I bought supplies for a photo light box today. As you probably already know, I prefer to take pictures outside in natural light. However, I live in the midwest, and from mid-August-May, I'm out of the house from at least 7:00AM-4:30PM most weekdays. Even when the weather is cooperative, this schedule doesn't leave a lot of opportunities for taking pictures in natural light. I have scraped by taking pictures in sunlight when I can on the weekends the last couple years, but I would like to do something a little more consistent this year. I'll post progress and feedback on the light box.
I'm also toying with the idea of experimenting with some plain white or gray backgrounds. I've created my signature look with the sheet music background. I've gotten a lot of positive feedback on that both here and at my shows this summer. However, it is not the plain, teetering just on the edge of overexposed look that seems to sell well on Etsy. I don't know that I'm ready to scrap my whole look, but I'm also ready to scream in frustration over not having more sales on Etsy. Improving my music background photos and doing more to promote my site this summer (more blogging, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) has increased my Etsy views and hearts. But it hasn't increased my sales. So I'm open to suggestions.
Tomorrow I'm listing my August EBW Challenge entry piece. Sunday I'm listing my first pattern. Stay tuned.
Those earrings are pretty! As for the light box, I can't seem to figure them out - my backgrounds turn orange instead of staying white so if you figure them out, let us know!
ReplyDeleteYour frustration belongs to many artists. The Art Spree I was at last week had reports of "worst one yet" and "no sales". I noticed women had to ask permission to purchase (husband said no) and women returning gifts, trying to get cash back. Yet a friend who chose to go to another event, had a felted shawl sale in the shop plus several expensive ones at the event she attended. I'm happy for her, having found her customers. So the light box sounds like a great idea. You can practice before winter. Make sure you adjust the digital camera white balance for the type of light you are using or the color will be off.
ReplyDeleteI think your photos are very nice, sharp and bright. The sheet music is a cute idea, too. A lot of people are frustrated by low sales right now, but you don't have to scrap your signature look.
ReplyDeleteI think what's happening to sales are peoples' vacations and their busy schedules! Many are on the go with kids at home, no extra income for goodies because of the cost of vacations, and a shift of focus to family life and not to buying. This all will change when the kids are back in school and Christmas is coming!
ReplyDeleteI like your sheet music backgrounds. I tried making a light box and had no luck. But I need to retake most of my pics so maybe I'll try again. Good luck with yours.
ReplyDeleteI do like your sheet music background. :) The white balance tip is a great one for your camera. I use colored Bristol board cut to size for backgrounds in my lightbox. And make sure you use a daylight bulb-- mine's 100-watt.
ReplyDeleteGreat new earrings!
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could keep your music background photo for your first photo, but have a plain back ground for your second or third photo?
I think your sheet music is great, and probably attracts the music crowd too. One thing I learned from 1000markets is to have a brand, and you definitely do (they wouldn't take me as a seller until I branded my photos - my jewelry/books leaning on a rock in every shot.) I agree with the others, the holidays are just around the corner...
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the encouragement everyone! I'm definitely not giving up on Etsy or on my music backgrounds. I'll post details about the light box soon. :)
ReplyDeleteagree...keep the music...I always know it's you that way :) I wish I had a "branded" style for my pics...I'm envious of yours :)
ReplyDeletemaybe some extra photos plain if you like...like memories suggested.
good luck with the box :)
Thanks Theresa! At this point, I'm planning to take Edi's suggestion and use 2-3 white background photos for my Etsy listings, keeping a music background for the top shot.
ReplyDeleteThe light box is going well so far! I'll keep everyone updated. :)