I usually take photos of my entire bead (and lots of angles) when I'm listing them in my Etsy shop. It just seemed like folks would want to know what's going on- like the big picture.But I started thinking about some of the jewelry sellers there, and how so many of them take a close up of a section of their work as the main photo and then use complete views for the rest. And you know what, I'm more attracted to those close up shots.
So today, I'm trying it with my Sock Monkey bead. (do you love purple and aqua together like I do?) I think she has a cute little face and it's been a long time since I've made one. I used to make sock monkeys often to sell. Besides, how often do you get to use stripes and polka dots together?
I believe in the past, one of the old advertising agency sayings was, "run it up a flag pole and see if anyone salutes." (like Mad Men tv show days). It sure doesn't hurt to try it and see if there's a response.
So you tell me. Do you start with a close up? Do you include one later on in your listings? If you tried it, did it seem to be good for sales? I'm sure the bead itself makes a huge difference, but let's just tempt fate and see what happens. (and tell us what you think, too!)
I love extreme closeups when it's an organic bead or one with reactions - you know where you can almost feel like you are in another universe.
ReplyDeleteI guess it depends on how big your pictures are for Etsy etc. If your original pictures are big enough for people to see details there may not be much need for a closeup, but if you've got a lot of detail in a bead I can see that shoppers might want to get a good look. Can't say how many times I've taken a close up which then shows a gigantic hair or piece of fluff in all its glory! ;o)
...and yes, I think purple and aqua look lovely together, and you couldn't have picked a better subject for the photo - monkeys are always marvelous! :oD
This sock monkey is too cute and it definitely is ready for its close-up! I can't speak on this subject of photographing from personal experience because my husband takes my pics. I give suggestions and I do make sure he gets all angles. I love the close-ups of your beads, Marcy, and the off-center shot of the monkey is right on, too. When I took photography in college, my prof stressed keeping the subject a little off center. I think that by using the tightly cropped or off-center pic for the first shot, it draws the viewer in to look at more. The Tulip Hat Girl is the perfect example -- I'm going to finish this so I can click on that pic to see more!
ReplyDeleteLauren
I like the close ups. I've been thinking about trying to get closer myself. How else can we expect someone seeing only an image to want to buy our pretties?
ReplyDeleteI love that color combo too. I find it coming into my work quite often.
your close ups are great and are really going to help you get into treasuries - those first shots are so important to draw the customer in, and the treasury makers like something artistic to play with rather than just an item on a white background - so yes, keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI love ECU views of beads...this monkey is so cute! (I have a weak spot for Sock Monkey since my days with Carol Duvall!)
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