I spent all weekend taking pictures for the shop! It was gorgeous outside, so I cranked open all windows as well as the stereo :) I didn't mind staying in with the sun shining and the breeze flowing through the house, it was almost like being outside. Not sure the dogs would agree with me on that, but I did squeeze in a few quick walks with them.
The house gets torn apart whenever I decide to have a photo shoot. I take out all of the product that needs to be photographed and then arrange different areas in the house with a variety of accessories and take a zillion shots. I'm always trying to improve our photos for the shop and even though I've learned a lot the past few months, I still have a long way to go. I'm sure some of you reading have expert picture-taking skills so feel free to share. I'll share a few important lessons I've learned along the way:
- Turn off the flash! Try to use natural light. This can be difficult living in Minnesota, especially the winter months when it's dark when you leave for the day job and when you return from the day job :(
- Get up close to your product and use the macro mode - it should be the flower setting on your camera.
- Sign up for flickr and join a group for your camera. I need to take my own advice here, I haven't joined my camera group yet. However, I know others who have had many of their questions answered through an expert on flickr. Which leads me to the next point...
- Get inspired! Join other groups on flickr to get inspired by the inspiring work of other talented photographers. Take notice of what grabs your attention in other's photos that you see in magazines and blogs. I'm not saying you should copy anyone else's style, that's a no-no. But I get energized and full of new ideas when I look at the fabulous work that is out there.
- Add some interest besides the amazing product you are photographing. Use this as a cross promotional opportunity - show another fellow etsian's product in your background. For example, I used the Buttons print I purchased from Shanon of My Fine Garden in the background of the photo above. I added the link to her item in my listing so if someone wants to know where to get it, there it is :)
- Edit your photos. Picnik is free and is very user friendly. You can crop, lighten, resize, add text and more to improve your photos.
- Practice makes perfect :) Take lots and lots of photos! Try different areas in the house, different times of day and note what looks best.
- And of course, HAVE FUN!!
So what are your pointers? Will you please share? I'd love to hear them :)
I've got lots planned for the weekend! We are finishing up a few projects at the other house just in time for the open house on Sunday. And then I need to clean our current home that has been neglected due to the work on our old house. I can't function when the clutter starts to build up, so I am really looking forward to getting organized again.
The husband has requested new work clothes (when you have to wear red and khaki everyday, red does start to fade). I do not enjoy shopping for red, there are so many red shirts that are actually orange it's frustrating!
And I made plans to have breakfast with one of my friends that I have not seen in...well...I can't even remember. It might have been close to a year. A little overdue! So I thought I would leave you with a yummy looking breakfast (or dessert) by Eliza who has delicious food blog. You can see more of her fabulous photos here.
Have a wonderful weekend!!
photo from: notes from my food diary
When I was in school, I used to be so happy when it came to an end and I was free for the summer. Well, I don't feel that way now. Remember when I told you about the blogging course I was taking? Our last official day was Monday and I am a bit sad that it is over. It went by so fast! I learned an incredible amount and still need time for it all to sink in. But for now I'd like to share some of the amazing new blogs I discovered via the course.
1. Fresh365 - This is my new online recipe book! Even if you don't cook, visit her blog for the fabulous food photos. I tried the Orange Ginger Dressing with arugula greens and mandarin oranges. Mmmm...so good. I am going to try it as a marinade next. Another yummy one is the Brie Quesadillas with Mango and Walnuts. Lately I had been in somewhat of a rut in the kitchen, planning the same old boring meals and struggling to think of something new and tasty. Do you ever feel that way? Her blog has inspired me to cook with some new ingredients and experiment a little.
2. Studio G is motivating me to get our landscaping plans in order for the summer. Her blog is fantastic resource and inspiration for those of you who love the beauty of the outdoors. She even has little baby keets! The greenhouses are open and I can't wait to apply some of her expertise to my yard. It is badly in need of some love after this winter and the dogs chasing after each other like maniacs. I am in need of some dog friendly landscaping and hearty plants.
3. jennifer squires has some of the most impressive fine art photography of flowers I have seen. You may have come across her Etsy Shop or maybe this lovely photo. Just perfect for perfect for Mother's Day, dont you think? She truly has the ability to capture the beauty that is everyday life.
And I also want to thank my small group members for their helpful comments:
There are sooo many more! Like I said, I am still letting it all sink in so there may be more that I write about. Enjoy these ones in the meantime.
images: 1.Fresh365, 2.CityChic, 3.jennifer squires
