{August Blossoms camera straps}
Hello friends!
My name is Kristen Duke, and I am a portrait photographer in Austin, Texas. I am also a big fan of all things crafty, some of which you will find featured on my site. I am often asked to photograph items for those with Etsy stores because everyone knows that a well photographed image is what sells.
I can offer a few tips for those of you out there who are struggling to get great images. When photographing products for your Etsy store, think of these 5 rules:
{Onsie by The Wishing Elephant}
1. Be as close to natural window light as possible. Don’t have the window behind the product or you will get backlight/dark product images. Stand at the side of the window and shoot your products with the window light shining on it. Baby is facing the window and it is behind me, but I am to the side photographing.
{3 outfits by La Tee da Kids}
2. Have samples up close as well as pulled back along with something “average size” to compare the product to. If it is a child’s product, have that product in their hands or on them. Think of magazine ads, having someone use the product shows it off so much more than just a sample.
{Headband by Ruffles n Fringe}
3. Design a background to make the product more interesting instead of just on a solid surface. You can use fabric, scrapbook paper, tablecloths, even clothing laid out flat as a background. Below, I have a colorful quilt in the background.
4. Use a white poster board on the side of the product (but outside of view) to add to the window light, as if it is a reflector. Anything white in the area will add more light to your setup.
5. Always put your name, watermark, website on your images in case they get pinned (or taken without permission) others will always know to come back to you because your name is on the image.
If you try all of these tips and still aren’t getting the best results, I can help you with your photography skills as well! My book is written for the very beginner in photography, teaching steps to take your camera off of the auto and into the manual settings. To learn more about it, click on Say NO to Auto:)
Photography help is always appreciated around here! Thanks, Kristen!
Great tips! I definitely need help with this. (Hi from a local Austinite!)
.-= Cassandra´s last blog ..Vintage sheet request =-.
Interesting suggestion – #5. I had heard from somewhere not to use your name/watermark on images, etsy won’t use for front page. Not that this is a consideration for me {I have given up aspirations of FP} but for some, it might be relevant.
.-= Tricia´s last blog ..MERRY – Merry Christmas, wood wall or mantel art, home holiday decor, traditional, kid friendly =-.
PS – I am just about 60 miles north of you, in the thriving metropolis (not) of Temple.
.-= Tricia´s last blog ..MERRY – Merry Christmas, wood wall or mantel art, home holiday decor, traditional, kid friendly =-.
Great tips, and gorgeous photos! Thanks so much.
I always watermark. You’d be surprised how many photo thieves are out there 🙁 My photos are no where near professional, but I’ve had them swiped.
.-= Amber´s last blog ..Back To School Celebration! =-.
Hi Kristen, thanks for the tips. The photos are so vivid and beautiful! I usually use watermarks when sending my ppt.
.-= Jo´s last blog ..Indoor Gardening =-.
Hi Kristen, I have read lots of instructions online on how to take photographs of jewelry. As you said, I just get confused and my camera may not even have those buttons. The lessons are usually for people with expensive camera equipment. I just bought your book and hope it will help me. My current pictures do not do justice to my jewellery. I will let you know if it will help me.