<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>DIY Craft Photography</title> <atom:link href="/category/photo-styling/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link></link> <description>Product photography for handmade goods</description> <lastBuildDate>Sat, 27 Apr 2019 20:33:34 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5</generator> <image> <url>/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cropped-DIYC-site-icon-32x32.png</url> <title>DIY Craft Photography</title> <link></link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>13 Product Photography Lessons from My Fake Etsy Photo Shoot</title> <link>/product-photography-lessons-etsy-photoshoot/</link> <comments>/product-photography-lessons-etsy-photoshoot/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[M. Johnson]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 05 May 2014 08:00:35 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Photo Inspiration]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Photo Styling]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=1567</guid> <description><![CDATA[They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but people totally judge crafts by their photos all the time! Sure, tagging, titles, SEO, and relentless shop promotion have their own roles to play in bringing traffic to your shop, but all that hard work can be undone in an instant if your photos...</p><p><a class="more-link" href="/product-photography-lessons-etsy-photoshoot/">Read More</a></p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/13_etsy_product_photography_tips_header.jpg"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1588 size-full" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/13_etsy_product_photography_tips_header.jpg" alt="13 product photography lessons from my fake Etsy photo shoot. Includes tips on composition, lighting, and more!" width="735" height="364" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/13_etsy_product_photography_tips_header.jpg 735w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/13_etsy_product_photography_tips_header-300x148.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px" /></a></p> <p>They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but people <em>totally</em> judge crafts by their photos all the time!</p> <p>Sure, tagging, titles, SEO, and relentless shop promotion have their own roles to play in bringing traffic to your shop, but all that hard work can be undone in an instant if your photos suck.</p> <p><strong>Photos sell your crafts.</strong></p> <p>A couple weekends ago I put together a “pretend” Etsy photo shoot with the goal of demonstrating the best, most practical product photography lessons I’ve learned over the years. These photos were shot with a mix of my iPhone 4S and my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004J41T7Q/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004J41T7Q&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Canon PowerShot Digital ELPH 300 HS</a> (Amazon Affiliate link). The metal airplane is a yard ornament from my own garden (originally from McClendon’s hardware store).</p> <p>Enjoy this <strong>meaty </strong>product photography tutorial!</p> <h1>1. Shoot in daylight (or really good indoor lighting)</h1> <p>Good lighting is 90% of the battle. Even an old or crappy camera can do some pretty amazing things given the right lighting.</p> <p>My favorite natural lighting setup is bright but cloudy day, but it can be hard to wait around for the right kind of day to land on a weekend so I have a bunch of tricks for working with the lighting I’ve got. If you’re reading this from the North Pole in the dead of winter, <a href="/best-indoor-lighting-equipment-for-craft-photographers/">check out these great lighting setups that you can use indoors</a>.</p> <p>If a cloudy day is a rarity where you live, read on for tips on diffusing that bright lighting.</p> <h1>2. Diffused lighting looks better than direct lighting</h1> <p>I think soft “diffuse” shadows look better than hard shadows, which sort of duplicate your object onto the surface its sitting on and become a distraction. (Hard shadows <em>do</em> add nice sense of depth which gets lost when you diffuse the light, but you’re better off without them if they’re becoming distracting.)</p> <p>Here’s a visual guide to the difference between direct sunlight and diffuse sunlight:</p> <div id="attachment_1570" style="width: 740px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_hard_lighting_vs_diffuse_lighting.jpg"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1570" class="wp-image-1570" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_hard_lighting_vs_diffuse_lighting.jpg" alt="Etsy product photography tutorial and tips: direct sunlight vs. diffuse sunlight." width="730" height="511" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_hard_lighting_vs_diffuse_lighting.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_hard_lighting_vs_diffuse_lighting-300x210.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 730px) 100vw, 730px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1570" class="wp-caption-text">Direct sunlight creates hard, dark shadows, as seen on left. Sunlight that is filtered through a curtain or sheet of paper becomes much softer, as seen on right.</p></div> <h2>How to get diffused lighting:</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Hang a white curtain</strong> across the window you’re shooting next to (this is the technique I use most frequently, see below for a photo of my setup)</li> <li><strong>Wait for a cloudy day</strong></li> <li><strong>Cover a window with tissue paper</strong></li> <li><strong>Stretch a white sheet</strong> over your shooting area</li> <li><strong>Use a light tent</strong> – <a href="/table-top-photo-studio-kit-reviews/">click here to see our reviews of many popular light tents</a></li> </ul> <div id="attachment_1571" style="width: 726px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_how_to_diffuse_lighting.jpg"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1571" class="wp-image-1571 " src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_how_to_diffuse_lighting.jpg" alt="etsy_product_photography_tutorial_how_to_diffuse_lighting" width="716" height="550" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_how_to_diffuse_lighting.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_how_to_diffuse_lighting-300x230.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 716px) 100vw, 716px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1571" class="wp-caption-text">Blocking some of the light with a curtain might seem counter-intuitive, but it softens the shadows and prevents harsh blow-outs. If you need to punch up the overall brightness/contrast a bit, you can do so in Photoshop or any image editing tool later on. Shown above is <a href="/simple-white-background-product-photography-setup/">my el cheapo $5 DIY white background product photography setup</a>.</p></div> <h1> 3. Shoot a TON of photos</h1> <p>I used to be a once-and-done photographer… back when I wasn’t a very good photographer. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f609.png" alt="😉" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p> <p>Always shoot 4-5 times the amount of photos you<em> think</em> you’ll need. Some will turn out blurry or bad for reasons you didn’t anticipate. Having a ton to pick from helps ensure you have <em>something</em> useful. Pick the best and delete the rest later (or keep them forever and ever and keep buying larger hard drives, like I do :D).</p> <div id="attachment_1572" style="width: 725px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_take_a_bazillion_photos.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1572" class="wp-image-1572 " src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_take_a_bazillion_photos.jpg" alt="etsy_product_photography_tutorial_take_a_bazillion_photos" width="715" height="448" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_take_a_bazillion_photos.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tutorial_take_a_bazillion_photos-300x188.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 715px) 100vw, 715px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1572" class="wp-caption-text">It is virtually impossible to take too many photos for your Etsy listings.</p></div> <h1>4. Keep it simple with a white background</h1> <p>Products with a light grey background basically scream “feature me!” on Etsy, and while the look is overdone it doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon.</p> <p>If it suits your product and you don’t mind a bit of conformity, shooting your product on a white background is easy. A simple sheet of poster board makes for a seamless, smooth white background. Prop it up against something, or have a helper hold it up for you.</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_on_white.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1573" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_on_white.jpg" alt="etsy_product_photography_shoot_on_white" width="728" height="559" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_on_white.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_on_white-300x230.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px" /></a></p> <h1>5. Make your OWN background(s)</h1> <p>I had this stained cabinet door laying around so I tried it out as a background – success!</p> <p>Lots of top selling Etsy shops are rejecting the <em>oh-so-common</em> pale grey background, so don’t feel bad if it’s not right for you. Experiment and find something that <em>is</em> right for you and your product, or use a white background shot as your main shot and add more interesting backgrounds as your supplementary photos.</p> <p>I’ve seen other crafters make great use of table tops, weathered door frames, painted walls, bricks, books, you name it. (<a href="/6-alternatives-to-white-backgrounds/">Read about 6 alternatives to white backgrounds here</a>.)</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_on_wood.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1574" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_on_wood.jpg" alt="etsy_product_photography_shoot_on_wood" width="701" height="538" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_on_wood.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_on_wood-300x230.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 701px) 100vw, 701px" /></a></p> <h1>6. Shoot close up or crop it</h1> <p>Show off those tiny details, and don’t be afraid to leave some parts of your product out of the shot. You already know what my airplane looks like, so it’s okay to focus in its details for the remaining shots.</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_close_up.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1575" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_close_up.jpg" alt="etsy_product_photography_shoot_close_up" width="697" height="535" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_close_up.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_shoot_close_up-300x230.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px" /></a></p> <p>Here’s another shot to show you the power of cropping. The wings and tail are cut off, but I bet you hardly noticed until I said something:</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tips_up_close.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1584" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tips_up_close.jpg" alt="etsy_product_photography_tips_up_close" width="698" height="536" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tips_up_close.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tips_up_close-300x230.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 698px) 100vw, 698px" /></a></p> <h1>7. Don’t be afraid to experiment</h1> <p>Try some weird and unusual shots. This goes back to the advice from earlier about shooting way more photos than you think you’ll need. As it turns out, I only ended up with ONE shot of the bottom of the plane, but if I were actually selling this product I’m sure a customer would want to see the bottom.</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_bottom_angle.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1580" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_bottom_angle.jpg" alt="etsy_product_photography_bottom_angle" width="701" height="539" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_bottom_angle.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_bottom_angle-300x230.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 701px) 100vw, 701px" /></a></p> <h1>8. It’s okay to “fix it in post”</h1> <p>Your job as a photographer is to minimize the amount of work you have to do in post (ie: don’t count on editing out complicated shadows), but you don’t have to avoid it entirely. Adjusting brightness/contrast is easy in Photoshop or any free in-browser editing tool. The punched-up result is usually worth the 5 seconds of effort:</p> <div id="attachment_1579" style="width: 697px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/fake_etsy_photoshoot_brightness_contrast.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1579" class="wp-image-1579" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/fake_etsy_photoshoot_brightness_contrast.jpg" alt="fake_etsy_photoshoot_brightness_contrast" width="687" height="481" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/fake_etsy_photoshoot_brightness_contrast.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/fake_etsy_photoshoot_brightness_contrast-300x210.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 687px) 100vw, 687px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1579" class="wp-caption-text">Some photos benefit from brightness/contrast adjustments more than others.</p></div> <h1>9. Include a human (or at least part of one)</h1> <p>Boom! Now you know <em>exactly</em> how big this plane is.</p> <p>I’ve seen quite a few Etsy shops featuring pretty items without ANY sense scale. Most people don’t like to read measurements and guess at the item’s size in real life- a picture can answer these questions in a single glance. This goes triple for jewelry!</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tips_include_a_human.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1576" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tips_include_a_human.jpg" alt="etsy_product_photography_tips_include_a_human" width="698" height="536" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tips_include_a_human.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_tips_include_a_human-300x230.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 698px) 100vw, 698px" /></a></p> <h1>10. Closer is almost always better</h1> <p>It’s tempting to shoot the product from the angle you normally see it from, but that will probably bore your viewers (see the first shot, below).</p> <p>As I reviewed my Etsy photo shoot shots, I realized the far away ones I took were almost completely useless. Move in close and fill the frame with your product!</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/product_photography_tips_get_close.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1581" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/product_photography_tips_get_close.jpg" alt="product_photography_tips_get_close" width="723" height="448" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/product_photography_tips_get_close.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/product_photography_tips_get_close-300x186.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 723px) 100vw, 723px" /></a></p> <h1>11. Showing it in use is a good idea</h1> <p>This little metal plane is intended for use as a yard ornament, so after all those shots of it inside perhaps I ought to show it actually, y’know, <em>in my yard</em>:</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_action_shot.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1583" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_action_shot.jpg" alt="etsy_product_photography_action_shot" width="422" height="562" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_action_shot.jpg 613w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/etsy_product_photography_action_shot-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 422px) 100vw, 422px" /></a></p> <h1>12. Choose a contrasting background / setting</h1> <p>If you aren’t shooting against white posterboard or some similarly simple background, be careful to choose backgrounds that complement your product. You don’t want it getting lost or competing for the viewer’s attention. I shot a number of photos with the plane against my yard, mulch, and front shrubbery, and they all turned out useless – the plane just blends in. I’m glad I shot a variety, because the tree trunk shots (which I didn’t think would be anything special) totally stole the show.</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/fake_etsy_photoshoot_harmonious_background.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1582" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/fake_etsy_photoshoot_harmonious_background.jpg" alt="fake_etsy_photoshoot_harmonious_background" width="690" height="483" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/fake_etsy_photoshoot_harmonious_background.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/fake_etsy_photoshoot_harmonious_background-300x210.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px" /></a></p> <h1>13. Pursue on-the-spot ideas</h1> <p>Don’t worry too much about planning your shots. Just start shooting and roll with what works. If you get a great idea for a shot mid-way, go ahead and pursue it.</p> <p>I didn’t go into this photo shoot intending to put the plane into my husband’s hands, but when I saw him holding the plane for me between shots I was inspired! I loved the shot so much, I made it the header image for this post. If I were listing this item on Etsy, I’d definitely use it as one of the five photos.</p> <h1>Bonus Tip: Have FUN with it!</h1> <p>Just like how I draw better when I’m in a good mood, I shoot better photos when I’m in a good mood! It’s like magic.</p> <p>It’s okay to make fun of your project a bit – shoot a few goofy shots and make yourself laugh, it’ll show through in everything else you shoot.</p> <div id="attachment_1585" style="width: 302px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/product_photography_tips_have_fun.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1585" class="wp-image-1585" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/product_photography_tips_have_fun.jpg" alt="product_photography_tips_have_fun" width="292" height="224" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/product_photography_tips_have_fun.jpg 1000w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/05/product_photography_tips_have_fun-300x230.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-1585" class="wp-caption-text">Pro tip for having fun on a photo shoot: bring along a husband, lol.</p></div> <h1>Related Reads</h1> <ul> <li><a href="/maximize-your-5-etsy-listing-photos/">Maximize Your 5 Etsy Listing Photos</a></li> <li><a href="/product-photography-lighting-tips/">Product Photography Lighting Tips for Absolute Beginners</a></li> <li><a href="/best-cameras-for-craft-and-food-photography/">Best Cameras for Craft & Food Photographers (and every budget)</a></li> </ul> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>/product-photography-lessons-etsy-photoshoot/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>5</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>30 Free Backgrounds for Photos (From Around Your Home!)</title> <link>/free-backgrounds-for-photos-household-objects/</link> <comments>/free-backgrounds-for-photos-household-objects/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[M. Johnson]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 14 Nov 2013 08:00:22 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Photo Styling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[backgrounds]]></category> <category><![CDATA[budget]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=486</guid> <description><![CDATA[I’m always on the lookout for cheap or free things to use as photography backgrounds, and I’m always surprised at how much I can find just by looking at things laying around my house. Chances are you’ve got plenty of inspiration tucked away in drawers or closets. Go on – dig ’em out! You won’t...</p><p><a class="more-link" href="/free-backgrounds-for-photos-household-objects/">Read More</a></p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_842" style="width: 363px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/30_free_backgrounds_around_house_pinterest.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-842" class=" wp-image-842" alt="30_free_backgrounds_around_house_pinterest" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/30_free_backgrounds_around_house_pinterest.jpg" width="353" height="291" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/30_free_backgrounds_around_house_pinterest.jpg 441w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/30_free_backgrounds_around_house_pinterest-300x247.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 353px) 100vw, 353px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-842" class="wp-caption-text">Click to share me on Pinterest!</p></div> <p dir="ltr">I’m always on the lookout for cheap or free things to use as photography backgrounds, and I’m always surprised at how much I can find just by looking at things laying around my house. Chances are you’ve got plenty of inspiration tucked away in drawers or closets. Go on – dig ’em out! You won’t know what you have until you start looking!</p> <p dir="ltr">Here are <strong>30 of my favorite household-objects-turned-photo-backgrounds.</strong></p> <h1 dir="ltr">Free Backgrounds for Photos</h1> <p>Here’s just a few photo-background friendly things you probably already own:</p> <div id="attachment_830" style="width: 317px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/placemats_as_free_backgrounds_for_photos.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-830" class=" wp-image-830 " alt="placemats_as_free_backgrounds_for_photos" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/placemats_as_free_backgrounds_for_photos.jpg" width="307" height="230" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/placemats_as_free_backgrounds_for_photos.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/placemats_as_free_backgrounds_for_photos-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 307px) 100vw, 307px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-830" class="wp-caption-text">Placemats and towels are simple, go-to backgrounds for craft and food photography</p></div> <p dir="ltr">1. Woven placemats</p> <p dir="ltr">2. Wooden cutting board</p> <p dir="ltr">3. Cookie sheet</p> <p dir="ltr">4. Brick mantle</p> <p dir="ltr">5. Wool blanket or sweater</p> <p dir="ltr">6. Wooden door (painted or not)</p> <p dir="ltr">7. Folded linen towel</p> <div id="attachment_810" style="width: 317px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_on_cookie_sheet.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-810" class="wp-image-810 " alt="cookie_photography_on_cookie_sheet" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_on_cookie_sheet.jpg" width="307" height="230" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_on_cookie_sheet.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_on_cookie_sheet-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 307px) 100vw, 307px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-810" class="wp-caption-text">A cookie sheet’s soft reflective surface is an excellent background for your small crafts (and foods!)</p></div> <p dir="ltr">8. Canvas tote bag</p> <p dir="ltr">9. Chalkboard</p> <p dir="ltr">10. Paper grocery bag</p> <p dir="ltr">11. Open book</p> <p dir="ltr">12. Stack of books</p> <p dir="ltr">13. Window sill</p> <p dir="ltr">14. Wrapping paper</p> <p dir="ltr">15. Seat cushions</p> <p dir="ltr">16. Clothing – denim and patterned shirts in particular</p> <div id="attachment_844" style="width: 317px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/fabric_swatches1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-844" class="size-full wp-image-844 " alt="free backgrounds for photos fabric swatches" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/fabric_swatches1.jpg" width="307" height="230" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/fabric_swatches1.jpg 307w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/11/fabric_swatches1-300x224.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 307px) 100vw, 307px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-844" class="wp-caption-text">Fabric from earlier projects live a second life as bright and beautiful photo backgrounds.</p></div> <p dir="ltr">17. Kitchen table</p> <p dir="ltr">18. Kitchen countertop</p> <p dir="ltr">19. Doilies</p> <p dir="ltr">20. Decorative napkins</p> <p dir="ltr">21. Woven baskets</p> <p dir="ltr">22. Stairs & railings</p> <p dir="ltr">23. Wooden chair</p> <p dir="ltr">24. Driveway / walkway</p> <p dir="ltr">25. Back patio or deck</p> <div id="attachment_496" style="width: 317px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/key_bark.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-496" class=" wp-image-496 " alt="tree bark photograph jewelry" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/key_bark.jpg" width="307" height="205" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/key_bark.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/10/key_bark-300x199.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 307px) 100vw, 307px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-496" class="wp-caption-text">Tree bark makes an interesting prop for small product photography.</p></div> <p dir="ltr">26. Tree bark</p> <p dir="ltr">28. Decorative fabric</p> <p dir="ltr">29. Painter’s canvas (try the backside of a wall painting)</p> <p dir="ltr">30. Bed linens</p> <h1 dir="ltr">3 Things You Probably Shouldn’t Use as Photo Backgrounds</h1> <h2>1. Carpeting</h2> <p>Alas, even for us carpet-lovers, carpeting’s out of style. You can get away with photographing your trinkets on a hardwood floor (or a convincing lookalike), but carpet as a background just doesn’t give off great vibes. Carpet is easily recognizable, it’s got little to no character of its own, and it cheapens your handmade trinket by placing it on what is obviously a floor.</p> <h2>2. Bathroom tile</h2> <p>Unless your bathroom has gorgeous marble floors, your tile and grout probably look a lot like… tile and grout.</p> <h2>3. Newspaper</h2> <p>One exception: vintage newspaper. But the latest USAToday is going to look cheap and cartoonish – until, of course, you keep it so long that it turns into VINTAGE NEWSPAPER!</p> <p dir="ltr">What’s your best already-own-it photography background find? Tell us in the comments!</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>/free-backgrounds-for-photos-household-objects/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>12 Tips for Photographing Cookies</title> <link>/tips-for-photographing-cookies/</link> <comments>/tips-for-photographing-cookies/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[M. Johnson]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 11 Oct 2013 07:00:56 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Photo Styling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[background styling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[cookies]]></category> <category><![CDATA[food photography]]></category> <category><![CDATA[macro]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=793</guid> <description><![CDATA[No more ugly cookies! I love trying new recipes, and when I’m on the hunt for a new recipe (or a new food blog to follow), the right photograph makes all the difference. These 12 tips for photographing cookies will improve the way you photograph and present your baked treats. For this photo shoot I...</p><p><a class="more-link" href="/tips-for-photographing-cookies/">Read More</a></p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_12_tips_pinterest_image.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-819 aligncenter" alt="cookie_photography_12_tips_pinterest_image" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_12_tips_pinterest_image-300x247.jpg" width="300" height="247" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_12_tips_pinterest_image-300x247.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_12_tips_pinterest_image.jpg 441w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a></p> <p>No more ugly cookies! I love trying new recipes, and when I’m on the hunt for a new recipe (or a new food blog to follow), the right photograph makes all the difference. These 12 tips for photographing cookies will improve the way you photograph and present your baked treats.</p> <p>For this photo shoot I worked within a few constraints:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Natural lighting</strong> <strong>only</strong> – I shot these photos next to a window, sans fancy photographer lights</li> <li><strong>Limited prop set –</strong> I only used props I had in my kitchen, such as a cooling rack, cookie sheet, a few towels, mixing bowl, and wooden spoon</li> <li><strong>Identical cookies</strong> – Since all my cookies look the same, I had to get creative styling them</li> <li><strong>Point and shoot camera –</strong> I shot all these photos with my Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS</li> </ul> <p>Recipe development isn’t my forte so I worked with a package of Birthday Cake Creme Oreos, which are as decadent and as delicious as they sound, and <a href="http://fun107.com/birthday-cake-oreos-return-no-longer-for-a-limited-time/">thanks to a fan campaign</a>, they’re here to stay awhile. So if this post makes you hungry, run to your local grocery store and grab a package, no baking necessary. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f642.png" alt="🙂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p> <h2>1. Work in daylight</h2> <p><strong>A thousand times this:</strong> food photos I take in my kitchen’s lighting are almost always <em>hideous</em>. Food photographed in my kitchen lights tends to look green or blue, with multiple hard-edged shadows, and anything shiny looks like slime. Not a good look for food.</p> <p>This “Before” photo below was taken in my kitchen’s overhead LED lighting.</p> <p>It’s not a <em>terrible</em> photo, but it could be so much better: the <strong>double shadows</strong>, the<strong> lack of detail in the cookie faces</strong>, the crumbs (that one’s my fault), and the <strong>bland background</strong> aren’t doing my cookies any favors. You can even see the shadow of my camera in the lower right corner – it’s impossible to take a photo in my kitchen without being in the way of at least one light source.</p> <div id="attachment_808" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_before.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-808" class="size-full wp-image-808 " alt="photographing cookies before bad lighting" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_before.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_before.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_before-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-808" class="wp-caption-text">My kitchen’s lighting = multiple shadows, flat colors, hard-to-see details</p></div> <p style="text-align: center;">The “After” was taken next to a window on an October afternoon. Notice the much<strong> softer shadows </strong>and the<strong> details in the cookie ridges</strong> (can you even read “OREO” in the previous shot?).</p> <div id="attachment_809" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_after_photo_in_daylight.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-809" class="size-full wp-image-809 " alt="photographing cookies good daylight lighting" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_after_photo_in_daylight.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_after_photo_in_daylight.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_after_photo_in_daylight-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-809" class="wp-caption-text">Daylight = soft shadows, beautiful details</p></div> <p>Do yourself a favor and take your photos in daylight. This will be more challenging if you happen to bake at night or in the dead of winter, but it’s worth the effort.</p> <h2>2. Take a TON of photos</h2> <p>One beauty of digital photography is you’re limited only by the number of photos your memory card can store. So take a LOT, it can only help.</p> <p>Aim to<strong> take at least 3 (or more) photos of each setup</strong>. Try different angles and perspectives, add and remove props. After you upload your photos to your computer, weed out the best into a “Best” folder. Later (whenever you’re sure you’re done with them) you’re free to delete the photos you didn’t need.</p> <div id="attachment_820" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_take_a_lot_of_photos.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-820" class="size-full wp-image-820 " alt="cookie photography take a lot of photos" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_take_a_lot_of_photos.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_take_a_lot_of_photos.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_take_a_lot_of_photos-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-820" class="wp-caption-text">I ended up with 60 photos from this photoshoot, which was just barely enough to pick out the 12 good ones I used for this article.</p></div> <h2>3. Show ’em on the cookie sheet</h2> <p><em>It’s like they just left the oven.</em></p> <div id="attachment_810" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_on_cookie_sheet.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-810" class="size-full wp-image-810" alt="photographing cookies on cookie sheet" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_on_cookie_sheet.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_on_cookie_sheet.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_on_cookie_sheet-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-810" class="wp-caption-text">Cookie sheet as a background – I love the soft reflections under each cookie.</p></div> <p>The mere sight of freshly baked cookies has been known to drive people mad. The <strong>cookie sheet itself makes for a nice background</strong> – it’s got a bit of <strong>texture and character</strong> to it, the mildly <strong>reflective surface </strong>makes for a nice contrast, and you can fill the entire shot with it and it <strong>won’t look the least bit out of place</strong>.</p> <h2>4. Include ingredients</h2> <p>Flour, sugar, butter, chocolate chips, cookie cutters – whatever went into your cookies, show it off! For some of us, the dough is the main event anyway. <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f642.png" alt="🙂" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p> <p>Make an ingredients shot more interesting by <strong>cropping it off-center</strong> and <strong>layering the background. </strong>Ingredients in the background adds depth and character to your scene. I’m partial to yellow sticks of butter, myself.</p> <div id="attachment_804" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_ingredients.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-804" class="size-full wp-image-804" alt="photographing cookies ingredients in a bowl wooden spoon" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_ingredients.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_ingredients.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_ingredients-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-804" class="wp-caption-text">The primary ingredient of Oreos is Oreos.</p></div> <h2>5. Shoot from below!</h2> <p>Look out – massive cookies! (I wish, haha.)</p> <p>Stack up your cookies and shoot them from below to <strong>show off their crisp edges and sides</strong> and<strong> create a compelling composition. </strong>This somewhat unusual camera angle captures eye-level details that are often missed when shooting cookies from above.</p> <div id="attachment_803" style="width: 394px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_below_stack.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-803" class="size-full wp-image-803 " alt="photographing cookies shoot from a low angle" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_below_stack.jpg" width="384" height="512" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_below_stack.jpg 384w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_below_stack-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-803" class="wp-caption-text">I think this is my favorite shot of the whole bunch: the smooth rainbow-flecked creme filling contrasts very well with the rugged cookie wafers.</p></div> <h2>6. Line ’em up</h2> <p>Show cookies in a novel arrangement to stand out. My example cookies have an interesting edge texture I wanted to show off – if yours are rolled in sugar or cut in a shape, you may also find a unique shot such as this worthwhile.</p> <div id="attachment_811" style="width: 394px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_unusual_angle_row.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-811" class="size-full wp-image-811" alt="photographing cookies use an unusual angle lined up" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_unusual_angle_row.jpg" width="384" height="512" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_unusual_angle_row.jpg 384w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_unusual_angle_row-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-811" class="wp-caption-text">Showing off the interesting edge texture of my Oreo cookies</p></div> <h2>7. Take a bite</h2> <p>Nothing says delicious like half-eaten! Breaking (or biting) off part of a cookie shows off the cookie’s middle, be it a surprise ingredient <em>(<a href="http://veryculinary.com/2011/03/22/oreo-stuffed-chocolate-chip-cookies/">another cookie</a>, perhaps?!</em>) or just a melted-to-perfection chocolate chip.</p> <div id="attachment_824" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_half_inside.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-824" class="size-full wp-image-824 " alt="cookie photography half eaten" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_half_inside.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_half_inside.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_half_inside-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-824" class="wp-caption-text">If you’re lucky, it’ll take a several bites to get it “just right”. Better make a few extra batches, just in case.</p></div> <h2>8.Mix up shapes and textures</h2> <p>Here I’ve got rough-textured black cookies on a smooth white square plate resting on a mushy woven towel. In the background is a smooth grey placemat. Bringing materials of contrasting colors and textures into your photo is an easy way to dress up simple cookies.</p> <p>Check out related post <a href="/fixing-photo-distortion-with-zoom/">Fix Photo Distortion with Zoom</a> if you’re experiencing issues with distorted shapes.</p> <div id="attachment_806" style="width: 394px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_three.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-806" class="size-full wp-image-806" alt="photographing cookies mix up shapes" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_three.jpg" width="384" height="512" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_three.jpg 384w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_three-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-806" class="wp-caption-text">Rough, soft, rough, soft – the alternating textures add visual interest.</p></div> <h2>9. One close up with a blurry background</h2> <p>Set your camera to “<strong>macro”</strong> (looks like a flower icon on many point and shoots) and focus on one close cookie, leaving the rest to blur in the background. This is a favorite technique of food photographers everywhere (just look in any magazine or food blog).</p> <p>This type of shot shows off the qualities of an individual cookie up close without isolating it in a world of its own. The cookies and mixing bowl in the background give it context and create a pleasing background.</p> <div style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_up_close_blurred_background.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="cookie_photography_up_close_blurred_background" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_up_close_blurred_background.jpg" width="512" height="384" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">This type of shot is everywhere. To recreate it, create a scene with depth, set your camera to macro, and focus on the closest cookie.</p></div> <h2>10. Wire Rack + Towel</h2> <p>Aside from being a completely obvious place for cookies to be, a wire rack is a great choice for cookies because of the geometric interest it lends to a composition. The criss-crossing (or parallel) lines add a sense of perspective and contrast nicely against the round cookies. Laying a towel underneath offers nearly unlimited possibilities for color contrasts and patterns.</p> <div id="attachment_802" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_wire_wrack.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-802" class="size-full wp-image-802" alt="Cookie photography wire rack" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_wire_wrack.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_wire_wrack.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_wire_wrack-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-802" class="wp-caption-text">Yes, of course these Oreos just came out of the oven, why do you ask?</p></div> <h2>11. Detail shot</h2> <p>The detail shot needs little explanation, but how to get it can be a bit trickier: set your point and shoot camera to <strong>“macro”</strong> (often indicated as a<strong> flower icon</strong> on point and shoot cameras). Press the button halfway down to let your camera focus, and then take the shot. Be extremely still or use a tripod for best results.</p> <div id="attachment_817" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_detail_shot1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-817" class="size-full wp-image-817" alt="cookie_photography_detail_shot" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_detail_shot1.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_detail_shot1.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_detail_shot1-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-817" class="wp-caption-text">Getting up close captures details you might not have even noticed otherwise</p></div> <h2>12. Post-process</h2> <p>Don’t be afraid to improve your photos in Photoshop or a <a href="/5-best-apps-free-photo-editing-online-2013/">free online photo editor</a>. The first photo below was the photo as it appeared straight out of my camera. The second photo is how it looked after a few Photoshop adjustments: Auto Tone, Photo Filter (Warming), and my own rotating and cropping. It’s virtually impossible to take such an amazing photo with no post-processing needed, so don’t worry about trying. Just try to capture as many great shots as you can, choose the best, and tweak those to perfection.</p> <div id="attachment_816" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_crop_rotate_recolor.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-816" class="size-full wp-image-816" alt="cookie photography post processing Photoshop" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_crop_rotate_recolor.jpg" width="512" height="886" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_crop_rotate_recolor.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cookie_photography_crop_rotate_recolor-173x300.jpg 173w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-816" class="wp-caption-text">The power of post processing: less blue, more cookies.</p></div> <h2>Bonus Tip: Choose only the best specimens</h2> <p>Obviously, you should use only your best-looking cookies for your photo shoot.</p> <p>Eat the rest!</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>/tips-for-photographing-cookies/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Black Background Photography: The Secret… is Velvet</title> <link>/black-background-photography-velvet/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[M. Johnson]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 02 Sep 2013 07:00:51 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Photo Styling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[backgrounds]]></category> <category><![CDATA[black]]></category> <category><![CDATA[photography]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=578</guid> <description><![CDATA[I’m fascinated by black background photography. Solid black backgrounds are so bold and beautiful, but they are rather difficult to achieve with amateur equipment. I bought a number of (what I thought were) black placemats, only to be disappointed as they turned out grey and pale in photos. PVC, polyester, cotton, felt, black paper –...</p><p><a class="more-link" href="/black-background-photography-velvet/">Read More</a></p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I’m fascinated by black background photography. <strong>Solid black backgrounds</strong> are so bold and beautiful, but they are rather difficult to achieve with amateur equipment. I bought a number of (<em>what I thought were</em>) black placemats, only to be disappointed as they <strong>turned out grey and pale in photos</strong>. PVC, polyester, cotton, felt, black paper – <strong>all of them</strong> go about <strong>20 shades lighter</strong> <strong>when photographed</strong>.</p> <p>This isn’t to say that off-black backgrounds aren’t beautiful in their own right, but if you need a pure black background, cotton and poster board aren’t going to cut it.</p> <p>Enter <strong>velvet</strong>.</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/6_different_black.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-579 aligncenter" alt="6_different_black" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/6_different_black.jpg" width="512" height="386" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/6_different_black.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/08/6_different_black-300x226.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a></p> <p>Velvet is lush, rich, and <em>black</em> – and it <strong><em>stays that way in photos</em></strong>.</p> <p>The easiest place to get a sheet of velvet is your local fabric store. Unfortunately, my 1-yard swatch of “premiere” velvet wasn’t going to come cheap. My local JoAnn Fabrics wanted $30/yard for velvet cut straight from the bolt. Fortunately, the <strong>remnant bin</strong> delivered a discounted almost-a-yard sized piece for $26.42 (plus several more rolls –<em> always check the remnants!!</em>). Still, this is hardly a steal, but my 40% off mobile coupon took the total price for that almost-yard of velvet to $14. That’s <strong>much</strong> better.</p> <p>Read more about <a href=" /joann-mobile-coupons">JoAnn mobile coupons here</a>.</p> <p><em>Note: Be sure to get “premiere” velvet, not stretch velvet or any of the other lower priced “velvets”. They’re not as dense and I can’t vouch for their photographic results. If you need a black background, go for the good velvet, it’s worth it and you’ll get a lot of use out of it</em>.</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/velvet_roll.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-583" alt="velvet_roll" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/velvet_roll.jpg" width="512" height="341" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/velvet_roll.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/09/velvet_roll-300x199.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a></p> <p>So, how does the black velvet look in photos?</p> <div id="attachment_590" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/black_background_photography_jewelry1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-590" class="size-full wp-image-590" alt="black background photography cotton vs velvet" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/black_background_photography_jewelry1.jpg" width="512" height="203" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/black_background_photography_jewelry1.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/09/black_background_photography_jewelry1-300x118.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-590" class="wp-caption-text">To be fair, I love the result on the left. But if solid black is what you need, velvet is the way to go.</p></div> <div id="attachment_591" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/black_blanket_roll.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-591" class="size-full wp-image-591" alt="black background photography velvet" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/black_blanket_roll.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/black_blanket_roll.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2013/09/black_blanket_roll-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-591" class="wp-caption-text">It’s like it’s in <i>space</i>!</p></div> ]]></content:encoded> </item> </channel> </rss> <!-- Performance optimized by W3 Total Cache. Learn more: https://www.boldgrid.com/w3-total-cache/ Served from: diycraftphotography.local @ 2024-06-28 17:48:13 by W3 Total Cache -->