Step Back To Watch Your Growth

Last Thursday, I visited Barnes and Nobles in the Edgewood district. Naturally upon entering, I go straight to the crafts section and pick up one and then a second book. I never did get the chance to read the second book I picked up as I was engulfed in the first book I chose titled " The Crafter's Guide to Taking Great Photos: The Best Techniques for Showcasing Your Handmade Creations" by Heidi Adnum. Although, photographers who are already seasoned may see this book as redundant per the reviews, this book isn't meant for the already experienced professional. This book is really geared towards those of us who are starting out and could really use some directions on how to take better photographs of our work without having to pay the seasoned professionals, :-). We have to work up the money to get to the professionals, :-). The next day, I decided to purchase the book through Amazon.com (never ever pay full price like I've told you) as after reading just a few pages, I learned so much and have taken off to do some experimenting with my own digital camera. So, I dedicate this blog to the artists who needs to take time to stand back and realize their growth and where to initiate change. I am taking a moment to realize my growth when it comes to my photos and share some of my experiences.

My photos, whew.....they were not the greatest pictures starting out but I have come so far I feel! I abused photoshop for I knew little of how to work with it in combination to lightly enhance my photos. I am glad that I did not continue to lean onto my own understanding of how I should take photos. I wondered much about the beautiful and artistic photos I would see on Etsy. I took a little time to find the online community on Etsy and found some tips on how to take better photos. Simple suggestions, MAJOR pay off, once I applied these suggestions. So, here are some of my earlier pictures of my work that I've taken along with earlier projects as I am still learning how to coordinate. These photos were not great, and in taking them, I knew something had to change. The pictures of the jewelry did not do my work any justice, in a bad way. They did not showcase the nice faceting of the beads, the detail and fresh colors nor the construction. We all have to start somewhere, but we have to first, START. Some of these items sold, when they were viewed in person. The other pieces were taken down to redo or start over. So, here are some of my earlier photos. If you have read some of my earlier blogs, you can truly see some improvement.



Overexposed, Bad Photoshop & Clashing. Sold when seen in person



Name Plastered In Middle of Photograph & Overexposed

Too Dark but sold when seen in person



Blurred.



Blurred and Bland

Drained & Overexposed



Blurred



Blurred but it did sell.

Just a note, the former name for my jewelry used to be Curveology, but....I needed to change this which meant, to remove it! So, plastering the name of my jewelry in my photos really did take away from the pieces I was trying to showcase. No need to place your stamp on everything. Everything is a rendition of something else done before it, so....take it as flattery that someone would re-edit a style you have created to their very own style. These photos were blurry, over exposed, dark, lacked personality/perspective and were just plain flat. At the time, I didn't know anything about macro settings and using the best natural light in conjunction with clear backgrounds to highlight the pieces, naturally. Also, I didn't know anything about actually setting up the pieces in a not so utilitarian sort of way (ditch the typical display stands). Well, I have many more photos that are ghastly but I have many more that are so much better now. The example below shows one of my pieces, "Sparkle In Your Eyes" necklace, on a black velvet bust taken in a photobox with artificial lighting. This was a picture I took during my earlier photography days. Not that the picture was ever bad but, I knew that I could improve upon it more to show the natural glare of the beads. This photo was also heavily photoshopped to clean up the background to get rid of the crease and to darken the bust. The second photo is the same piece, taken in natural lighting on a light background which gave way to the natural colors in the piece.I used a corner with a white wall beside a brick wall for an urban earthy appeal. I was right next to a window that provided the perfect light source. Only light photoshop was used to clean up some of the light spots on the leatherette bust. Nothing else was needed only just to resize the photo and list. 

 



Artificial Light Source. Ok Photo



Natural light on contrasting color bust. Truest colors revealed. Better photo

You can also view my profile picture was was shot in front of a window indirectly with the light casting off mannequin lightly. It really gave a seriously strong photo and allowed Lady Manne' to look as if she was a real person! All natural light but simple manipulation of how to use it.

So, here are just some of the suggestions I absorbed into my memory banks from Etsy, other readings and the book that I am getting ready to mentally digest. Reading and research is so very important to the success of our businesses. Even when you think you know everything there is about anything, life comes to show you something you didn't know.

• As much as possible, use natural lighting
• Only use photoshop to clean and lightly enhance
• Use scrapbooking paper, a vintage book cover, text, but veer away from the usual "display busts".
• Get to know the macro setting(s) on your camera
• Know how to use the exposure settings on your camera to lighten your photos if surroundings are dark
• Learn how to diffuse light with simple tricks as using a white sheet over your digital camera to absorb the flash or a simple sheet over your window if the sun's glares are to harsh.
• Do some perspective shooting by shooting from different angles as opposed to taking shots head on

Take some time to visit my shop, www.DiviniteJewellry.com & my facebook page, www.facebook.com/DiviniteJewellry, to see my improved photos and some of my older photos. You will be able to pick out the older photos from my newer photos so clearly. I am trying a new way of photographing which you may be able to see upon returning to my shop.

I am still learning how to work with artificial lighting but, I will figure this thing out, hopefully after reading this book, which provides me with so much hope.

I hope this blog may have been able to give you a light perspective of change in how you photograph. If you would like to see more comparison photos, which is fun, let me know and I will be happy to provide more.

Until then, "Always Be Inspired...". I will blog with you soon!

Sincerely,

Porchia

http://www.divinitejewellry.com/