Simple Tips and Tricks to Make Your Photos Stand Out!
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Original Post
Heading into the holidays is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking for Etsians, particularly those who've not been through an Etsy Christmas (like me!).
Photos have come up in different threads, different contexts during the last couple of weeks. Do you know that you can increase your store traffic by the very simple act of improving your photos? We all live and die as shop owners by our photos!
I started out in January with very nearly ZERO photographic knowledge or ability. I've spent the last 6+ months improving my photos, and I didn't buy a new camera to do it.
I still have a lot to learn, so hope that other folks with fantastic and unique photos will share their tips and tricks.
Here are a few of mine:
1. You've got to use a digital camera. Not your iphone. Not a scanned photo from a film camera. Well, you can use the latter two, but it does show in your photos, and you want to increase traffic to your shop, right?
2. You don't need a DSLR digital camera! I use a point and shoot, but it's one with many settings that I can play with. Here's one of many online resources about DSLR: digital-photography-school.com/blog/how-to-buy-a-dslr-camera/
3. Please learn to use your macro settings! Oh my gosh, once I finally figured out what this was, my photos took off. I can't imagine life without it now. Here are some Storque articles that will help you learn what it is and how to use it: www.etsy.com/storque/search/full/macro-camera/
4. Natural light is best, but not everyone has great natural light. I don't! My backyard has weird light from trees and mountains, and I also have weirdly placed windows inside my home (I live in a very cool place, it's just not great for natural light). I like photos using lightboxes for small items -- creates very sharp, clean, bright photos. I use shoot against a white wall using photography lighting for my photos.
What other tips and tricks do folks have to share?
Posted at 7:56pm Aug 3, 2008 EDT
Responses
One of the ways I taught myself about photography on Etsy was to study jewelry photos -- even though I sell knitted scarves and accessories -- great uses of light, macros, texture, contrast.
Posted at 8:00pm Aug 3, 2008 EDT
Best tip that I can give: Take a little time and actually read the manual that came with your camera :o)
Posted at 8:03pm Aug 3, 2008 EDT
Thank you Prisma! Flash bad!
Starshine, I lost my manual almost immediately, BUT, you can find most camera's manuals online!
Posted at 8:04pm Aug 3, 2008 EDT
learn how to use your photo editing software,It can fix the majority of bad shots, auto fixes are your friend!!!lol!
Posted at 8:08pm Aug 3, 2008 EDT
My photos are still evolving but it's practice, practice, practice!!
Posted at 8:10pm Aug 3, 2008 EDT
UnderGlass, great advice, so true! You have wonderful photos, here's a great example of clear, bright, sharp photos, with another tip: use all five photo slots!!!
www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13625524
Posted at 8:12pm Aug 3, 2008 EDT
Wow, your scarf photos are so much fun & so memorable! Great eye! Keep up the good work!!! :)
Posted at 8:12pm Aug 3, 2008 EDT
My tip to add to what the OP said....
Take a LOT of pictures of your items. Most days, I still do. There are times when I'm taking pictures in batches and have to download the pictures from my camera because I filled the card, and I wasn't even half way through my new items. The more you take, the better your chances are of having those traffic stopping pictures.
Posted at 8:12pm Aug 3, 2008 EDT