UK Edition: Photography Tips With heidiadnum, Part 2

heidiadnum

Story by heidiadnum

Published on June 21, 2010 in Seller Handbook

Photo by TillyBloom

Heidi_bio.jpgAustralian expat Heidi Adnum lives and works in London as a photographer of children and families, though she takes any opportunity to photograph food. She has two shops on Etsy — heidiadnum and hellodarlingvintage. She also runs a photography and inspiration blog, La Isla Blogita.

Hello again, fellow Etsians! This is part two of your product photography questions answered. Find part one, covering colour, light and reflection here. Once again, we’ll look at some excellent product photographs and I’ll be offering some tips and advice to help solve sellers’ most common and specific problems — this time on backgrounds, props, composition and scale. My suggestions are straightforward and you don’t have to have a fancy camera or a huge budget to make them work for you.

Backgrounds

“Which background is best?”

Everyone has his or her own opinion here. Mine is that natural, neutral and simple “everyday” backgrounds work best. You probably have more suitable backgrounds in and around your home, garden, or local park than you realise. These include floorboards, decking, walls, wooden tables and chairs, laminate, firm flat fabric, tiles, bricks, stones and plants…the list goes on.

Organic And Cotton Bamboo Tank by stephanieteague

If you can’t find anything around the house, then make your own. Rescue an old piece of wood from a friend’s house, or even a builder’s skip!

Artichoke Tote by PAWLING

Grab a pot of enamel paint, a piece of MDF and you’ve got an instant surface with a lovely sheen in the colour of your choice.

Beaded Bangles by FifiFlyaway

Lay a sheet of glass or Perspex over a piece of card, felt or foam for an instant high-shine surface. Another low-cost way to achieve a high-shine surface is a sheet of tile/panel board, an off-cut of laminate or even a plain tile.

Barber Shop Trio Mug from jessjamesjake

Bright white and jet black may sound like the perfect neutral backgrounds but they are very harsh and the high-contrast can be unflattering. The best way to use white as a background is to either shoot from a distance or put distance between your product and the background. This will make the white background look slightly grey. Light grey is easier on the eye than bright white and will be more flattering on your product.

Make your own white studio background using a sheet of thick white paper or matte white lino taped to the wall and draped down onto the floor. This creates a “runway” for a seamless effect. White fabric can also be used: however it is very important that the fabric is kept perfectly still and is free from any creases. The purpose of a plain, white background is to keep all focus on the item and not the background at all, so creases or marks are distracting and can look unprofessional.

Goldsworthy Swivel Chair from Hindsvik

The best way to use black is to choose an “almost” black background, preferably with texture, such as a charcoal-coloured card.

one dark heart by locallibrary

If you’re unhappy with the colour of your wall, then why not change it? Paint a section of the wall — you can always paint it back before your visitors arrive! If that isn’t possible, paint a piece of MDF and slide it into the background. Consider taking your product and model to the end of your street where there is a plain wall (rustic brick or industrial walls are both great) and use that as the backdrop.

Technicolor Technique by ruffeoheartlilsnoty

Subtle patterns can be pretty and may complement your product.

Silver Pine Tree Cupcake Picks from sweetestelle

Props

“Should I use props?”

I love props. They’re bold and fun and can really bring photos to life. All you need to do is consider the look and feel of your shop and prop accordingly.

ABC Hand Printed Fabric by HelenRawlinson

Remember that models and dress forms are props, too. Using real models and dress forms can bring clothing to life and can seem more luxurious and inspiring to customers than dummies.

Vintage Blue Party Dress from allencompanyinc

If you’re selling a premium item, then your photos should reflect that. It might be worthwhile to invest in a trusted professional photographer and model to give your photos a sumptuous feel.

Silk Cropped Camisole by Hopeless

Composition

“How should I frame the photograph?”

Grouping your products together can make them more eye-catching. This is especially true for small items.

Wool Felt And Leather iPhone Case by byrdandbelle

Get up close and straight-on to your product. This perspective makes products look bold and impressive.

Hugh by RoseLullabyDolls

Select an unusual crop or a particular detail and use this as your headline image. Potential buyers will be intrigued!


Mini Square Cards by ThePaperAddict

Use depth of field to your advantage. Simply put, a blurred background, or foreground and background, takes the eye straight to your product. When you background is blurred you can use almost any background setting you like, as long as the colours complement your products. Try your macro setting to achieve this. Alternatively, if you are trying a manual set-up, select a small/shallow depth of field. For example, a low F-stop number, perhaps up to f5.0.

Tiny Stud Earrings by michellechangjewelry

Find more information on styling your shots in this useful blog post. 

Scale

“How do I show scale in an appealing way?”

The best way to show scale is to photograph your product in situ with a universal reference.

Giraffe Wall Sticker by SolanaGraphicStudios

I love in situ shots. They can really inspire potential customers. If you’re using a model, remember that they need to look comfortable and confident whilst using your product.

Reclaimed Oak Tub Caddy by PegandAwl

Using the same space, crop or perspective for all of your product shots can also create scale. This can be achieved by simply using the same room or angle for every item and can be perfect for large items or supplies that you want to “stand alone” in the photograph.

Medium Circles Coffee Table by michaelarras

Universal props to show scale include flowers in a vase, books, a children’s toy, a beautiful pencil or even your business card.

Lots Of Dots Pitcher from Ninainvorm

If you’ve got a good photo of your product showing its size and scale, but you want a great photo for the headline image, zoom in and get close up to the detail. This could be the arm of a sofa or the detail of a chair leg.


Map Chair by Bombus

And Finally…

“I’ve tried everything and it just won’t work.”

  • Consider Upgrading

Don’t be intimidated by fancy cameras that do everything except make you dinner — your trusty little digital compact “point and shoot” should serve you well. However, sometimes, whether due to its age or capacity, your camera simply may not be able to deliver the clear, sharp and vibrant product shots needed for success and you may have to upgrade. This doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. There are a number of excellent digital compact cameras on the market for under £200 — shop around and you might find one on sale for as low as £75. Hopefully you will make your money back through increased product sales! Read this excellent article on choosing the right camera.

I Love Holga No. 6 by JUNKandPO

“Heeelp!”

If you’ve read the manual, looked online and still can’t find the answer, don’t be afraid to take the camera back to the seller and ask the in-store expert to help you out. You can also ask for help from a friend who seems to know what they’re doing — they’re sure to be flattered that you asked. If all else fails, you could outsource your photography. Consider it an investment in the success of your business. If you are on a budget and know a budding photographer, why not ask them if they’d like to take on your product photography? You could offer some of your products as payment!

Thanks once again to Heidi for sharing such useful information with us. Find some of her food photography in the Seller’s Items and see more of her well-photographed Etsy picks in the Related Items below.

Check out Heidi’s Photography Tips Part 1, which covers light, colour and reflection here.

Photography How-To’s | The Seller Handbook | UK Edition

Discuss: 177 comments

Seller's Items

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177 comments

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  • SewnNatural

    SewnNatural says:

    this was super helpful - loved the discussion about backgrounds - thank you!

    1 year ago

  • VintageEye

    VintageEye says:

    So much wonderful information. Thanks!

    1 year ago

  • maimy

    maimy says:

    Great advice, and lovely ideas!

    1 year ago

  • paulofnavarone

    paulofnavarone says:

    some great photos here. makes me think i need to go sort my shop out. ha. love roses 'hugh' and the silverpine cupcake.

    1 year ago

  • jewelrybyjackie

    jewelrybyjackie says:

    Thanks so much for the tips! Very helpful, especially regarding backgrounds!

    1 year ago

  • norajane

    norajane says:

    Yay! Thank you so much for including my bean stamp in this fantastic article! So honored!

    1 year ago

  • OhMafelt

    OhMafelt says:

    Postcard cake, yum...that original!

    1 year ago

  • tomatored

    tomatored says:

    very good and interesting advice! much appreciated!

    1 year ago

  • SeaFindDesigns

    SeaFindDesigns says:

    Great information!! Thanks... I love looking for new unique ideas for my photos!! I think enjoy it as much as my designs!!

    1 year ago

  • Chariot90

    Chariot90 says:

    Great like always! I'm a big fan of your articles and I learn a lot from them. Very helpful

    1 year ago

  • SavoyFaire

    SavoyFaire says:

    Thank you for this! Very interesting and helpful!

    1 year ago

  • heavenlyhandbag

    heavenlyhandbag says:

    Great ideas and advice thanks.

    1 year ago

  • KylieO

    KylieO says:

    Thankyou for taking the time to give us such great advice! I scour etsy for photography tips, especially photographing children in a natural, professional way.

    1 year ago

  • raeburnink

    raeburnink says:

    thanks for the great tips!!!

    1 year ago

  • FifiFlyaway

    FifiFlyaway says:

    Great advice heidi - thank you for your advice and for featuring my beaded bangles!

    1 year ago

  • lovelygifts

    lovelygifts says:

    Great advice. Thank's for the tips!

    1 year ago

  • MarKhed

    MarKhed says:

    these articles are priceless! thanks!

    1 year ago

  • HoldTheWire

    HoldTheWire says:

    Really great ideas! I think I will use some today!

    1 year ago

  • MaryFosterCreative

    MaryFosterCreative says:

    Thanks for the great advice. The examples are wonderful!

    1 year ago

  • davisdesignsau

    davisdesignsau says:

    Thanks for the tips! will have to try some out in spare time!

    1 year ago

  • DiamondSand

    DiamondSand says:

    Very helpful. Thank you for sharing.

    1 year ago

  • RiverBazaar

    RiverBazaar says:

    Inspirational. Play with the camera. Taking fotos is time consuming but rewarding both for you and visitors to your shop. Don't always get caught up with having absolutely perfect fotos over listing items. I have seen stellar fotos with little sales and stellar sales with so so fotos...

    1 year ago

  • cloverduke

    cloverduke says:

    i love the "Giraffe Wall Sticker" and all the tips! :)

    1 year ago

  • Scrapboarding

    Scrapboarding says:

    Ooooo! I love this. I am now more curious about the seamless factor of these backdrops, how they flow from wall onto surface. Thanx for great article! Going back to read part I.

    1 year ago

  • GreenRoomStudios

    GreenRoomStudios says:

    Thanks for the advice! I soooo need to re shoot my shop. I've been working on it for a while, but can't seem to get it right! These tips should help!

    1 year ago

  • kclarkphotography

    kclarkphotography says:

    wonderful inspiration-thanks

    1 year ago

  • jcisco112

    jcisco112 says:

    Thank you so much for the photography ideas!!! Now I need a cupcake! YUM!!

    1 year ago

  • 2TrickPony

    2TrickPony says:

    great tips. thank you!

    1 year ago

  • byhelenga

    byhelenga says:

    Great tips! Thank you very much for article!

    1 year ago

  • GroundCherry

    GroundCherry says:

    Great background information. I definitely made the creased fabric mistake, and need to retake a few photos! Glad to hear that you like props-- I've been ambivalent and not quite sure whether they are distracting or helpful. Any additional advice there would be much appreciated.

    1 year ago

  • EponaJewels

    EponaJewels says:

    Thank you for the tips! I constantly redo my photos trying something different every time.

    1 year ago

  • asundrynotion

    asundrynotion says:

    Forever and a day trying to fine-tune photos. Thanks so much for these great tips and reminders!

    1 year ago

  • akcArt

    akcArt says:

    Beautiful photos! Wonderful advice! Thank you!

    1 year ago

  • manvsgeorge

    manvsgeorge says:

    Fantastic tips - thank you! I need to try photographing some of my greeting cards instead of using digital images of the designs in my listings -- your suggestions are just the motivation I need!

    1 year ago

  • blueskyclouds

    blueskyclouds says:

    Great article and tips! Also, some wonderful featured items...I clicked on so many of them and found some new favorites. And I'm off to find more!!

    1 year ago

  • corrnucopia

    corrnucopia says:

    Great tips, thanks for some great ideas.

    1 year ago

  • maggiemaevintage

    maggiemaevintage says:

    fantastic tips...thank you so much!

    1 year ago

  • BrightWallVintage

    BrightWallVintage says:

    Some cool items! I'd love to see a bigger variety of sellers' product shots instead of the usual suspects. There are a ton of super creative and talented Etsy sellers when it comes to their photography.

    1 year ago

  • aBreathofFrenchair

    aBreathofFrenchair says:

    Thanks for the tips!

    1 year ago

  • backyardbirdsong

    backyardbirdsong says:

    LOVE that map chair at the end.. some really inspiring photos there

    1 year ago

  • OrangeistheSun

    OrangeistheSun says:

    My goodness, this was soooo informative. Thank-you so much for all of the amazing tips and ideas!

    1 year ago

  • LittleWrenPottery

    LittleWrenPottery says:

    Great tips! I'm slowly trying to improve my photography and I think its working little by little.

    1 year ago

  • kristimcmurry

    kristimcmurry says:

    Great tips once again, Heidi!

    1 year ago

  • inbloomdesigns

    inbloomdesigns says:

    Great tips... I am always trying to improve my photos!

    1 year ago

  • ZenAndCoffee

    ZenAndCoffee says:

    Fantastic and oh so helpful article! Thank you so much for sharing this!

    1 year ago

  • TheNightjar

    TheNightjar says:

    thanks for the input! these are excellent points and ones that i will put to use ! cheers

    1 year ago

  • AutumnJo

    AutumnJo says:

    You have such wonderful advice that I can actually understand and try to do. Thank you!

    1 year ago

  • PAWLING

    PAWLING says:

    Wow! Heidi, thanks so much for including our artichoke tote! What an honor to be featured along with such awesome sellers!!

    1 year ago

  • undermyfeet

    undermyfeet says:

    Great practical tips. Thanks

    1 year ago

  • OsoVictoria

    OsoVictoria says:

    Thank you so much for your tips, you just keep me rolling in the right direction!

    1 year ago

  • Serrelynda

    Serrelynda says:

    Thank you for all the great info! This makes me want to try some props in my listing photos.

    1 year ago

  • paramountvintage

    paramountvintage says:

    seriously this is the most helpful article! thank you, thank you, thank you!

    1 year ago

  • PrettyThingsFromWing

    PrettyThingsFromWing says:

    brilliant article, clearly illustrated .. just what we needed - loads of useful tips. Thank you so much for sharing

    1 year ago

  • PixesBeads

    PixesBeads says:

    Thanks for offering these easy tips! I find photography to be an ever evolving process, and have learned to embrace the experience instead of dreading it like I used to!

    1 year ago

  • NotYoMommasHandbag

    NotYoMommasHandbag says:

    Great suggestions....love the notes on perspective....smiles.

    1 year ago

  • elizabethwrenvintage

    elizabethwrenvintage says:

    So so helpful- thank you!!!

    1 year ago

  • SSSJ

    SSSJ says:

    Thank you for the article. Great tips!

    1 year ago

  • poplovedesigns

    poplovedesigns says:

    These tips seem so obvious, and yet, we've made just about all the mistakes possible with photographing items. You're entirely right about the white background, we're in the process of re-shooting a number of items right now! <3 Andrea

    1 year ago

  • chocolatecreative

    chocolatecreative says:

    Great tips! I am always trying to improve the photos of my products, and always get a professional photographer for the most important shots. What a nice surprise to see one of my photos in here!! Regards from London http://chocolatecreative.blogspot.com/

    1 year ago

  • PaperPicker

    PaperPicker says:

    thanks for the picture ideas. you have lots of good advice.

    1 year ago

  • artwithallie

    artwithallie says:

    Thanks Heidi (fellow aussie)...awesome info...am going back to read it all again!!

    1 year ago

  • ZZsROCKnRECYCLABLES

    ZZsROCKnRECYCLABLES says:

    Thank You for all your advice!!!

    1 year ago

  • KanAnek

    KanAnek says:

    so cool

    1 year ago

  • julessabjewelry

    julessabjewelry says:

    Heidi - thank you for the wonderful background tips... I use a 4 x 4 inch textured neutral tile I found at the local home center that works wonders! I also have to say that the best thing I ever did was upgrade my camera - yes, it was a little pricey but the photos that I'm getting more than make up for the extra expense. It has paid itself off two-fold.

    1 year ago

  • heidiadnum

    heidiadnum says:

    Thanks so much for all of your comments!

    1 year ago

  • LynspiredJewelry

    LynspiredJewelry says:

    Besides great tips, very well written, to the point, with clarity. Now how about an article on how to photograph food? Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge, creativity, and experience.

    1 year ago

  • oddlysentimental

    oddlysentimental says:

    Thanks for the tips! I'm new at this and I've been wanting to get more creative with my backgrounds, so this was really helpful!

    1 year ago

  • shopgoodgrace

    shopgoodgrace says:

    I've been waiting so patiently for this 2nd installment - thank you, THANK YOU for sharing. These tips are incredibly helpful! Much appreciated!

    1 year ago

  • lilabelledesign

    lilabelledesign says:

    love that you give the tips and then show an image, makes it so easy to read, thank you ;o)

    1 year ago

  • moosomething

    moosomething says:

    Wonderful tips and advice! Thank you:)

    1 year ago

  • DappleGrey

    DappleGrey says:

    such great tips thank you

    1 year ago

  • joajewellery

    joajewellery says:

    This has been so inspiring heidi, that I have bought a camera today ~ a direct result of your genius! I am not a photographer so all advice is gratefully lapped up!

    1 year ago

  • ArtisticIntentions

    ArtisticIntentions says:

    Thanks for the tips!! Always trying to improve my photos!!

    1 year ago

  • NoniBam

    NoniBam says:

    Great tips - especially on the background, which I'm currently trying to work on ;-)

    1 year ago

  • NoniBam

    NoniBam says:

    And thank you of course!!!!

    1 year ago

  • TeaAtHomeWithOlivia

    TeaAtHomeWithOlivia says:

    Thank so much for lesson in photography backgrounds. This has me thinking of what to use next. Have a super day!

    1 year ago

  • Nishale

    Nishale says:

    Thank you!

    1 year ago

  • earthexpressions

    earthexpressions says:

    Thanks for sharing!

    1 year ago

  • nevita

    nevita says:

    thanks, very useful information

    1 year ago

  • PaulaArt

    PaulaArt says:

    love seeing this, thank you!

    1 year ago

  • WeddingFlowersAndHom

    WeddingFlowersAndHom says:

    Inspired me to try a few things different. I love trying different things but sometime there is no inspiration around to spark my imagination. THANKS!!!!

    1 year ago

  • BotanicalBead

    BotanicalBead says:

    Great advice and tips and I love the giraffe sticker!

    1 year ago

  • StringsnTings

    StringsnTings says:

    Awesome, these tips are always helpful and really do make a difference!

    1 year ago

  • CreationsdeFlorence

    CreationsdeFlorence says:

    Very helpful article. Great tips on how to show scale: I will try to include my biz card with some of my items in my future shoots.

    1 year ago

  • thefinaltouchvintage

    thefinaltouchvintage says:

    Amazing advice!! Thank you so much for sharing!!

    1 year ago

  • twirlaway

    twirlaway says:

    These are really great tips. The Reclaimed Oak Tub Caddy looks wonderful, I think because it makes we want a bubble bath now, great use of a model to show exactly how to use it!

    1 year ago

  • ForestWalkArt

    ForestWalkArt says:

    thanks!! good advice...but no matter how hard i try i still can't get a good shot of my clear glass/sandblasted window hangers! (in my samura shop)

    1 year ago

  • TheRoyalDetails

    TheRoyalDetails says:

    Great tips, thanks!

    1 year ago

  • crishayantis

    crishayantis says:

    This is helpful and lovely examples! After reshooting all of my photos once already, whew! I now see more helpful tips from your article I can use.

    1 year ago

  • fromyou2me

    fromyou2me says:

    thanks for the tips, Im learning so much on what is a good shot, and what is eye catching for customers :D

    1 year ago

  • artbybrooke

    artbybrooke says:

    Great ideas! I'm feeling good about my next photo shoot...(^.^)

    1 year ago

  • adessojewelry

    adessojewelry says:

    Excellent article! One of the best I've read in "how to" on Etsy. You are helping so many people get better at photographing their items (including me!). Thanks so much.

    1 year ago

  • RomeoTheRabbit

    RomeoTheRabbit says:

    Thanks for the tips! It is very helpful!

    1 year ago

  • ferrytalesgifts

    ferrytalesgifts says:

    Awesome advice and tips. Thanks much!

    1 year ago

  • jewelsforhope

    jewelsforhope says:

    Thanks for the tips.

    1 year ago

  • jpstyle

    jpstyle says:

    Awesome tips and awesome shots you found! Thanks!

    1 year ago

  • CasualSweet

    CasualSweet says:

    i like what u are saying,i love the camera myself, it all about the presentation, thanks

    1 year ago

  • MaggieDayStudio

    MaggieDayStudio says:

    Loved this -- great info! I've been using a gray photo sweep as the background for my jewelry, but lately I've started including props instead. It's definitely helped my sales!

    1 year ago

  • TangBaby

    TangBaby says:

    woot, awesome, thanks!

    1 year ago

  • petalbelles

    petalbelles says:

    Thank you for making photography advice straightforward!

    1 year ago

  • milkandcookies

    milkandcookies says:

    great tips, thanks!

    1 year ago

  • CounterFitCakes

    CounterFitCakes says:

    Great suggestions and beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharring. I checked out some of the ad's below. They were great to!

    1 year ago

  • chantalmarieliving

    chantalmarieliving says:

    Great tips, thank you so much for your expertise.

    1 year ago

  • natalya1905

    natalya1905 says:

    Great tips, thank you very much! I'm now in the process of retaking many of my photos, so any good advice is appreciated. :)

    1 year ago

  • lilymagaziner

    lilymagaziner says:

    Great tips thank you! I found using a tripod (to eliminate the fash) and early morning light works best. www.lilymagaziner.etsy.com

    1 year ago

  • ZambakDesigns

    ZambakDesigns says:

    Very helpful information. Thank you.

    1 year ago

  • Canemah

    Canemah says:

    Wonderfully helpful and clear! Thank you : )

    1 year ago

  • pixiecampbell

    pixiecampbell says:

    I really needed this today and it arrived at the perfect time! Thank you so much!

    1 year ago

  • juliedcrisp

    juliedcrisp says:

    Thanks for easy to understand and practical tips! Very generous, thanks again Heidi!

    1 year ago

  • Holdilocks

    Holdilocks says:

    Thanks so much for the excellent series on photography. I'm off to change my background!

    1 year ago

  • LizzieLuna

    LizzieLuna says:

    Great ideas and tips.

    1 year ago

  • oreldesign

    oreldesign says:

    Excellent article!!! Photos are my biggest problem....

    1 year ago

  • RevolvingStore

    RevolvingStore says:

    Wonderful advice, Thanks for sharing...life always a learning experience.

    1 year ago

  • silkenvoice

    silkenvoice says:

    Thanks a heap for the advice. Really gets you thinking.

    1 year ago

  • RozPetalzStudio

    RozPetalzStudio says:

    Fantastic tips! I can't wait to try the shiny background idea!

    1 year ago

  • lisaroy

    lisaroy says:

    great tips! photos can be so challenging to get just right. love the finds... : )

    1 year ago

  • RevolvingStore

    RevolvingStore says:

    Thanks so much for sharing your expertise. I am an old dog, but because of you, I'm still learning new tricks!!!

    1 year ago

  • OefyCouture

    OefyCouture says:

    Great descriptive tips! Love the photos pointing out the details.

    1 year ago

  • awildatheart

    awildatheart says:

    thank you for the inspiration. xo

    1 year ago

  • lisawoolfe

    lisawoolfe says:

    Thank you. These are all great tips and great example photos. I've been struggling with backgrounds for my images, I will definately be putting some of these into action. Kind Regards Lisa

    1 year ago

  • GetLathered

    GetLathered says:

    I picked up several useful tips and will be putting the to use. Thanks so much!

    1 year ago

  • SweetDreamsForAll

    SweetDreamsForAll says:

    I love your tips! Such wonderful food for thought. Thanks!

    1 year ago

  • JollieJewels

    JollieJewels says:

    Thank you again for the great tips! They are realy inspiring.

    1 year ago

  • wovengoods

    wovengoods says:

    Thank you, Heidi, for your tips. Photographing my work is the hardest part of my etsy shop--you help me a lot!

    1 year ago

  • thecardboxdesigns

    thecardboxdesigns says:

    I can't wait to try some of these on my new products! Thank you!

    1 year ago

  • lesperancetile

    lesperancetile says:

    I'm always looking for another idea to use in product shots - thanks for all the suggestions. I think I'll put the props suggestion to use for some of my gift tiles....great ideas!

    1 year ago

  • DecemberLeaHandbags

    DecemberLeaHandbags says:

    Thank you for the GRAND ideas.........this world is packed with them...one just has to explore and look.. and........this one was inspiring and informative!!! Enjoy this lovely day.

    1 year ago

  • LittleRedHenPress

    LittleRedHenPress says:

    Thanks so much for the great tips & taking the time to write this for us! I will definitely try all of these suggestions at one point or another, and this is inspiring me to re-take a lot of my item pictures. :)

    1 year ago

  • midge12

    midge12 says:

    oh thank you - i needed that

    1 year ago

  • edemich

    edemich says:

    Thank you, very helpful advice, especially the section on how to use a black or white background. I definitely agree with using a macro setting or even investing in a macro lens for close shots.

    1 year ago

  • RipandStitchDiva

    RipandStitchDiva says:

    This was really helpful, and very inspiring!

    1 year ago

  • jennyandpearl

    jennyandpearl says:

    I love these articles! Keep them coming. I definitely need to keep working on upgrading my photos. Thanks for the tips!

    1 year ago

  • dracascales

    dracascales says:

    the pics look good enough to eat. i recommend sony cyber shot cameras - $80 on ebay for a 12 megapixel! and easy to use. i borrowed one from my friend and got great pics w/o the manual.

    1 year ago

  • reyaveltman

    reyaveltman says:

    Awesome post! And so helpful too!

    1 year ago

  • thechicpea

    thechicpea says:

    great article- thanks heidi!

    1 year ago

  • GourmetPlayFood

    GourmetPlayFood says:

    Thank you for the tips. I appreciate your help. I am going to apply what I have learned.

    1 year ago

  • BlueMoonCustoms

    BlueMoonCustoms says:

    This is really helpful. I am having alot of problems with photos. Great help.

    1 year ago

  • StressBeGON

    StressBeGON says:

    Great tips. Thank you!

    1 year ago

  • Gabsie

    Gabsie says:

    helpfull tips!

    1 year ago

  • SpackleTheGap

    SpackleTheGap says:

    great tips...I cant wait to try them out :)

    1 year ago

  • everleedesigns

    everleedesigns says:

    thanks this was so great! I'll be re-thinking my pure white backgrounds now.

    1 year ago

  • Karramandi

    Karramandi says:

    Fabulous advice, thank you so much. It's the background and props I struggle with most so this is going to really help alot. Thanks again

    1 year ago

  • berniquedesign

    berniquedesign says:

    Thank you for the advice, Heidi! It's always helpful. Now I just need to get out there and re-shoot some of my products and give them pizazz!

    1 year ago

  • woodwings

    woodwings says:

    Off I go into the wild blue yonder to re-shoot all of my items :) Thanks for the inspiration!

    1 year ago

  • whasabi

    whasabi says:

    Great tip with the black background, I'll be looking for some interestng textures.

    1 year ago

  • elidupont

    elidupont says:

    Great ideas! Thanks!

    1 year ago

  • Jordannajoy

    Jordannajoy says:

    Thank you. I'll work on these tips. Need to re-shoot!

    1 year ago

  • Lovelaced

    Lovelaced says:

    Very cool, great examples. Thank you, I'm adding this to my favorites!

    1 year ago

  • KarensLoom

    KarensLoom says:

    Thanks everso for the info... part one was eye-opening and part two is just as good... thanks a lot....

    1 year ago

  • usetobe

    usetobe says:

    Great tips! I'll try most of them soon!

    1 year ago

  • jewellerytreasures

    jewellerytreasures says:

    thanks for the advice some great tips given in that blog

    1 year ago

  • RocknSouljewelry

    RocknSouljewelry says:

    oh i can never get enough tips on photography..my achilles heal (one of anyway!)thank you...ps any tips for photgraphing long necklaces would be great too

    1 year ago

  • WoolyBearBeads

    WoolyBearBeads says:

    Fabulous advice, clear and well-written. Appreciate it

    1 year ago

  • Yayahandicraft

    Yayahandicraft says:

    Fantastic tips!

    1 year ago

  • AlikiBags

    AlikiBags says:

    Great tips, love the visual quality of your article, very inspiring, thanks! Must find Part1.

    1 year ago

  • bluskys06

    bluskys06 says:

    Great Article!

    1 year ago

  • DaftDiva

    DaftDiva says:

    Just getting started, so I love good advice! Thanks for the good tips!

    1 year ago

  • RusticLogDecor

    RusticLogDecor says:

    Great ideas! Thank you for the help. Linda

    1 year ago

  • DorothyArt

    DorothyArt says:

    Exciting stuff! I'm going outside to shoot my paintings now!

    1 year ago

  • VeloNoir

    VeloNoir says:

    Hello Heidi! Thanks so much for this second instalment of photography tips. After having read your first one, I have invested more time in getting even more acquainted with my camera and also got a tripod--though a cheap one, has helped me maximize the use of my macro and automatic settings. Keep those useful photography tip coming!

    1 year ago

  • heidiadnum

    heidiadnum says:

    Thank you :) I'm so pleased to have helped.

    1 year ago

  • JTAYZINE

    JTAYZINE says:

    awesome, great tips

    1 year ago

  • AmesHandmade

    AmesHandmade says:

    Thanks you SO MUCH for this! I've always wondered how people get such amazing pictures for their shops :)

    1 year ago

  • VintageStyleJewelry

    VintageStyleJewelry says:

    I use my window and a light tent but still not happy with pics!

    1 year ago

  • zuzushopuk

    zuzushopuk says:

    I don't think it even matters if you have an etsy shop every wannabe photographer should read these guides

    1 year ago

  • igorz

    igorz says:

    I love photography.

    1 year ago

  • PRIDASH

    PRIDASH says:

    thanku for tips. saved me alot of time i the long , trying to figure everything out.

    1 year ago

  • heatherscholl

    heatherscholl says:

    Great tips!!

    1 year ago

  • rockabybabybydebby

    rockabybabybydebby says:

    Thanks so much for the helpful tips! I will be using them for my business!

    1 year ago

  • vintageprecious

    vintageprecious says:

    Thank you! The sheer fabric tip is the 1st I'm going to use, no more fear of afternoon photography! ~vintageprecious

    1 year ago

  • hedgehogandrabbit

    hedgehogandrabbit says:

    Setting too high of standards for the average crafter yet again. Hire a professional model? Buy a better camera? You'll make it up in sales? I'm super confused about these points, because I've seen amazing shops, with amazing products and amazing pictures, with hardly any sales in their years on Etsy. Is there an article on how to get the best results with the camera you have? That would be ideal, since this is Etsy and not your own hosted website.

    1 year ago

  • ShiraMazor

    ShiraMazor says:

    thank you for great tips!

    1 year ago

  • LeMariageDePapier

    LeMariageDePapier says:

    Great tips! I'm off to get some large sheets of paper right now!

    297 days ago

  • littlebridget

    littlebridget says:

    This is so helpful! I need to change my black to charcoal and blurr my backgrounds. I can't wait to see if my views change!

    238 days ago

  • joyceseymour

    joyceseymour says:

    I am so happy to be here with your group. I thank you so very much for all the education and eye opening tips. I am anxious to get started.

    149 days ago

  • OldLadyWhite

    OldLadyWhite says:

    What setting do you recommend I use on the pixels? I am using a Pentax digital camera. Some of my photos take a long time to load on Etsy and I rarely get a good pic the first time. I am photographing jewelry indoors with plenty of light on a white felt background. Thanks!

    148 days ago

  • chancekatz

    chancekatz says:

    this was easy to understand. I really appreciate the examples with each suggestion. I am ready to get out my camera and start shooting!

    143 days ago