..and adorable art too! xo
1 year ago
GalleonGal says:
Thanks you for Enthusiasm for artists, Years have passed many artworks have been created, paper yellows over time, care for art is super important, Just love kitty artwork !
1 year ago
Deezden says:
Helpful article, I use most of these, so am happy that I have done it sort of right :)!
1 year ago
LaineysLandscape says:
Thank you-this answered lots of question I have been having. I am inspired to make better photos of my work. Lainey
1 year ago
Mclovebuddy says:
thanks for the informative article. love the cats. :)
1 year ago
RomantiquePunk says:
Thanks so much. Very helpful. Perfect timing. Awesome.
1 year ago
zime says:
Great tips!! I love you Amy!!! :D For editing my photos I actually use http://www.picnik.com/ it's a great program. Easy to use, free and online!!
1 year ago
polkadotshop says:
Great article! I need to get my stuff into frames...I am always suggesting to frame the cards. Need to practice what I preach. :o)
1 year ago
sweetharvey says:
Fantastic - thank you so much for sharing!
1 year ago
FacingTheLens says:
Excellent suggestions.
1 year ago
artbybrooke says:
Great stuff :) I love the "editing" idea. I never thought about adding doodles to my pic, but the example looks good. In fact, think I'm gonna try it right now....
1 year ago
AshleyPahl says:
These are great ideas. Photographing note cards and prints can be really difficult sometimes.
1 year ago
BellyAntButton says:
Thanks for finally posting an article on how to photograph artwork!! I know for me it's been a challenge to properly represent my artwork in a commercial market via a computer screen. I've always felt photographs take away from the actual quality and livelihood of a piece. But keeping your tips in mind, this will help. :D
1 year ago
OriginalsbyMarcela says:
Great article.
1 year ago
VelveteenHabbit says:
Perfect timely advice Thank you so much!!!!
1 year ago
StudioCherie says:
great tips and sweetly illustrated
1 year ago
mudpuppy says:
Oh man, get outta my head! This is just what I needed. Thank you!
1 year ago
liquidstar says:
Thanks! Very helpful.
1 year ago
wahlrus says:
Very helpful ideas! Exactly what I need in my shop! Thank you so much! etsyLove from, Jamie
1 year ago
KitzieG says:
Excellent tip - I shall put these in to practice with my latest set of prints!
1 year ago
KitzieG says:
I would also be interested to hear opinions on what viewers prefer to see as the first/main photograph on a listing - the scan or a 3D image?
1 year ago
paintedfishstudio says:
love this post.
1 year ago
GalerieB says:
Great tips, Thanks!
1 year ago
ohbabydotcom says:
great tips :)
1 year ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
Great advice!
1 year ago
SaraWen says:
Fantastic article! thank you for sharing your tips. :)
1 year ago
branda says:
Wonderful!! Compliments!! :-) :-)
1 year ago
PrettyIngrid says:
Wonderful ideas! I learned a lot from this. FABULOUS images as well :)
1 year ago
BluestarInk says:
thank you so much!
1 year ago
charliesdollshop says:
Thank you for the tips!
1 year ago
senioritis says:
Great tips! Definitely going to try holding some of our postcard sized prints for photos to see how that works ;)
1 year ago
undermyfeet says:
Great tips Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
LibertyImages says:
Great tips, thanks so much! And after wondering for months where to set my photos to show them off & give people an idea of the size, it came to me while reading this article. Love that kitty. I agree with a PP that he's a future icon. ;)
1 year ago
bhangtiez says:
Adorable illustrations...& great tips...thanks!
1 year ago
breadandroses2 says:
Such helpful info! Very applicable to photographing art quilts and wall hung textiles pieces as well. Thanks so much!
1 year ago
loadedhipspress says:
Some really great things to think about. Absolutely adorable illustrations!
1 year ago
letterhappy says:
great tips.. and i'm honored to be included in the related items! i was really excited about how my new batch of product photos came out after i decided to hold all of my prints out to photograph them instead of just scanning them.
1 year ago
wanderthisway says:
these are fantastic tips, thanks!!
1 year ago
GreatestJoyDesigns says:
I am definitely struggling to get my work photographed in a way that shows it's true beauty. It hasn't been easy but your article has helped, thanks.
1 year ago
HornCatCreations says:
This was SOOOO helpful. Thanks so much!!
1 year ago
sistermountain says:
Thanks so much!
1 year ago
ChantalVincent says:
Great article. So many helpful tips! Such a cool cat.
1 year ago
RomanceCatsAndWhimsy says:
Excellent! Love the cats!
1 year ago
silentlanguages says:
thank you for this-- so helpful since i'm working on revamping my shop!
1 year ago
polkadotsandblooms says:
Great feature, really enjoyed reading it. Going to keep a link to this, as it is transferrable to so many other 2D projects.
1 year ago
sassmama says:
Thank you, I am still practicing with my photo and photoshop skills. I have been listing a lot on this website which is another great avenue for your digital images to be created in other items.... http://shelia-howe.artistwebsites.com/index.html
1 year ago
lauraprill says:
Excellent ideas, my camera will getting a workout- again:)
1 year ago
Eternitee says:
Thanks for the tips. i am going to try the framing- havent done that yet.
1 year ago
Celticcatphotos says:
Thank You! I think photographing prints and cards is one of the hardest problems to address when listing on Etsy!
1 year ago
greenappleworks says:
good ideas-- I love the pictures!!
1 year ago
TheArtofKris says:
THANK YOU!!!!
1 year ago
WieberArt says:
For the life of me, I could not determine from where all the views for this painting were being generated. Finally, I discovered over on Craftcult that it was featured here on Etsy Success: Storque Blog under related products. TYVM for the honor.
1 year ago
WalterSilva says:
Great Advice, Thank you!
1 year ago
SaraFeiss says:
Great tips, I will definitely try the framing. Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
knottybracelets says:
Ahh just great tips, thank you so much! xoxo
1 year ago
artfields says:
Thanks for the great tips! I usually avoided photographing art framed in glass because of all the reflections in it. I would put a newly phtographed painting on my computer and discover myself taking the picture reflected in it. Maybe that's not always such a bad thing.
1 year ago
ElizaWestArt says:
Thanks for the tips. Yes, I take the glass out too.
1 year ago
dandelionlady says:
What good ideas. I've been having such a hard time coming up with shots of my blockprints, now I've got tons of ideas!
1 year ago
thesharpcrayon says:
I like the idea of photographing the artwork in front of a wooden background. I love the simplicity of your work - very charming. Question: I'm new here. Is the article I just read considered a blog? Also had did you post it? Were you chosen? Thanks, Christy
1 year ago
nosideup says:
might have to convert from scanning lady to photo-taking lady.
1 year ago
staciejewelry says:
Thanks. Every bit of advice on photography is much appreciated!
1 year ago
ThePaperButton says:
excellent! Thanks so much for this. I will be adding my prints to my shop in the next couple of months. This was very helpful to keep some ideas in my head for my photos.
1 year ago
trillium says:
great images and really helpful advice!
1 year ago
designlab443 says:
nice tips and very cute illustrations!
1 year ago
LoveYouSo says:
Thanks so much! Can't wait to try some of your suggestions.
1 year ago
vantiani says:
Exactly what I need! Wooohoo! Thank you so much for sharing all these, guys! Hugs!
1 year ago
possandwom says:
Now I am inpired! I seriously need to do some new photos!
1 year ago
yesterdaysgirlshop says:
Great tips! Have you considered discussing using light boxes to photograph in, and how to make a box for photographing?
1 year ago
sweetdolls says:
Very helpful, thanks!!
1 year ago
doodlekreations says:
Very helpful tips ! So apt for my work :)
1 year ago
jadjusjewelry says:
Good information.
1 year ago
michellearnold says:
This is great! Artwork is tricky in every way, and shooting for selling online is a different beast then shooting "portfolio" pix, too, so there are some good additional tips here!
1 year ago
dkshopgirl says:
Great article - thank you.
1 year ago
unflappableproducts says:
Wow-I needed this article-great suggestions! I am taking this all to heart and making some serious changes in my shop. Thanks!
1 year ago
TheYearningRobot says:
This will come in handy when I finally start putting prints on my shop!
1 year ago
opendoorstudio says:
fantastic ideas! I have to pull my handmade shop together and this will be so helpful!
1 year ago
SparklePaw says:
I love Jamie's work! Great tip - thanks! :D
1 year ago
glasspondstudio says:
This is a great article. Thanks for the wonderful tips!
1 year ago
cowgirlcaities says:
great tips, great pictures and written in such a fun way- thank you!!!!! smooches caitie!!!!
1 year ago
mtnlaurelarts says:
thanks for this post! i've been struggling for a while now with how acceptable certain ways to photograph my paintings are. some great ideas in here too...
1 year ago
CreativeTruth says:
Wonderful article! I look forward to using them along with what I have already been doing. Thanks for sharing these great tips! =)
1 year ago
RetroEyewear says:
great! thanks!
1 year ago
melindadowning says:
very useful. thanks!
1 year ago
WhenGuineaPigsFly says:
I haven't been using contextual photos of my art yet, and I think this will be a great lesson for me to practice to give my shop an extra push. Thank you! <3
1 year ago
banfflines says:
Thank you. I thought your tips very useful. I shall be putting them to good use when I take pictures of my next project.
1 year ago
MaisonBeegeoux says:
LOVED the tip about using wood as a background. ("If it had teeth", right?) Thanks loads for a tres informative article!
1 year ago
NavyBlueNotes says:
Glad to know I'm not the only one who has been struggling with this. Thanks so much for all the clever tips!
1 year ago
TutorialGirl says:
This article is so good, that it make me to grab my photo camera and start working right now, but is dark and late at night.
1 year ago
GillianMcMurray says:
Great tips. I always have difficulty displaying my art in a way that will draw people in. This helps greatly. Many thanks.
1 year ago
inkadinkadoodle says:
Thanks - great tips for enhancing our work!
1 year ago
QuiltFinger says:
Cool tips. I like the idea of showing the scanned or cropped version and the displayed version for perspective. Definitely something to play around with.
1 year ago
blondie11776 says:
THanks! This article gave me some ideas as I would like to open an Etsy shop to display and sell my photography. I'm all about having fun and trying new things so, I really appreciate the ideas you put into my head!
1 year ago
SchickieMickie says:
Thanks for the great tips! Really helpful. Will give them a try on my next project. LOVED the cats too!
1 year ago
katyfryd says:
Great tips! Thank you.
1 year ago
paulbead says:
The creative photography of my fine art glass beads is crucial to the success of my store. Thanks for your article.
1 year ago
MCSDesigns says:
Very helpful. Thanks
1 year ago
missouribendstudio says:
Thanks so much...great information!
1 year ago
TeresasPrimTreasures says:
Thanks so much for sharing this information!!!
1 year ago
DesignWithWings says:
Wow, just what I was looking for. These are some really good ideas! Thanks :)
1 year ago
Squier says:
Good tips.
1 year ago
Salzanos says:
I particularly love the idea of holding a object with your hand. Had not thought that this would also give a subliminal message of "handmade". !!
1 year ago
eyeshoot says:
Great article! I hate photographing my work!
1 year ago
DebbieSaenz says:
Thanks, great reminder! Taking great pics is time consuming but well worth it!
1 year ago
cocolicious69 says:
interesting. i like a lot. great art works as well.
1 year ago
PhotographyOf says:
Wow that makes such good sense! Thank you.
1 year ago
faraharia says:
Thank you!! I find it so difficult to photograph my art. I think this will help.
1 year ago
TheNightjar says:
awesome kitty-TY for the tips
1 year ago
StudioFludd says:
nice, useful. thanks!
1 year ago
OhDearWatson says:
great tips - Thanks.
1 year ago
KandMdesign says:
Great article!!
1 year ago
RebeccasWhims says:
I had just been pondering this issue! I was going to search for a solution, when here it was, in my inbox! Thanks for all you do!
1 year ago
tricia16 says:
I was experimenting with props on this photo. http://www.etsy.com/listing/54265904/mommy-journal-diary-or-notebook-100 It's my personal favorite, but I'm not sure how other really like it. This is my version of "holding it in your hand." This is what we moms journal about anyway. . .
1 year ago
LatemSkrow says:
I'm new to this so these have been great tips! Nice article too:)
1 year ago
missquitecontrary says:
This article is so helpful! I've just started trying to try to make photos of photos seem a little more interesting, and after reading this I now have so many more fun ideas to try out!
1 year ago
sarahgraybill says:
Thanks for the wonderful tips :) I'll have to take these into consideration.
1 year ago
megbydesign says:
Thank you,I really love the art work !
1 year ago
PickleLilyDesign says:
Wonderful tips. Thank you.
1 year ago
ModGenesDesigns says:
Wonderful article and tips! I LOVE the cats!
1 year ago
tenderbeasts says:
Thanks for posting this. These are great tips & will definitely be useful!
1 year ago
CounterFitCakes says:
Interesting article. Loved the artwork!!
1 year ago
tatimaia says:
OH, THANK YOU! That's exactly what I need! \o/
1 year ago
Glossyphotos says:
great tips, because it's all about the photo!
1 year ago
KristensPaintings says:
Thank you! This was a very helpful article. I'll use this advice in the very near future!
1 year ago
carriveau says:
I have learned so much simple fun photography right here on Etsy. Who needs a college coarse :)
1 year ago
mariadiana says:
supercute!
1 year ago
ShoestringPress says:
Well...I reckon I've got a lot of UN-learning to do to improve my picture-making. So many years of "staged" group shots of merchandise to be discarded. Maybe my pre-teenagers can help me hone a more casual approach. They seem so much more relaxed about things...about EVERYTHING! Phil.
1 year ago
KoniFrazer says:
I love this advice!! I am going to work on this right away. Thanks for sharing :)
1 year ago
rasamalai says:
I love your work Pikabootcamp!!! :) Thank you for this inspiring article <3
1 year ago
MagicalMysteryTuca says:
Very helpful! Thank you so much for sharing...
1 year ago
jabonbon says:
Thanks, I need all the photography tips I can get.
1 year ago
shellsherree says:
In love with Jamie's dancing cats! Thanks for this article ~ something I've ummed and aahed about whether to photograph or simply use the scan, so looks like I'm back to experimenting again. Thank you for the great pointers!
1 year ago
Artsystuf says:
I learned a lot and have made a deffinate decision to photogragh one of my necklaces framed. It will make a great presentation and my rock layered pond the perfect seting. Tomorrow I hope it can happen weather permitting. Thank You.
1 year ago
debhillart says:
Informative, thanks.
1 year ago
tinys says:
Really need to work on lighting with photographing my stuff. It's 80% of a good photo right there. Thanks for the tips!
1 year ago
StitchCraze says:
Awesome article, very interesting ideas! I will be applying these techniques in some of my arts and crafts. Thank you so much!
1 year ago
TheZestyDesk says:
One of the best photography articles I have read here on Etsy!
1 year ago
MyCraftsR4U says:
wow, what a difference it made in my pictures http://www.etsy.com/listing/56394857/skeleton-ornament-with-blond-hair-and to hold it in my hand and take the picture. I wan't even done reading your artical yet when I had to stop and to try that. Thank you so much for all the tips. Now I'll go back and finish reading the rest of your tips. I just had to stop and say thank you. So . . . THANK YOU! I'm going to back and retake pic's of all my items using some of the tips you shared with us. (: Kathleen
1 year ago
MyCraftsR4U says:
P.S. I also used the wooden back ground like you suggested too. That really does make a differentce doesn't it? http://www.etsy.com/listing/56394857/skeleton-ornament-with-blond-hair-and Again, I want to thank you. Thsese are some of the best photo taking tips that I've seen in a long time.
1 year ago
StitchyLifeVintage says:
Thanks for sharing! Those are some GREAT tips! Just wondering.. does anyone else experience the color fading when uploading images to Etsy? I take really great shots and then the color looks really faded in Etsy and deters customers I'M SURE!!! I've tried so many different things and to no avail! :( Help, please!
1 year ago
InspiredDesigns4YOU says:
Excellent! Photography is as much work as it can be fun! I used a small wooden mirror (wooden frame) with white plastic components (look like aquarium filler). I then added the pendant on top...drawing the viewer into the field without distraction. My father who is a photographer, stressed the importance of consistency and making and standardizing. Another effective tool is a 'light box' that can be made with not much expense. Black cloth or remnants can be bought at fabric shops too. Cheers!
1 year ago
InspiredDesigns4YOU says:
Hi StrichyLifeVintage: I haven't experience the problem you have indicated. However, what I have noticed is the difference between what you see in colour on the web CYM (cyan, yellow, magenta) and what you see as JPEG images typically do vary. I have bought jewellery boxes that look like they were turquoise when in actual light at home, they were a Turquoise/jade colour. My explanation might be what you are experiencing? The Web team on Etsy might offer a more detailed explanation that what I have. My thoughts -
1 year ago
BaniniBaby says:
Great advice, thanks. I will try this with my cards...
1 year ago
AndrewGableArtist says:
Cool perspectives thanks
1 year ago
HelgaMcL says:
Wonderful (and usable :) advice. Thank you - I will implement some of the tips above.
1 year ago
STRUTHdesigns says:
Thanks for this insight. I was finding white backgrounds wash my work out...goin to try the wood option!
1 year ago
CuriousTuesday says:
Great advice which could be used by all of us!, not just for 2D.
1 year ago
Kalatirth says:
Thanks a lot...This is very useful and will help the shop much! I will definetly use the tips... Mruna
1 year ago
MariaBjork says:
Thank you! :)
1 year ago
parksidepalace says:
great article - thanks!
1 year ago
reinaliz says:
Great tips ; thanks!
1 year ago
TracyEmmaCupitt says:
Thankyou for your advice, I've been struggling with this! Lovely work x
1 year ago
ABarrante says:
Thanks for the tips. I got some good ideas :)
1 year ago
magalerie says:
Great article ! Thanks
1 year ago
ArtistBeingHuman says:
Nice suggestions. Thanks!
1 year ago
sissysparrows says:
Great Advice.... love your work!
1 year ago
cassandrastephanie says:
So helpful! This has been one of my struggles..
1 year ago
SuePsales says:
Right On! Thanks for the advice.
1 year ago
dollladie says:
Invaluable information. Actually, one of my favorite parts of selling on Etsy, is photographing my corsages. Thank you!
1 year ago
brookstreamstudio says:
Thanks for the tip!
1 year ago
PinkCaffeination says:
Thanks for sharing these tips!! Just what I've been looking for as I too have been struggling to photograph my prints to make them three dimensional.
1 year ago
JenniferLynnProducts says:
This was a really helpful article. I've been going back and forth about whether I want to offer prints of some of my old paintings, and the main sticking point was how to effectively photograph them, as opposed to dragging them somewhere to be scanned (I don't have a scanner.) For the color fade problem--try bumping the brightness down a hair and the contrast up a hair--JUST a hair--before uploading to Etsy. That MIGHT help...
1 year ago
RightOnStrange says:
When I clicked on this page, I didn't expect the advice to pertain to me as a photogragher, but you have given me terrific ideas. Giving visual suggestions on how a print can look in their own home is vital! My stuff sells well in a shop, but I am struggling to sell on ETSY. This will help! THANKS!!!
1 year ago
theaterclouds says:
wonderful tips. I have been thinking about how to show my prints as objects. Thanks.
1 year ago
toutourouge says:
Well.. what they all said before me, I agree ;)
1 year ago
elemegibere says:
Wonderful!
1 year ago
makingthishome says:
this post and these pictures have given me more inspiration than I could possibly begin to express to you all. Thank you thank you.
1 year ago
papermajik says:
Thanks for talking about 2-d art. I have new ideas!!
1 year ago
kirstenfrancis says:
Fantastic! I'm revved up to take some great shots of my work. Thank you.
1 year ago
LouisestArt says:
Thanks a lot. I will ad some "extra" to my pictures.
1 year ago
snolbertogoster says:
Very good advice here, I will be trying these tips out this weekend. Best Wishes, Simon @ Snolbertogoster
1 year ago
samsstuff says:
Very good advice, thank you for posting!
1 year ago
theblackbirdsings says:
An inspirational article with great ideas and tips - thank you so much!
1 year ago
iconicblue says:
Very nice! I would also recommend photos showing that a real person made the item in question - either a studio shot, work in progress, that kind of thing. Still working on this part myself. Overall, great tips!
1 year ago
SiklosPhoto says:
great advice - I've been thinking about how to jazz up my listings, and these are some great ideas
1 year ago
pishposhcards says:
great ideas thanks
1 year ago
margo121 says:
Thank you for thegreat tips... funny I was thinking along the same lines as a way to present my jewelry and other items... My jewelry by using a rich-textured sweater and leather coat as the backdrop. I do use wood for items on my web site and am happy with the results. Guess great minds do think alike... www.margosimportsandexports.com
1 year ago
kathartstudio says:
Thanks for the great tips!
1 year ago
lauraprill says:
so helpful, thank you
1 year ago
piecesofaprilmel says:
While trying to make Treasury list, the words, Pictures tell stories" rings in my head....so many of us can create but have to find tune the art of picture taking, me included. I have improved for my first set to my now 500th picture. I take all of the pictures for my site as well as my moms, practice make perfection...well almost perfect we can always improve!To me it's the most challenging thing other than making my banner as good as it is now!
1 year ago
mariaswatercolor says:
Perfect article and perfect tips, it was on my to do list to take different pictures of my paintings for the website. Thanks for the great tips, I have added picture taking to the list for tomorrow!
1 year ago
mariaswatercolor says:
Perfect article and perfect tips, it was on my to do list to take different pictures of my paintings for the website. Thanks for the great tips, I have added picture taking to the list for tomorrow!
1 year ago
ArtByAmarose says:
Thank you, thank you for this. Selling photography on Etsy is tough and I think these tips will really help. Time to change my shop and soon! Namaste.
1 year ago
tikoart says:
Thank you for the useful tips!
1 year ago
LauraKAiken says:
thank you for a great article. I enjoyed it. laura.
1 year ago
ARTinVENICE says:
Yes, it is very hard to photograph an item and present it the right way! And it's true that a good picture is the best way to capture buyers' attention! I hope I'll found good ways to present my paintings! Thanks for the tips!
1 year ago
Andra123 says:
Great article. Thank you for the tips and the emphasis of having fun when you take photos of the item you are selling. I have noticed that when I take pictures of the jewelry I sell, it IS much more fun to create a "story" for each photo. However, in doing so it is easy to let the objects that you wanted to enhance your item, overwhelm it, so be forewarned.
1 year ago
SarahTan says:
great tips! thanks for sharing! :)
1 year ago
artbykat says:
as i was browsing photographers on etsy, i came across one who had these really cool shots (placed second on the side of the main photo) of her photos framed up and in a livingroom setting. she had 2 different scenes of this where she photoshopped her photos into the frame to show how they would look framed up...without actually having to physically frame them. i've been trying to find a similar program where i can just pop my photos into an already created scene. anyone have a suggestion where i can find a similar design? (hope this makes some sense!!)
1 year ago
junkomiyakoshi says:
Awesome tips! Am going to try! Thanks for sharing :)
1 year ago
BatesMercantileCo says:
Thanks so much for such helpful info. Love the tips on 'holding' your items to make the viewer/customer feels as if they are holding it. Thanks again. ArtByKat, not sure what programs you have but you should certainly be able to do that in Photoshop, or even in Illustrator.
1 year ago
MythWeaver says:
A great article, i have just started to upload images into my shop, and as my work is 2D was trying to play around with different ways to show it, but wondered if i was way off mark. You have given me the boost to continue to experiment. many thanks. ruthie.
1 year ago
VictoriaRoseWare says:
Love your ideas and have definately taken note to display my work to show placement and size. Thanks, Victoria.
1 year ago
studiotuesday says:
Great ideas. On my to do list!
1 year ago
CindysNatureArt says:
Thanks for the great ideas. I'm just starting out selling on-line and your ideas will be very helpful.
1 year ago
homesweethome50 says:
Your post opened my eyes to see things differently, thank you!
1 year ago
RhiannonsRealm says:
Just wanted to say "congratulations" to the shops who have all of this figured out and already have amazing photography!
1 year ago
artropology says:
Great ideas. Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
artropology says:
Great ideas. Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
stubborndog says:
Love these tips! Thanks!
1 year ago
Barbiola says:
Thanks again for more eye-opening tips :)
1 year ago
SimandCharlieDesigns says:
Love all the suggestions! I'm happy with most my current photos for my printable prints, but I would love to do something unique so that everyone knows they are my photos. These ideas have me brainstorming :)
1 year ago
Borettoart says:
Greate tips! Thank you so much
1 year ago
PepePiedra says:
Great, thanks for sharing all these tips
1 year ago
krejo says:
Great tips - thank you very much! Plus - I adore your cats!
1 year ago
cookier3rocks says:
I struggle with taking good, staight, even photos of my paintings. It never crossd my mind to just Scan them! Thanks!
1 year ago
MysticalRaindrops says:
Thanks for great advice. I especially liked holding art in your hand to compare size with something to take the guess work out.
1 year ago
slaymaker says:
Thanks - great tips! My 2D work has been lacking the photographic UMPH it deserves. I just gave my 3D works a photo-makeover, and now I feel inspired for a 2D photo makeover!
1 year ago
SuzanneUrban says:
Thanks for the tips this could help me a lot!
145 days ago
jesperwilson says:
This was very helpful! Thanks for one of the best posts in the Etsy seller handbook.
137 days ago
lacasunitienda says:
Finally I found exactly the report I needed! Great ideas for flat (products) sellers! Thank you Amy!! Thank you Jamie!!
121 days ago