Monday 18 March 2013

Etsy Extraordinaire #3: Lights, Camera...Sale!?

etsy extraordinaire


PIXIE’s Guide to Becoming An Etsy Extraordinaire, Or How To Run a Successful Online Shop

Hiya! Here's the third edition of my 10-part series of Etsy success tips. You can find the rest of the posts here!

#1. Lights, Camera...Sale!?

Now, I'm a little out of my depth here. I've only in the past month or so been working on my photography. Despite having a DSLR for about 10 years I shamefully admit that I only took it off Auto mode last year! What was I thinking!? Whatever camera you have - know how to use it! I've been reading all about aperture and white balance and I guess it's starting to make sense. 

Although really beautiful rich and perfectly styled photos can really make your shop stand out and make your products look amazing - they're not crucial. You can work towards beautiful photos, as I am, but it is important to start with some nice, clear pictures of your products. 

The photos from my earliest sales make me cringe (and I have a huge to do list to re-do a lot of the listing in my shop now!). I honestly don't know what I was thinking! So, learn from my mistakes. Take a couple of photos clearly showing your product. Use a simple background (try laying out sheets of paper) and maybe even style it up with a few props. Of course, how you style your photos totally depends on your personal style and branding, as well as the particular product. 

It's a good idea to use up the allocated number of five pictures. I know, a lot of the time I only have a couple! But try and show your product from a number of different angles, with someone wearing it (if that applies) or even showcase your packaging.

With your photos try and develop a sense of cohesion. Your individual products might vary a fair bit so product photography can be a great way to tie them in together and present a really solid brand. 

Get practicing!

Gabi
x

6 comments:

  1. yeah the photography has been the most intimidating part of etsy for me since there are some very professional quality images on there.

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    1. It can be really tricky! I've just been practicing a lot lately and really enjoying it. There's just so much to learn!

      x

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  2. These are great tips :) I'm a new follower, and also from the Gold Coast! I can't wait to read more of your blog x

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    1. Thanks! Yay! There aren't many of use Goldie-dwellers in the blogosphere, haha.

      x

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  3. i'm in the process of learning how to master my dslr also and it is not an easy task! that's for sure. great tips, i'll have to keep them in mind in case i ever make the leap to business owner :)

    lauren @ in between idols.

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  4. Hi there :D from Perth here :)

    Ahahahahhaa... I always have mine on Auto mode... I gotta learn about depth of field... I think it would make a GREAT difference to product photography :)
    *despite... taking a semester on manual photography at uni -_-

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