Best photography tips? (Blog FEATURE)

Light...lots and lots of light.

Lack of said light is the biggest cause of most photo problems, and one begets the next. It causes slow shutter speeds, high thermal noise, high ISO settings, poor depth of field.
It's the single most important ingredient in good photos.

Posted at 11:53am Feb 3, 2010 EST

I agree with bomobo - light is so important. Natural light is best unless you can afford expensive equipment.

Once you have enough light, you need a good background. Busy backgrounds are not pleasant to look at, and typically swallow the item you're trying to sell. I opt for plain white backgrounds, but I've seen some lovely photos with other neutral backgrounds as well.

Another very helpful thing is lowering your fstop. This widens your aperture, which also lets more light in. But the best part is the fuzzy background effect you get by doing this. There's just something about having your item in perfect focus, and having everything else slightly blurred or fuzzy, that really makes items look great.

Photography isn't something you can learn or perfect overnight... I'm still learning and changing my photos, and have gone through many rounds of photos with my items.

Posted at 12:02pm Feb 3, 2010 EST

Study some photo basics instead of flailing in the dark...or buying a new camera.

Posted at 12:03pm Feb 3, 2010 EST

my answer is simple....edit your photos! re-size, crop etc.
BInspiredVintage: please let me know if you post this to your blog ;)
Thanks!

Posted at 12:06pm Feb 3, 2010 EST

Outdoor photography will give you the best lighting but it can be a pain in the butt depending on what you are taking photos of. I like to take mine indoors that way I don't have to be concerned about the sun position, wind, rain, bugs, etc.

I use a photo tent box to soften the light and reduce shadows. Two adjustable desk lamps with daylight bulbs. I had to refer to my camera manual on how to change the white balance setting. This will make a big difference in the clarity and coloring of the photos. Also in my opinion you should stay away from busy backgrounds.

You will also need to use some type of editing software to correct color and lighting. Every once in a while I take a photo that needs no editing but in most cases I have to edit them to get the best photo results.

Posted at 12:09pm Feb 3, 2010 EST

Great tips everyone! I will be featuring them this Friday. I need a few more, though. Anyone else?

Posted at 12:12pm Feb 3, 2010 EST

thanks for asking! I like playing around with perspective(i.e. where I am focusing, shooting from the side or above the product, etc) to get interesting and compelling images

Posted at 12:16pm Feb 3, 2010 EST

speaking of my point of view as jewelery maker i will add that nice crisp clear detail is very important to show your product in the best light possible. for that reason its essential to use the macro option on your camera and a tripod. also make sure to set the camera at the right shutter speed and ISO(depending on the light)

Posted at 12:19pm Feb 3, 2010 EST

I recommend using a photo light box for your jewelry and craft photography. I also recommend using a tripod along with the camera's self-timer.

Don't use flash when photographing jewelry and/or craft items. I use a halogen desk lamp with a flexible neck for my jewelry and craft photography.

One of the most important tips that I give to people who have problems with their photography is to READ the CAMERA's OWNER'S MANUAL.

Eliminate any items that are in the photo that will distract the viewers eyes from the subject of the photograph.

Don't photograph a light object on a light background. Use a contrasting background.

Move the camera in as close as possible to the subject of the photograph as possible and fill up the entire LCD viewing screen with the subject of the photograph.

Take numerous photos from different angles, not just from in front of the subject of the photograph.

Have an idea of how you want the finished photo to look in your mind before you even pick up your camera.

Indirect sunlight is the best type of lighting for photography. An overcast day is great for photographing items outdoors.

Posted at 12:20pm Feb 3, 2010 EST