I’m the first to admit I am no photographer. I have, however, been running creative online businesses for the past 6 years. While I wish I could take a perfect photo, I can’t wait around for my photography skills to be perfected before I put them to use. Photos are kind of an important part of the whole online business thing!
It’s amazing how much trial and error (and a whole lot of internet research…) can teach you. Here are 5 things I’ve learned along the way.
Get a good camera and learn how to use it: Ok, first things first. Buying an SLR does not make you a professional photographer. But it DOES improve your photos almost immediately, even if you’re just shooting on automatic. Honestly. And if it does that much on automatic, just think what it will do when you learn how to use manual mode!
You certainly don’t have to buy a $1,000 camera to increase your Creative Business sales, but I would recommend getting the best you can afford (even if it’s just a good one on your phone). And once you get it, learn how to use it. If it’s on your phone, actually sit down with the manual for a day and learn what it can do. If you got an SLR, learn how to shoot in manual mode. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
Rule of Thirds: So, I didn’t go to photography school. But I did go to design school. And let me tell you, most people are horrible when it comes to getting a good photo layout. (sorry, it’s true) You don’t have to create a work of art just to sell a stuffed toy online; just pay attention to where everything is in your picture.
-Is the main object large enough to be seen? (fill the whole picture with the object)
-Is there random stuff in the background that distracts the viewer from the main object? (Grandma’s afghan can move to the bedroom for the photo shoot)
-Do you know what those funny squares are that you see in the view finder of your camera? If not, look up the Rule of Thirds (there’s so much on it online that I won’t waste time to recreate an explanation of it here) and try to use it.
Light: Good lighting is hard to come by without professional tools. Unless you walk outside. 🙂 An overcast day gives you perfect lighting for free! If you do want to stay inside, I recommend this light box
Perspective: If you’re shooting something that you want to sell online, get up nice and close. Stick your objects on a table so it’s easy to crouch down to their level.
Photoshop: If you’ve done all you know how to do with your camera and still want to make the photo a little better, Photoshop can help. If you don’t have it, you can download an older version of it here for free (for real- it’s on the official Adobe Site. It’s legit- I’ve done it and it works).
Don’t know how to do anything in Photoshop? No biggie. Download the awesome, free Pioneer Woman Photoshop Actions. Once they’re installed (not too hard to do) all you do is open your photo, press a button and BAM- they’re photoshopped! (I know how to use Photoshop pretty well and still use these all the time, they’re the best!)
A good photo can be the difference between a great Esty sale and an Etsy store filled with old products. Take some time to love your photos and you’re sure to see better results!
Some great tips, I’ve been struggling with My product Photos, will defo give the light box a try!