Quick Tip for white backgrounds

If you use a white background for your product pictures, here is a quick tip for you.

When you think you are finished the editing process, add a white border, or resize the canvas by 50 or 100 pixels around. What this does is gives you a view of how your photo will look when placed against a white background. Often times, by doing this, you will see background areas that were missed. For example:
I can now see that there is still some background to be removed around the edges. Before I added the white border, this image looked all done. Now I have some more work to do!

I hope this quick tip was helpful, so you may have the best pictures possible for your website!

~Kirsten

P.S. - no arrows were injured in the making of this image

Style

When taking pictures of your creations, how do you like to present your work?

For some crafters, photographing your work is another way to express your creativity. I've seen some great outdoor shots with jewelry draped over wrought iron, or on a pretty rock.

Do you use props when you photograph your pieces? I've seen flowers, seashells... I saw a photo the other day with baby shoes as a prop for a mother/baby bracelet set. Very cute!!

My favorite way to photograph my jewelry is on white paper. The reason is because that is how my pictures turn out best. When I have tried photographing outdoors, or with props, the pictures don't turn out as well. So, I stick with what works best for me.

But I sure do like seeing what works best for others too!

Please share your favorite photography style in the blog notes!

~Kirsten

Extreme (Photoshop) Makeover

YouTube has a bunch of image editing tutorials. This video I found is more artsy than tutorial, but I thought it was fascinating, and I love it set to music :-)
~Kirsten

Wendy's World Art

I thought it would be interesting to get the perspective of graphic designers for insight into what inspires the artists that work to make your website a cohesive storefront to showcase your product. I am pleased to introduce you to Wendy Sternschein, a designer I have been lucky enough to work with in M2Minc. So, without further ado... meet Wendy!

Name: Wendy Sternschein
Website: http://www.wendysworldart.com/

How did you become interested in web graphics?
I love art, and once I understood the ins and outs of my photo editor, I started using my artwork as graphics. I gradually learned through a lot of practice, how to mouse draw the graphics as well.

At what point did you think you'd like to do web graphics professionally?
I have been selling my graphics for about a year. I get many recommendations and custom orders through word of mouth, ebay listings, my website, etc so I guess you can say I take it pretty seriously- although I do it for fun too.

What software programs do you use in creating your graphics?
I only use PSP 9 (paint shop pro)..I have photoshop, but honestly, I prefer PSP.

What is your favorite photo editing software?
Same as above- ha isn't it the same? Who knows?

What is your favorite thing to graphically design?
My favorite is character illustrations. I love anything girly too.

Do you have any graphics pet peeves?
When I work so hard on an illustration and it doesn't sell. Other than that, not really. I truly enjoy it.

What do you hope to accomplish this year with your business?
Grow grow grow. There are alot of graphic artists out there who use "other people's" artwork, including background tiles. I just have to stay competitive and market myself, and of course stay true to my passion. I love designing most things, but it is even better when you can sit and design.

Do you have any advice for someone just starting a new e-commerce website?
Do your research. I have had friends who spent ALOT of money on websites, and in the end it never went public because the web designer flaked. It is really sad. Make sure you get some one reputable. You don't have to spend a zillion dollars to get a pretty website. Just do your research and you will find someone who is talented in this business who will not charge you an arm and a leg.

Wendy's bio:
Hello I am Wendy, the designer behind the artwork of wendysworldart. I am a stockbroker turned entrepreneur and now that I am home with my two toddlers, I am able to really focus on my very first passion, painting! I love creating unique and whimsical illustrations for children-anything from princesses and fairies to poodles in Paris and Nautical themes. I also enjoy designing unique hair accessories for not just infants and toddlers, but even trendy moms!!!

You can find most of my artwork at http://www.wendysworldart.com/ as well as many upscale online retail stores. Thanks so much for getting to know a bit about me!

Here are just a few of Wendy's many beautiful designs. Be sure to check her out for artwork to enhance your product line on the world wide web!!

~Kirsten

Tutorial - Corel PSPX2

This is my first video attempt ever :-)

Next video tutorial I create, I'll be sure to ZOOM in!!!

Anyway, I hope this simple tutorial helps you to fancy up your images. If you can't be bothered, be sure to send them over to me... I love to fancy up pictures!!

~Kirsten

Lighting

The type of lighting you use plays a big part in how well your product pictures will look. One of the most important things, no matter the lighting you choose, is that it be indirect. Direct lighting casts shadows. So find a way to filter the light that is illuminating your item.

I took some pictures using a variety of lightbulbs. All of these were lighting the item through a photobox, like the one I showed from Walmart.

White typing paper. Unedited photos.

Filtering the light makes such a difference! Now the process of editing will be so much easier, because you have a good start already. :-)

~Kirsten

photo box

There might come a time when it is a cloudy day, and you need to get pictures taken. Or maybe you are not free to photograph during the day, and need to get good pictures at night after the kids are in bed. A tabletop photo "studio" is something to consider.

Professional set ups can cost into the thousands. Average price for photo studio and lamps? $800. There are alternatives though, and if you can do simple edits in your software, then consider this setup: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8144811

My Walmart store sells something a bit different, and it costs approximately $45. I couldn't find it on their website, but that link is close enough. It comes with the lights, mini-tripod, and two back drops. And it is easily tucked away when not in use.

Or... Feeling crafty and thrifty? Make it yourself! Here is an excellent example: http://www.strobist.blogspot.com

Have fun and happy picture taking!

~Kirsten