She's incredible right!? Sadly, she lives in Kentucky, and I'm in Chicago, while she's graciously offered to photograph anything I send her, it's just not feasible to send her every new piece and then have her send it back. So, I've been trying to come up with some solutions of my own. I have a nice DSLR camera, a Nikon D3200, which I would recommend if you're shopping for a camera. I also have a set of macro lenses for close up shots, a set a clamp lights with day light bulbs in them, and lastly, and probably most importantly, I have at least a rudimentary knowledge of photography.
But product photography is a whole other animal when you compare it to photographing geese. Instead of finding a good position, adjusting your aperture and shutter speed, then hunkering down and waiting for the perfect shot, you're constantly trying to find the perfect way to configure the lights, then what kinds of backgrounds to use, and how to make your item look it's best. Like I said, a whole other animal!
The very first product photos looked like this:
...less than amazing. Over the past year and a half I have gotten better, my most recent photos are starting to look like I want them to.
My set up for these included a box fan, fabric, 2 clamp lights with daylight bulbs, an art book, and a poinsettia, among other things. My photography equipment is currently taking over my kitchen table.
Part of the reason Liz's photos are so good (aside from her incredible talent) is that she was able to take them outside, living in the city with no (private) outdoor space keeps me from doing this, so I've had to get creative. Editing photos is also a crucial skill. Not just cropping, but actually adjusting the colors and contrast to make the item look it's best. I have a program called Gimp, it's a Photoshop knockoff and from what I've heard not as good, but it's free, and I've learned to use it pretty well. It does make a difference! For example, this is pre-editing:
Post-editing:
Using a photo editing program can only enhance an image, the art is in the actual taking of the photo. There's no way to simulate good lighting or a good background that complements the item. It's a skill that looks like it's going to be hard won for me, but the journey continues!
Check out the rest of my photos on Etsy!
