MY JEWELRY PHOTOS ARE DRIVING ME NUTS
I don’t do too many jewelry shows, but a couple weeks ago a
friend asked if I wanted to take part in a trunk show she was having at her boutique
and it sounded like fun so I happily agreed.
I learned something very important about my work while I was
at this show. I learned I really like my
jewelry. Why was this a revelation? Because after I make and list a piece, I
pretty much only see it as everyone else sees it, online via the photographs I’ve
taken.
And now we come to the point. I have been unenamoured by a lot of my
jewelry because I was basing my opinions on my photographs, which are apparently
not representing my pieces.
When my friends say, “Laura, you take fabulous jewelry photos!”
I feel like the anorexic kid who looks in the mirror and sees only a fat
kid. How are these people not seeing
what I’m seeing? How am *I* not seeing
what they’re seeing?
All I know is, when I hold my jewelry in my hand I like
it. When I see it on my computer
monitor, it’s iffy at best.
So I’ve got a shoebox full of jewelry sitting on my
workbench that I intend to rephotograph.
I’m determined. Will let you know
how it goes. One thing going for me, I
have a new light tent set up.
What?! Another one?!?! Yes, indeed.
I saw something online that other jewelry makers were raving about but
it was over $200. So I found out what it
was made of and after a day of internet searching I found the material online. Fingers crossed.
Like
Don't Like
ADDING AN ETSY LINK TO YOUR ETSY LISTINGS
Sound crazy? Turns
out there’s actually some good reasoning for do this. I’ll let my good friend Tammy Adams explain
in her blog post: Etsy Quick Tip: faux breadcrumbs
REVENUE AND OLD PIE CHARTS
I spent some time today going through files on my computer,
organizing and whatnot, and found something funny/interesting. I don't even DO eBay auctions anymore.
Here’s a pie chart I made for my sales in 2012.
AND THEN JUST BECAUSE…
As usual, Laura, you are a wealth of knowledge (and cute kitten photos!)
ReplyDeleteBut I'm a little confused on your photos - which route are you going? The all-white background or the graduated ones?
Love your work!!
Hi Kristi! Thanks for the compliment. As to the photos, it wasn't a decision about the background; sorry if that was unclear.
ReplyDeleteIt's just a complete, overall feeling of "ugh" for some photos as opposed to others. And truthfully, I think certain pieces look better on white, others look better on black, and still others look better on gradient or wood or something. I don't think I'll find ONE background that will work for all my jewelry pieces, but I would like:
1) A feeling of cohesiveness among the photos
2) Photos that make me proud of the piece rather than ashamed of it
I hear and share your frustration in trying to represent your jewelry for internet only showing. Your photos are often the ones I think, "wow" about so I'm sure your stuff in person has got to be truly amazing.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are fabulous, and yet I understand that urge to make things better. I have been on a quest for the holy grail of photo backgrounds: the one that looks good with everything and makes everything look as good as in real life. When you find it, let me know. ;) And thanks for sharing my breadcrumbs.
ReplyDeleteI thought you might be going in another direction. I also rarely do shows, but when I do, I'm always amazed at how much better the pieces look on people!
ReplyDelete