How to Take Awesome Photos of Your Crochet for Publication

 Read the first part of today’s lesson: Pattern Testing 101 by Patrice Walker

Take a look at the photos of my projects and patterns from past Etsy Listings:

 

Momwithahook Gallery 1 http://crochetbusiness.com/gallery/

Gallery 2 http://crochetbusiness.com/gallery-2/

 

Not the clean, clear, and inviting photographs that encourage people to click right?

 

Even though my camera wasn’t a DSLR and I didn’t use a lightbox, my designs and products sold. Feedback for the quality the work was positive but I know with the right pictures sales would have been higher.

 

Would mastering the basics of lighting, focusing, and composition helped? Yes.

From Create Crochet Patterns: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners  – e. Lee – The Crochet Lounge

 

The photo of your crochet piece is the window to your crochet business’ spirit and soul and is crucial to your attempt – it brands you. It is the sole experience your readership or shopper will have until they can feel and touch the product in hand. If your photo looks enticing, they will click the purchase button on your finished object or your pattern!

 

Cameras

 

While it is best to have a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera, the alternatives [in order] are digital point and shoot, newer Smart Phones or tablets with high-resolution, or a high quality webcam.

You want to avoid using the webcam if possible as the quality is lacking. If all you have is your webcam or cell phone then use it.

Don’t rush out to purchase a new camera – experiment with the setup and get familiar with your personal style first.

Natural Lighting

 

Setup your photo to be taken during the day in natural light

If indoors, get close to the window and avoid direct sunlight

If outdoors, pick time of day where there isn’t blaring sunlight on your subject or object

Direct lighting without the usage of flash prevents color washout

 

Focus

 

Sharp and not blurry primary object photos carry professionalism. Cleanliness of a photo focusing on the object is also a must for a primary photo.

 

Find and invest in a tripod that can hold the camera steady while you take the photo to avoid blur caused by the movement of the camera. If your crochet object is on a model, make sure your model is also staying still for the picture, or use camera equipment capable of handling movement.

 

Composition

 

Your background should be simple. While it is tempting to put your finished object with a background of pretty spring flowers or fall leaves, make sure the background doesn’t negatively affect or take away from the focus of the photo – Your Crochet Item.

 

Rule of Thirds

 

In classic photography rule of thirds simply states to imagine your photo made into thirds vertically and horizontally, creating 9 sections in your viewfinder or frame.

 

Try taking a physical photo you have, and draw out the lines on the photo for a visual.

 

Angles

 

The primary photo of your object should be a straight on shot of either the crochet being used in the intended way or a straight on display with proper size proportion comparison.

 

Up Close and Personal

 

Intricate details deserve close up attention. The focus on the close up detail of a section of your work can intensify the viewer’s emotions of the piece purely based upon the yarn choice, stitch choice, color of the work plus diligence in the quality of the photograph, lighting, composition and angle.

 

Challenge for today:

Get your camera out and take photos of your finished crochet item. Give e. Lee’s tips on better product photos a try.

Did you know Craftsy has Photography classes?