Etsy's Handmade Blog
Shop Makeover Series: Are Your Photos Frontpage Worthy?
Story by StudioCherie
Published on January 12, 2009 in How-To 		Photo by

StudioCherie

After hearing the many Etsy sellers discussing what it takes to be chosen for the Etsy home page, StudioCherie decided to share some helpful tips on her blog, Studio Cherie. (A great resource for Etsy sellers!) She also shared the tip in the Shop Makeover flickr group. We love to see sellers sharing their knowledge, so we're reposting her wisdom below. Check out the original post here.

We see versions of this question posted daily on the Etsy forums: "Are my photos Treasury worthy?" "Why am I never picked for the Etsy front page?" Answers abound in the form of photography tips and tricks and networking advice. In my opinion, what most of us are missing in our own photography is the vital element of perspective. How do your photos look side by side with those that are appearing on the front page? Using Etsy's Poster Sketch you can easily check for yourself and, in some cases, make adjustments to your existing photos to make them work.

First, go to Poster Sketch. (I bookmarked it, so I can click on it anytime and get to work.) Load the Poster Sketch with the item(s) of yours that you want to test, along with items you have seen on the front page. I started with the photo above because I thought it was so great and I could not understand how so many front pages featuring these colors could get posted and not one of them feature my bag. What I discovered was that while my bag was photogenic, showing it in its entirety was keeping it out of Treasuries. There was too much white space and the photo lost all of its punch. After cropping the photo closer, it becomes Treasury worthy. Here is a screen shot of the finished sketch. My bag is in the lower left corner.


[List of sellers in this sketch in order of appearance: outoftheflames, randomscraps, humbledaisyhandmade, ragnazidnar, livepoultry, petalandpink, thepaintedlily, rachel323, khphillips, debbyaremdesigns, patapri, studiocherie, studiocherie, sagegold, rachel323, elephannie]

Using this method, I have discovered that some of my bags need a fresh photo shoot. The last photo in the third row of the poster above is a detail shot of a cute bag, but I am afraid that the fabric is a lot better in person than it is in the photos. This shot might work a little better, but I am afraid it is still too washed out and small for the front page. The door and the brick wall is more interesting than the bag. Can you be brutally honest with yourself? I have to accept that this bag is not front page material and never will be.

 

Here is another Poster Sketch I put together with one of my bags in each row. Each row could be the start of a complete treasury. I think they hold up to scrutiny along side the most popular sellers. With this method, now I don't have to guess if my photos are Treasury worthy, I can check them myself!


Sellers appearing in this sketch in order of appearance: rachel323, studiocherie, larimeloom, LittleSparrowNest, studiocherie, makool, sherrytruitt, redrubyrose, totusmel, dillondesigns, studiocherie, maryandangelika, paintedmetal, studiocherie, livepoultry, imagesofbeauty

 

Are your photos Treasury worthy? What makes your photographs stand out? Leave your tips and tricks in the comments! And if you're participating in the Shop Makeover Series, post a link to your before and after shots! Check out the Etsy Shop Makeover Flickr pool here.

Seller Handbook | Shop Makeover Series

Tags featured, frontpage, How-To, HOW-TO, listings, photo editing, photographic, photoshopping, photo styling, Poster Sketch, presentation, Seller Handbook, Shop Makeover series, StudioCherie
All articles in How-To
Related Items
This article was reported by:
StudioCherie
shop . profile . contact

137 comments     Login to add your own!

Jan. 12, 2009 at 2:31 p.m. Sinta

Thanks for the tips! I need to definitely figure out my photography style. I think I've been on the FP only once, but I'm not complaining :) I have a long way to go! Thanks for these series!

Jan. 12, 2009 at 2:36 p.m. Cajajewelry

This is very helpful, with the New Year we wanted to makeover our shop so thanks for the new way to look at my photos!

Jan. 12, 2009 at 2:40 p.m. CoventryRoad

Very interesting!

Jan. 12, 2009 at 2:41 p.m. Doodlage

Great article!

Jan. 12, 2009 at 2:41 p.m. LaveMeSoapCo

huh. interesting.

Jan. 12, 2009 at 2:44 p.m. BluCille

Neat ring!

Jan. 12, 2009 at 2:44 p.m. EndlessVintage

This was helpful. I wish i had a better space to photograph my vintage items, but i prefer to do it outside in natural light since the lighting in our apartment is poor . :(

My next apartment will have great lighting.. and i'll get some nice dressforms.

Jan. 12, 2009 at 2:45 p.m. RaeGun

wonderful article thanks for all the great tips

Jan. 12, 2009 at 2:47 p.m. ginapina

This article gives no real photography tips and this line really irks me:
"I have to accept that this bag is not front page material and never will be."
There is a photo of a bag just like the one you say is NOT front page material on the front page right now!
Also in your Related Items you show a complete item floating in white space which also makes the front page. Very confusing.

Jan. 12, 2009 at 2:48 p.m. theGlassOnion

Excellent tip. Perspective is key, especially in the listing's first photo. There are 4 other image slots to show the item in it's entirety.

Jan. 12, 2009 at 3:07 p.m. rubyrougebuttons

Great article. Thanks for all the useful advice! Will definitely try to change my pictures to make them fp worthy!

Jan. 12, 2009 at 3:10 p.m. olivehuedesigns

Good tips. It's a little harder with prints because it hard to "pose" them, but I'm workin' on it!

Jan. 12, 2009 at 3:21 p.m. parallelbotany

I think part of my problem is that I have an ancient digital camera and simply cannot afford a better one right now. My old Fuji FinePix can only do so much.

Personally, I'm not a big fan of blank white backgrounds. I find them sterile and blah.

Jan. 12, 2009 at 3:24 p.m. JulieMeyer

This is one of the most helpful articles I've seen - great to see it in action - Thank you!

Jan. 12, 2009 at 3:33 p.m. littlepancakes

makes me think I need to retake a lot of photos :(

Jan. 12, 2009 at 3:36 p.m. christinececelia

Cute picks!!
Love um!!!!!
:D

Jan. 12, 2009 at 3:42 p.m. Corrabelle

I actually like the first photograph better. I can tell what the item actually IS. While the close up might give us a lot more color, the fabric in this particular purse is so busy that it's hard to tell exactly what it is (if we were looking at a thumbnail like you'd see on the front page).
I understand how different angles can offer new perspectives and interest, but I dont think it's always neccessary to sell an item, or to gain attention, especially when it makes you have to get nose to nose with your screen to understand what the item is. Angle or no angle, I should be able to tell what it.
If you're worried about white space, try attractive backgrounds, complimentary, simple fabrics, papers etc.

Jan. 12, 2009 at 3:46 p.m. Corrabelle

sorry, should read "i should be able to tell what it IS".

Jan. 12, 2009 at 3:49 p.m. sungazer

I think that the poster idea is a clever one (thanks! :) ) but I agree with the other commenters that this doesn't really address the issue of what, exactly, makes one photo "Front Page Worthy" and another one not.

Why is the close-up of your bag better, for example? Why is the close-up of the other bag not? Why is it okay to show a bag hanging from a girl's hands, but not another bag from a doorknob? Is it the bag? Or is it the photo?

Your example suggests that the problem is with your BAG - it doesn't work as a close-up, it doesn't work hanging on a knob - rather than with the PHOTOS you've taken of it. That's not exactly helpful, and doesn't address the question you raise in your post title.

Jan. 12, 2009 at 4:06 p.m. randomscraps

Great article! Thanks for all the tips!

Jan. 12, 2009 at 4:08 p.m. BeadsInTheBelfry

Interesting idea using poster sketch to see how your pieces measure up!

I think that what makes one photo front page worthy that differs from another all has to do with intrigue. And what makes one photo or item intriguing over another changes with the each piece for me.

Jan. 12, 2009 at 4:12 p.m. IcingOnTheCupcake

Thank you for the tips! I would love to see my items on the front page.

Jan. 12, 2009 at 4:29 p.m. StudioCherie

Happy to see the blood flowing here. It is all very subjective, and I hope to inspire a few people to use the poster sketch tool to their own advantage as their own eye dictates.

Thanks to all of you who have posted your encouragement on the blog as well.

Jan. 12, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. TulaaJewelry

Wow, sure does seem to be a lot of criticism for someone who is only giving some advice. She has valid points about how to present your items. The photos are meant to entice someone into wanting to see more of your work, a teaser, like "hmmm, what is that? I want to know more." Then, click, they are in your shop! I don't think the thumbnail should always be so obvious. The fabric of her one purse is visually appealing enough for me to want to know what it is. And I think it is plain rude to suggest that it is just her bag that is lacking if it doesn't photo well. Tell that to your dear Grandmother who has never taken a decent photo in her life, but is the most beautiful woman you know in person! Try to be kind people. We are here to support each other!

Jan. 12, 2009 at 4:49 p.m. LaveMeSoapCo

I think the article gives great points and ideas. I see many pics that with just a little cropping or editing would be more eye catching. In fact I edit photos for sellers just for fun cause I like to help out.
Pictures should be clear and in focus. I know having a great camera helps but working images out in a program like picnik can give it the lighting contrast and sharpness they need without distorting the image.
I have had people ask where I get my pics done or if I own a studio.
lol.
I have a patio with natural light, a cardboard homemade photo box and a fuji finepix that is blurry from me dropping it .
This shows you want kind of images are striking. Maybe it will help with the creativity the next time items need listing.

Jan. 12, 2009 at 5:21 p.m. StudioElan

This use of Poster Sketch is very creative!
I use a similar technique to test my own photo's FP worthiness. I do a search that I know one of my items will show up in or look at the category page it appears on. I look at the page in gallery view and if my photo isn't the one on the page that grabs my eye -I retake or tweak the photo until it is. I spend a lot of time on my photos and it has paid off -I average one front page appearance a week.

You can see a bit of a shop makeover by looking at my old sold items and compare them with similar items for sale in my shop now.

Jan. 12, 2009 at 5:22 p.m. neverenoughhours

Great information. Thanks!

Jan. 12, 2009 at 5:37 p.m. StudioCherie

Thanks for the tip, StudioElan, you do have excellent photos. I think that is a great way to simulate having a buyer's perspective!

Jan. 12, 2009 at 5:47 p.m. TheCottageCheese

Thanks for the tips! I will gobble up any info from you experienced sellers who are so thoughtful to share your time and advice with me!

Jan. 12, 2009 at 5:47 p.m. MaryZoom

One of my goals for this year is to really move to the next level when it comes to photography excellence. These are great tips that will help us all - Thanks so much!!!

Jan. 12, 2009 at 6:18 p.m. sungazer

"And I think it is plain rude to suggest that it is just her bag that is lacking if it doesn't photo well."

TualaTreasury, she _herself_ said that "I have to accept that this bag is not front page material and never will be." How, exactly, is it rude to point that out?

Again, what does that have to do with the _photo_? I came here hoping for advice on improving my _photos_ - like the title suggests. Telling us that the way to improve our photos is to not take photos of items that "aren't front page material" isn't particularly helpful. I mean, isn't that kinda a given?

And she's not "only giving some advice." If that were the case, this would be happening in the forum. Since this advice is being offered here in the Storque, it should be held to a higher standard than "some stuff that might be useful plus some obvious observations."

I DO appreciate the advice about using the poster. That's not an obvious thing to do, and it makes a lot of sense.

But it is not "rude" to wonder why the rest of the "advice" here is so thin. Sheesh.

Jan. 12, 2009 at 7:27 p.m. StudioCherie

There is a link in the article to the plethora of photo tips and tricks that are already available. I am afraid I cannot add anything to it myself. Check it out.

Jan. 12, 2009 at 8:13 p.m. baconsquarefarm

Thank you studiocherie for your tips and insight into the art of picture taking. Great story and read.

Jan. 12, 2009 at 8:24 p.m. worksofwhimsy

Interesting. I never thought of using Poster Sketch to check my own photos. I will now.

Jan. 12, 2009 at 9:17 p.m. jewelrybyallison

Thanks for the tips, it was a great read!

Jan. 12, 2009 at 9:51 p.m. SoapRevolution

OMG!!! Thanks so very much for this :) I just spent all day re-doing my photos after reading this. My shop looks so awesome now!! I mean it was good before, but now... Well WOW!! So thank you :) You made my day!

Jan. 12, 2009 at 10:10 p.m. TheEccentricLady

Thanks for the tip. I have the close ups in with the 5 photos but not the 1st one. I will be changing that!

Jan. 12, 2009 at 11:01 p.m. GemmaBeads

I appreciate all your help!

Jan. 12, 2009 at 11:05 p.m. dragonhouseofyuen

Thank you for this super article - I went to Cherie's blog. It is very informative and a great tool!

I really like the fact that this article was first posted on Cherie's blog! and has now made it here.

congratulations! Cherie - and I love your comments about your childrens eyes!!!

Jan. 12, 2009 at 11:25 p.m. SugarSpoon

Thank you for this! I see so many great things on Etsy, but the photos....it's so hard to be good at our chosen crafts AND to be great photographers AND have an eye for graphic design. Using poster sketch, which Etsy gives us for free, is such a great idea! Anything that helps us develop our "eye" is worth listening to.

Jan. 13, 2009 at 12:28 a.m. ablemabel

I love the idea of using the poster sketch!

Jan. 13, 2009 at 3:03 a.m. JetWhitePonytail

I agree, using the poster sketch is a neat idea and I like your approach in this article. No--it is not a technical thread, but it doesn't necessarily claim to be!
And just throwing this out there---I can't say there is a science to what's on the front page. I've seen some really lovely treasuries neglected and some ones featured that make me say, "Meh." It's all in the Etsy admin's hands, isn't it? But even still, let's all make our shop the best, brightest whether or not it's a headliner. Be proud of your work, your art, yourself.

Jan. 13, 2009 at 7:23 a.m. zombuki

Great idea, thanks for the advice!

Jan. 13, 2009 at 8:32 a.m. lolos

Great help!! Thank you so much!! :-)))))

Jan. 13, 2009 at 9:59 a.m. AuntTiff

Thanks so much for the great advice!

Jan. 13, 2009 at 10:37 a.m. kingfishercrafts

Great comments.
I would welcome advice/critiques to fulfill my
new year's resolution to enhance my photos.
Thanks.

Jan. 13, 2009 at 10:42 a.m. Kittycat9

Good advice, as a buyer (not a seller) - I LOVE looking at the front page several times/day. I look for things that aren't always obvious, but really catch my eye. I would be far more likely to check out your bag via the close-up pic vs. the full-view photo.

To sellers concerned about people not being able to see the entire object... Give an intriguing, artistic photo - if that means close up/good angle, great - or if displayed in an artful manner great. You can also put a stand alone 'boring' but necessary shot in one of your options. Personally speaking though, one of the major reasons I love Etsy (besides handmade) is viewing the products behind the artistically displayed photos that so many sellers go to great lengths to achieve.

Jan. 13, 2009 at 11:51 a.m. ThePeachTree

wow, what a brilliant article!

Jan. 13, 2009 at 12:04 p.m. MyissaG

This is great. :) Thank you for sharing.

Jan. 13, 2009 at 12:17 p.m. marieflyfly

I think you're absolutely right! Great article! I know when I look for items to feature in a treasury I'm always looking for close-ups and interesting angles.

Jan. 13, 2009 at 2:10 p.m. TashaHussey

Thanks alot I will take all the advice.

Jan. 13, 2009 at 2:11 p.m. happypaper

I never even knew about Poster Sketch! Thanks so much, this article ROCKS!

Jan. 13, 2009 at 2:14 p.m. zuppaartista

great advice! thanks!

Jan. 13, 2009 at 2:20 p.m. fancibags

I have learned alot! Thanks you all so much.

Jan. 13, 2009 at 2:22 p.m. KabiDesigns

Great Article ^_^ Thank you so Much

Jan. 13, 2009 at 2:28 p.m. lilacpop

Wow, this is so helpful! It really does make a difference seeing your item next to some of the others like that. Thanks for writing this!

Jan. 13, 2009 at 2:33 p.m. bittersweetdesign

Love the article - just goes to show you there is always room for improvement!

Jan. 13, 2009 at 2:37 p.m. wovenstones

Great article and great comments! This is such an important subject and important info, especially for us newbies. One thing not addressed in this article is who picks the photos for the front page and, well, would they agree with everything in this article? This is a subjective area, as others have pointed out, so what I think works may not be what makes it up on the front page.

My husband and I have been working on our own website for two years and the photography has been the biggest obstacle. There is no substitute for a great camera! If you cant buy one, borrow one, give some product and barter for one, its well worth it.

Thanks also for talking about features that I have not yet worked with on Etsy. I can already see some things I can do with photos I already have to maybe make them front page worthy.

Jan. 13, 2009 at 2:40 p.m. ChrissyAnnCeramics

Thanks for the tips! I just started taking pics myself.. Taking pics of shiny ceramics is quite challenging, I think I may need a how to manual...
I'll try cropping next, great idea thank you! :0)

Jan. 13, 2009 at 2:42 p.m. cintillajewelry

WOW....I have a LOT of work to do.

HEY SOAP REVOLUTION YOUR SHOP LOOKS GREAT!!!

Jan. 13, 2009 at 2:45 p.m. budpnq

Great use of the Poster Sketch tool! I've previously only been using it to entertain myself with Treasury making. Thank you so much for the helpful article! :D

Jan. 13, 2009 at 2:54 p.m. rabbithorns

Very helpful, thanks. My camera is quite old, but I think I could do better although I don't have software that crops and such. It's just shoot, import, good luck! I'd like to try Poster Sketch though.

Jan. 13, 2009 at 3:11 p.m. cathytrott

Thank you very much for all the great advice :)

Jan. 13, 2009 at 3:14 p.m. fortheloveofpete

Very helpful, well written article! I'm going to work on my own photos now!

Jan. 13, 2009 at 3:24 p.m. monaleisa

What a great article- I had recently finished some quilts (which I usually photograph outside) on a rainy day- well... let's just say I need to change those images! The photograph makes such a huge difference! Thanks so much!

Jan. 13, 2009 at 3:35 p.m. scrapbookcompleted

Thanks for your tips! I can't wait to try Poster Sketch! Great purses by the way!

Jan. 13, 2009 at 4:11 p.m. monkeyseeboutique

Thanks for the tips!!

Jan. 13, 2009 at 4:24 p.m. LadybugLimited

Thank you for this post! I have a hard time photographing my hair accessories, so the Poster Sketch tips should help.

Jan. 13, 2009 at 4:43 p.m. LittleGreenSquirrel

The dream of having a spot on the front page treasury lives on! Thanks for the great tips and keeping my hope alive! :-D

Jan. 13, 2009 at 5:47 p.m. DelightfulFinds

I've been trying to update my photos and change my style - so your article was both timely and helpful.

Jan. 13, 2009 at 5:51 p.m. pagepottery

we too have noticed our pics need to be updated, and what a cool way to decide, with the poster sketch tool!
thanks so much!!

Jan. 13, 2009 at 6:02 p.m. BabbidgePatch

This is great info! I appreciate the tips!

Jan. 13, 2009 at 6:06 p.m. redrubyrose

Wow, I'm delighted to be featured in this interesting article on front page worthiness.... I just wanted to leave a comment to say I don't use a fancy camera... I have a really old 2 mega pixel Fuji Finepix and a card that only holds enough for 20 photos at a time. Frustrating at times! I try and take photos which are as clean and representative of the item as possible and I use Photoshop for consistent backgrounds.

Jan. 13, 2009 at 6:10 p.m. OneHeartJewelry

At the risk of sounding repetitive, photos are one of THE most important ingredients of a seller's page...anywhere on the web. I'm proud to be part of a group of artists that strive for high standards of quality in their work and their shop. That motivates me to stretch further as an artist and business woman. My work is never done... :)

Jan. 13, 2009 at 6:26 p.m. TheSavageCabbage

thanks for the tips...time to get brutally honest with myself!

Jan. 13, 2009 at 6:39 p.m. DotsbyAudrey

Thank you so much. I definetly have a long way to go to be better at presenting my shop. I appreciate your tips.

Jan. 13, 2009 at 7:58 p.m. barehandedpress

I always thought my photos needed a little something and this article has provided a good starting place for my shop makeover. Thanks!

Jan. 13, 2009 at 9:20 p.m. nanouke

This is so useful and it's refreshing to see that one can evolve and learn instead of constantly complaining about it..
Thank you for the tips, I know I can use some improvement on my photos!

Jan. 13, 2009 at 9:38 p.m. romantictreasures

Never heard of Poster Sketch until now.. so THANKS!

Jan. 13, 2009 at 10:18 p.m. jemily

Thank you so much for the informative information on photos!

I have revamped my shop!

Old photos:
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction....
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

New photos:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

What a difference!

Jan. 13, 2009 at 10:18 p.m. muxoriginals

Great article...I'll definitely try out the Poster Sketch thing. Thanks!

Jan. 13, 2009 at 10:46 p.m. muxoriginals

I did it! Check it out and tell me what you think:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33524500...

Jan. 13, 2009 at 10:48 p.m. newamsterdam

Not to sound like a spoiled brat :), but two of my photos (I sell photographic prints) have been on the front page of Etsy at one point. I got like 700-800 views on them in one day and dozens of people marked me as a favorite. This all sounds nice, but I didn't directly get any sales from it, so I am not quite sure how valuable the front page exposure is. I did sell one of the two prints a while later, but I don't think that was related to the front page exposure.

It is an honor, for sure and of course very cool to see your own photo on the front page when you login to your Etsy account in the morning :) I took a screen shot of it and saved it.

I am convinced though, that when you sell vintage items or self made items, good pictures are essential to get the attention drawn to your shop (besides relevant tags).

The best tip I can give for taking photos of your items, is to use daylight, as opposed to a bright, ugly flash, or yellowish lamp light.

I am by no means an expert here, but feel free to contact me with questions.

Cheers,

~Nico

Jan. 14, 2009 at 12:18 a.m. SoapRevolution

cintillajewelry: Thanks a bunch!! I am very happy the way my pics are now thanks to this :) Glad you like 'em!

Jan. 14, 2009 at 12:55 a.m. beautifulbridget

Great article, I love your bags!!

Jan. 14, 2009 at 1:32 a.m. plusonedesign

I'm finding it really interesting that the kind of abstract (tightly cropped, close up etc) photos that tend to make the front page on etsy are not the kind of photos I can use for my products in other places that I sell. Etsy looks so 'artsy' that the abstract photos fit right in. In other venues, photos are much more matter of fact and if I put abstract photos in, people just can't be bothered clicking on the item because it's not immediately obvious to them what it is.

I wonder how much the abstract photos get in terms of views vs sales? Are they just being clicked on so that people can see what the item is? Or are they selling better than others too? I guess more clicks means more chances that the right person will see it.

Jan. 14, 2009 at 3:15 a.m. peaseblossomstudio

Thanks, studiocherie! I would also add that different types of items require different backgrounds. :-) I agree with plusone--and I am finding myself aiming for more artsy abstract photos as well, since that's what goes on the FP! :-)

Jan. 14, 2009 at 8:15 a.m. WabiBrookStudio

Oh boy, do I need to get busy retaking photos! I'm definitely going to try out Poster Sketch - I didn't know there was such a thing.

Jan. 14, 2009 at 9:31 a.m. theduskyjewel

Thanks for the great article and information provided that will be so helpful.

Jan. 14, 2009 at 9:36 a.m. shopgoodgrace

Super tips!! Thanks for sharing.

Jan. 14, 2009 at 11:17 a.m. AREjewellery

some really good points to think about here - thank you!

Jan. 14, 2009 at 12:24 p.m. babyoslings

Thank you so much for he tips!! (I really needed them)I'm excited to get started!

Jan. 14, 2009 at 12:47 p.m. kasiablue

Thanks for the tips...very helpful:)

Jan. 14, 2009 at 1:18 p.m. elizandaxel

Wonderful article with a lot of helpful tips. Thank you! :)

Jan. 14, 2009 at 1:27 p.m. ElleBelleDesigns

Thank you for the advice. I didn't even know that Poster Sketch existed until now. This will definitely help my store!

Jan. 14, 2009 at 6:15 p.m. cre8tvekarma

great article. But I actually prefer color behind something. a white space is too blah.

Jan. 14, 2009 at 9:16 p.m. hempandmore

Perspective - very important (got it!) :-)

Jan. 15, 2009 at 2:03 a.m. ConscientiousDesign

I am a newbie and this article definitely makes me rethink the black background on my bags.

I appreciate the tips. Thanks.

Jan. 15, 2009 at 3:02 a.m. PeteAndRepeatVintage

This article actually helped me out a great bunch! I'm new to etsy & my first few pictures came out pretty nice after really taking the time to think about it. I cannot wait to get more and more creative as time goes on.

Jan. 15, 2009 at 3:06 a.m. eclipse

Right now the front page is an all-admin-chosen collection (no curator listed) and two of the photos are items shown in their entirety, surrounded by white space. So I don't actually think that type of photo is an impediment to making the front page. I think that the common recommendation to have "good photos" is not as restrictive as people think- there are all sorts of styles which ca be done well or done badly. It's nice to see a *variety* of photo styles on the front page, since there is more than one type of "good photo". Rather than trying to fit some cookie cutter formula
(odd angle+Bokeh+Can't tell what it is= front page)
Let each person find the style that suits their brand and their unique items, and try to have the best photos they can within their OWN style.

Jan. 15, 2009 at 10:06 a.m. doublehappiness

Great article! I think that perhaps the up close and angled shots could be intriguing, and will encourage people to click through to find out more. At least that's what I'm hoping, because I've just updated my shop with lots of these types of photos! (:

Jan. 15, 2009 at 5:02 p.m. KaylaCoo

Thank you very much for all your advice.x

Jan. 16, 2009 at 12:37 a.m. TattooDreams

Great advice. A picture is worth a thousand 'looks'!

Jan. 17, 2009 at 12:19 p.m. That70sShoppe

Great article and tips. Thank you so much.

Jan. 18, 2009 at 2:56 p.m. The7thMagpie

Fab article, photos are like a shop window and draw a customer in.
You certainly know your stuff girl:)

Jan. 18, 2009 at 3:07 p.m. FeltedwithLove

I am learning I hope one day my stuff can make the front page.

Jan. 19, 2009 at 8:03 p.m. willywaw

Now I get it! Thank you!

Jan. 19, 2009 at 8:52 p.m. TheFlamingPearl

Thanks for the great article. I have a lot to update on my site to attract more attention and interest!

Jan. 24, 2009 at 4:46 p.m. SusysBibs

I've read all of the comments and have yet to try the Poster Sketch - I've bookmarked it for later. Thanks for all the great advice. Outdoor shots are not an option in Saskatchewan at this time of year but I will keep it in mind for the future. I know my photos need some tweaking. First impressions, as in most things, are not to be underestimated. :)

Jan. 25, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. ArtWhims

Great article! Very insightful!

Jan. 30, 2009 at 2:35 p.m. mybabydiapers

Great article!! Thanks

Feb. 2, 2009 at 12:07 a.m. AHeronDesign

::sigh::..thanks for the info about the pictures. Sometimes it can be hard getting that perfect pic.

I will continue to read this series...good bit of helpful info

Feb. 9, 2009 at 2:29 p.m. gooseberrymoon

Really useful, thank you. I'll keep trying to get those perfect pics.

Feb. 15, 2009 at 4:10 a.m. kisharose

This is very helpful! Thanks so much

Feb. 15, 2009 at 11:46 p.m. MissCAlexandria

Wow great tips! everything is in the photos, its so true, my goal is to get hand picked :)

Feb. 26, 2009 at 11:20 a.m. acaudill042106

Wow.....thanks!

March 4, 2009 at 9:42 p.m. AWEshop

Great photos are definitely important. I have noticed, when I'm looking at who has more sales (like to like) the better photos always = more sales. Maybe not cropped to where you can't tell what the item is, but definitely cropped in close enough to see lots of color and detail and so that the item is the first and almost only thing you see in the pic.

I'd love to be on the front page, but I'd love to have lots of sales even more.

March 13, 2009 at 3:26 p.m. rkdsign88

Thank you for sharing this very useful information.

April 1, 2009 at 1:31 a.m. vivilian

very helpful. thanks for the info

April 14, 2009 at 6:33 p.m. kantikara

Helpful article - thanks, but I also agree with some of the other sellers who feel that a plain white background is just plain sterlie and blah. My stuff is has an earthy feel to it - plain white or a light background sucks the life right out of it. There is a difference between a CLUTTERED background and something DARKER, like, for instance, moss or a log or leaves, which provide a beatuful, somewhat neutral, rich background, but will never show up on the front page. Kinda too bad.....I've been watching the main pages for a long time now and yes, everything looks the SAME like that.

April 17, 2009 at 10:57 a.m. StudioCherie

I just wanted to pop back in here and say that this article is not so much about backgrounds or cropping or photo tips of any kind (although there is a link to photo tips at the beginning of the article.) It is about perspective, and how to play with poster sketch in a way that can give you a fresh perspective on your items. For each item, the details of background, close up, etc. will vary with the artist's or designer's preference.

April 17, 2009 at 2:01 p.m. karla100

This was definitely helpful; however photographer I am not so I have a lot of work to do.

April 28, 2009 at 12:03 p.m. DanaCastle

This was a really helpful article! I always wondered how you could tell whether you were taking an appropriate photo or not.

May 4, 2009 at 10:57 p.m. Soov

I learned a lot from this article and worked this weekend for the 20th time taking new photos. Not quite as perfect as I want them but I'm learning and thrilled with the results thus far. Thank you!

May 27, 2009 at 3:25 p.m. variegated

Great advice, thanks so much!

June 3, 2009 at 11:10 a.m. ScrapArcs

Wow, I never thought of sticking my photos in my own poster sketch. Great idea!

June 7, 2009 at 7:09 p.m. YapaClothing

Oh to take the perfect shot! How easy it sounds and how difficult that really is!

June 10, 2009 at 2:37 a.m. kylieB

I always love reading tips about shop photos! Thank-you!

June 23, 2009 at 1:03 a.m. mireillemanuel

thanks!

June 26, 2009 at 9:54 p.m. ten23designs

I make vinyl graphics / wall decals... I never know if I should post photos of the actual decals on the walls or created samples of the designs (using illustrator, etc.) I have both in my shop & I am not really happy with either. Any tips or suggestions?

Aug. 13, 2009 at 9:13 p.m. mammysshop

Thanks for the great tips.

Aug. 28, 2009 at 1:19 a.m. eclecticbysari

This is great, thank you so much for your help!

Sept. 1, 2009 at 7:53 p.m. QuiltFinger

There are definitely come great tips here. I'm looking forward to using the Poster Sketch tool for an evaluation.

Sept. 2, 2009 at 5:21 p.m. Yayahandicraft

Thank you for the article. I need work more

Sept. 19, 2009 at 11:56 a.m. Stompz

TEASE 'EM ---- DON'T CENTER THE IMAGE

Not centering is one thing I noticed...funny.

I suppose if you want to really catch someones eye, we need to show only a tease. Just an upclose detail of a unique feature that would have been missed in the overall shot....and let the curiosity draw them in.

Thank's for the tip...I'll remember that in my next photo session.

Nov. 4, 2009 at 11:27 p.m. rachelsreverie

Thank You for the article. I will have to try and see if it works for my stuff.

Nov. 12, 2009 at 1:21 p.m. HopePennyDesigns

how do you use poster sketch? do you upload your photo on there? I'm so lost! Help!!!

Previous Page | Next Page