Search results (tags) for: "fortys foto tips"

Forty's Foto Tips, #3: Fabric is a perfect backdrop for earrings!

2007-10-01T08:26:00Z

Find some fabric that complements the earrings you will be photographing. I went with pink to bring out the highlights in these fishing lures (I think they're lures, but what do I know, I've never gone fishing!). Then drape the fabric over something so you can poke the earrings through and they can hang naturally. I put it right over my computer monitor and it worked great. Plus, I could easily move my light source right in front of the earrings.

Adjust the earrings to show them off just right, in these I made sure the blue chain was visible, not hidden behind the charm. Some more things to consider when photographing earrings or other jewelry:

• take pictures of the different parts of the object to show off the findings or to give a close up of a charm

• with earrings, do not photograph them in someone's ears unless you mention in the listing that you will be sending a brand new pair of the same item, it's unsanitary and can be a turn off for a lot of buyers

• taking pictures outdoors on a sunny day can make some great images, perhaps create a set using things found outside your house, such as rocks, to do something dramatic that will make your beautiful jewelry stand out

Forty's Foto Tips, #2: Make a light box!

2007-09-20T12:14:00Z

Ahoy! Thanks for stopping by my advice column in The Storque. I'm no professional photographer, but I figured that would just make it easier for me to pass on some fun and simple tips that can help anyone! If you have any suggestions, please feel free to email me at Lori@etsy.com. Here's the first tip. Come back soon for more installments!

Tip #2: Make a light box!

We made one for the Etsy Labs using things found around the office and some info from Instructables.com. Here's the Instructable: "Costless Macro Photography Light Box" by PetervG.

They're tres economical and make a world of difference in your photos! Try to find yourself an easily portable lamp. It doesn't have to be battery operated, but small desk lamps with telescopic parts can really make lighting your pieces much less stressful, and you can drag it all over your house. Lighting is essential when trying to take up-close images and a flash will create unwanted glare. Make sure your head or camera isn't between the light and the object or you will get an awkward shadow. I find it's best to set up the light box on a table so you don't kill your back contorting yourself to take pictures on the floor. Once you have a light box set up and ready to roll, practice using the macro setting on your camera, if you have one.

This will allow you to get nice and close but still have a clear picture. If you don't have a "close up" setting, try standing back from the object and zooming in.

Forty's Foto Tips, #1: Show off your work in progress!

2007-08-29T20:00:00Z

Ahoy! Thanks for stopping by my advice column in The Storque. I'm no professional photographer, but I figured that would just make it easier for me to pass on some fun and simple tips that can help anyone! If you have any suggestions, please feel free to email me at Lori@etsy.com (aka chillionaire). Come back soon for more installments!

#1: A fun thing to add to your listing is images of your handmade items as you create them or perhaps even a shot of your work area. It gives buyers a bit of insight into your work and personality and helps connect you, the creator, to your items. This is a cross stitch that I'm working on, along with the pattern I'm working from. Since you have space for 5 images, why leave any out?