basic photography 101 - composition

our third lesson is on composition.

creating an interesting photo is one way to get, and keep new buyers. an interesting photo isn't just what the picture is of, but how the photo was set up and taken. sound complicated? don't worry. it's really very simple.

the simplest way to create an interesting photo is to follow the rule of thirds. now, since i know you didn't just bail, jump ship, leave my blog right in the middle of the lesson, to go read that link (and if you did...hmmm) so let me explain how the rule of thirds works.

imagine two sets of lines horizontally and vertically in your photo frame (where, you say) here, let me show you:



these lines divide your photo into thirds vertically and horizontally. along these lines and where they intersect especially is ideal placement for the subject of your photos to achieve interest in your photos. now, this article is obviously not for people who don't follow rules...this is for people who are looking to increase their views, and subsequently sales in their etsy (or any other) shop. along with the rule of thirds we have backgrounds to think about when photographing items for sale.

let me show you (my pictures) good examples of the use of the rule of thirds. and remember - that first pic on your listing will show as square. so, why don't you crop that first one down to a square so you can see what it will look like? make sure it's still interesting. don't just upload any old picture of the item. (and i'm sure that the any old picture will be in focus and have good depth of field...) :) you can still use the rule of thirds and have a square image.




ok, get it? also, an interesting angle doesn't hurt - try looking at something and photographing it from eye level from time to time. you might be pleasantly suprised.



i think you might get it now...and if you don't...now is the time to read that article i posted earlier :) one of my biggest disappointments is seeing a beautiful item that someone didn't showcase to it's highest potential. i know that it is because alot of people think they don't have the know-how to take a good picture - they just throw the bag, earrings, etc on the floor, carpet, etc and snap away. never thinking about the composition of the image and normally squaring the product up in the dead center of the frame. i know it's because people don't know...but, now you are empowered with the know! NO MORE pictures of purses, earrings, etc sitting in the middle of the picture all boring-like.

i look at many different items on etsy and one of my favorites is bags and purses. i love them. and i am so disappointed so many times to see what could potentially be a gorgeous bag flopped down on the floor and photographed. or hung from a hook on the back of a door. or...or... and let's not get into the distracting backgrounds. i dont know how many times i've skipped over listings because i couldn't tell from the tiny image what the purse looked like. so, i've contacted a couple etsy sellers whose photos caught my eye and they've allowed me to use their photos on my blog for the purpose of this lesson! so, make sure you click on their links and go to their shops!

i dont make purses or bags, but since it's something i like to look at online, let me pass along a few 'guides' for photographing them.

1) stuff them with something. those plastic bags that are filling our landfills, bubble wrap, an old blanket, packing peanuts...anything. fill out the bottoms of them just like if they were filled with actual 'purse stuff'
2) do not (at least not for that oh so important first picture) take the photo squared up to the front of the bag. turn it a little. take the photo from the end looking down the bag. (see examples)
3) make sure you take photos of the inside of the bags. the pockets, the lining, put something in the pockets if you want to show the scale of them. (take out the filler for this :) )
4) don't - i mean DO NOT - take your items photograph on anything that might be distracting. no chairs with slatted backs, no patterned carpet, no tacky floral sheets you're using as couch covers (hehe). two words (ok, four) white fleece (or black fleece) it's cheap, and it makes a great backdrop for photos. it will absorb light and make a good background without being shiny in photos. (3-4 yards should cover most anything you want to photograph)

so, if i were going to photograph a purse, i'd do it like this: get said purse that i dutifully stuffed with something so it's not just sitting there all floppy-like. also get said fleece. now, go to your dining room table (any table that's taller than your item) a chair might work, sofa, bed, anything that gets good light. you want to 'drape' the fleece off the item you're working with (table, sofa, etc) and onto the floor smoothing out *most* of the wrinkles. i know it's not possible to get them all out. now, sit the bag - at an angle of course! on the fleece in front of the table, sofa, etc... then i'd take the picture. you might have to get on your knees to take the photo, you might have to lay down on your stomach. you can try the flash on the camera, but be careful it doesn't throw a huge shadow back behind your item. oh, one more thing. if your bag (or whatever) has a white background, please, DO NOT photograph it on white. it gets lost. it's not interesting. even with the best use of rule of thirds, depth of field and focus...it's BORING!

so, now i've told everyone how to photograph a bag (when i make jewelry - hehe) i'm going to show you items from etsy sellers who've photographed their bags very well.

JMCraftworks


TTPeasAndCarrots


Pay attention to her use of backgrounds in sarahjanedesigns shop. she photographs her bags very well and they really 'pop' against the backgrounds. i know, she didn't use a white or black background, but once you get the hang of it you can use color too! (tee he he)

and i really like the way alamodestuff has showcased this particular bag.

ok, enough rambling. i hope you understand... if you don't, that's what the comments are for!