I started by digging out my husbands little point and shoot which he uses very occasionally for his business.
Here are some of my very first pictures.
This one actually isn't too terrible because I unknowingly chose pretty good lighting.
I was in completely over my head, and I figured that out pretty quickly. Now, any of these photos are fine when you want to show fellow quilters what you're making. They want to see your design, the colors and fabrics, and they'll look beyond a bit of ugly gray carpet around your quilt. But when you want to sell this quilt, you need it to look bright, cozy, and show them the details without seeing the toys piled up in the background.
I took inspiration from Camille's stunning photos of quilts, and read her post about photography. And then I read Pioneer Women's advice, and soon I wasn't happy with my husband's camera any more. I wanted to shoot with aperture priority (in my case, I wanted the blurred background). So I bought a Canon S3 IS on Ebay for a good deal, and so far I'm really happy with it, although I haven't even begun to understand and put to use all it's capabilities.
I've mainly used my daughter's room for my shop photos because it has white beadboard and aqua walls as well as cute old furniture painted white, and a large window. The only problem here is that she actually USES this room, like, two naps per day type of thing. So it can be a little interesting at times.
I know I'm babbling on here, but I'm coming to a point, and it involves a giveaway, so bear with me:)
Originally I took all the quilt photos for my shop on this rocking chair in the corner.
But there's always such a nasty shadow in this corner. So now I've started hanging them over the mirror on the dresser.
I'm curious which one you like better? Hanging over the mirror, or the rocking chair.
Or are outdoor photos still the best. Please think in terms of buying a quilt from a shop, and what type of photo would be appealing to you. Leave me a comment with your opinion, and I'll give you a chance at this little prize.
A Panache charm pack and one yard of coordinating fabric. I'll pick the winner on July 21st.
Posts
Your post is timely. I'm using a cheapo point and shoot and I'm unhappy with the quality. Having said that, I am usually photographing at night because most of my sewing is done after my little one's gone to sleep!
ReplyDeleteAaaanywaaaay, I actually vote for the rocking chair, shadow and all. It looks cozy to me.
I have to say, I really like the ones taken inside. My problem with pictures of quilts outside is that if it's too sunny, the colors seem to get washed out. Of course, that could be me not understanding how to really take good pictures. But from a buying perspective, I use quilts inside, so I like seeing them inside. As far as rocking chair or mirror - I do think a little bit of variety is nice.
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to figure out how to photograph my knitting and sewing for a while! I like the rocking chair photos better.
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time getting good photos too and I have a DSLR. I blame it on the western washington grayness. Anyway, I like the quilts hung over the mirror.
ReplyDeleteFor me, looking at a quilt outside is best for me seeing what the quilt looks like in its entirety. When it's hanging and only part of it's visible, I don't like that. That said, I'm not immune to the setting playing on my emotions, so that would mean indoors for me. I really like the old blue furniture in the 4th photo better than either the chair or the mirror. Good luck! Your quilts look great!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the ones draped over the white rocking chair and the dresser mirror. Just gorgeous! Your quilts are such an inspiration to me :)
ReplyDeletei like the rocking chair. this is someplace i would actually display a quilt, so i like to see it as i might have it in my house...if i were looking to buy a quilt from your shop. the 3rd chair picture is very nice i think...no shadow, good display of fabrics in the quilt...
ReplyDeleteDefinitely over the rocking chair for me. I agree that since you're making baby quilts, photographing them in a "nursery" setting is more likely to appeal to the parents.
ReplyDeleteI tend to take a variety of pictures of my quilts - usually an artsy draped one, over a fence or tree stump or chair (I usually take mine outside, as the lighting is so much nicer there), and then I'll take a few that show the full back and front of the quilt. You can post more than one picture on your etsy site - so post an artsy one for the main pic, and put some that show the entire quilt as secondaries. I also really like the pics that show the binding, and I think that's a neat way to show off your quilt, since bindings usually get overlooked.
ReplyDeleteOf your pictures, I like the ones draped over the mirror best of the inside ones, and I love love love the two outside pictures - those are my favorites of all. I love the way the sun hits the folded quilt!
The outdoor one in the snow is really wonderful. Mostly I like the rocking chair though, you can see more of the quilt. Have you tried pulling the rocking chair to another position where there is a bit more light? Or even pulling it outside? The rocking chair reinforces to the 'cozy quilt' idea so well.
ReplyDeleteYou've made some really lovely things! I hope your little business keeps going strong!
I love them over the mirror. You can get better angles of the whole quilt, I think.
ReplyDeleteThe outdoor ones are pretty sometimes, but other times the scene takes away from the quilt. And, of course, the weather.
The quilts are all beautiful and it comes through in each of the photos. I think I like the ones on the rocking chair the best because I can see the quilting and fabric details most clearly. If I were shopping on Etsy, I would want a photo that gave a good feel for quilting, fabrics and design and another photo that shows how snuggly it is. With regard to the latter, I have had some luck pulling quilts though a shepherd's hook that is in my yard. You can see about half of the quilt but it is gathered at the top of the hook which helps to suggest the weight and feel of the quilt.
ReplyDeleteI'm drawn to "natural habitat" photos for quilts. On the bed, draped over a quilt hanger, or out on the line...that kind of thing. All that being said, I think the outdoor w/ the snow shot is my favorite here.
ReplyDeletesuch wonderful information, thank you. I have to say the photo's on the rocking chair were quite lovely but outdoors wins hands down for me every time.
ReplyDeleteI like the rocking chair and the mirror equally - I think your photos are great and they showcase your quilts really well. I have a terrible time photographing my quilts and keep trying new things. Overall, I prefer indoor pictures with the proper lighting.
ReplyDeleteLove your quilts - you are an inspiration!
Great tips - thank you! I love the outdoor shots most - if I was buying a quilt they show the most of it. If you have to be inside, I think the ones over the mirror have better light in them and show more of the quilt. I suppose for me it would be about seeing the overall pattern.
ReplyDeleteFor me, the outdoor one hanging over the railing is the one that makes the quilt pop the most. Having said that, the colours of your furniture and bedroom make all the indoor ones look really pretty and big commercial companies tend to use indoor shots and I'm guessing there's a reason for that which is that we can then picture the item in our home, over the cot, slung over a chair etc. Oh and I prefer seeing the quilt on a chair but I like the way you hang it over the mirror so I would prefer to see it over the chair in that casual hung way rather than straight. I think for a quilter, the outdoor shots are better because they really show the quilt and it's true colours but I suspect that for Etsy, you're going to do better with indoor shots although - gosh will I ever shut up - a page with pictures of indoor and outdoor together would really show every element off! Keep meaning to say that it's the cushion in your header that made me fall in love with Hope Valley. OK, I'll stop talking now and get back to quilting, I mean spending time with my family...
ReplyDeleteI like the photos over the mirror, and folded on chairs, they are very artsy and sweet. But if I'm going to buy a quilt, I prefer to see more of the quilt in the picture. So over the rocker is nice, and spread out on the fence is beautiful. Gives you a chance to see more of the design.
ReplyDeleteI thought about this a little more overnight, and remembered something a friend of mine (a graphic designer) told me - a good program like PhotoShop will help you make your pictures exactly what you want them to be - cleaning up colors, bringing out important details, etc. And I think commercial companies tend to shoot indoors because they can control the conditions - lighting, wind, weather. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI think you need a variety, if I'm looking to buy I first want to see colors (like the hushabye quilt) then I want to see the full pattern of the quilt (like the pictures you first showed) and then to completely convince me I want the comfy shot (like how you have it rumpled over a mirror but I'd prefer that over the chair as someone said above)
ReplyDeleteBut that's just my 2 cents!
You have talent and I like what I see so far. It would be great to see more of the quilt details if I were interested in purchasing. The indoor photos work well because you have more control over lighting and you can choose a variation of displays. Wishing you all the best!
ReplyDeleteI definitely prefer over the chair to over the mirror but that's my personality style liking things neat and in straight lines! lol
ReplyDeleteProbably explains why my favourite photo is the last one (the folded green and blue quilt) even though I can't see the design on the quilt it appeals to me.
I think that the type of design on the quilt you want to sell might determine the setting of the photo. ie. A quilt with neat, straight line needs a 'straight' photo (folded on or over a chair or hung on a clothes line), whereas a more arty patterned quilt would allow for a more arty photo (draping on a chair/mirror or over something outside).
I have no experience selling quilts though, so feel free to ignore me! :)
I like both, over the chair or outdoors. It would depend on the quilt and what mood you were trying to capture.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I initially "found" you through etsy and noticed your quilts because they are beautiful, but also because I thought the pictures of them on the rocking chair were beautiful as well. I definitely prefer the rocking chair, I think it gives you a better view of the quilt, and adds to the homey feel :)
ReplyDeleteI think it might depend on the quilt itself, and really? If I was looking to buy a quilt and came upon an Etsy shop, I don't think I'd want to see all the quilts staged the same way. For the sailboats, though, I like the rocking chair because it shows the design best; for some of the other quilts, I like the mirror. And, of course, if you could put the sailboat quilt on the rocking chair in front of a lake--well, that would be pretty cool! LOL!
ReplyDeleteI prefer the chair as you actually get to see more of the quilt in a straight line as I might display it.
ReplyDeleteoutdoor photos are always great for lighting but either way, when purchasing a quilt I like to see all of it clearly, then a few shots of the up close details....
Hi Jolene,
ReplyDeleteI too wish that I knew more about photography and how to take a gorgeous picture like those you see on some blogs or etsy sites. My colors always seem to turn out funny and I definitely don't have an eye for placement.
I like the picture with the mirror better than the chair, but maybe it's just the way that the quilt is drapped over the mirror rather than carefully folded over the chair? I also like people's pictures from outside but don't think it matters as long as the indoor picture is good--your walls make a great cozy background!
Maybe it's all in practice? Have a great weekend,
Trish
I like them all. Can I say that? I think it depends on the quilt. I have a Canon G9 with lots of manual features but I canNOT get a good blurred background. So frustrating. Turns out it is a quirk of that particular camera.
ReplyDeleteI like the rocking chair the best! I like the clothesline look outdoors too or over the side of a deck - if you have any room/inclination to shoot outdoors :-) Beautiful work!
ReplyDeleteI think you need a variety! I like the ones hanging on the mirror/dresser. The light makes those pics pop. I also think the outdoor pics are great, especially for bigger quilts. The only downside with outside pics is the weather sometimes, epecially if you need to shoot them quickly. Also with shooting outside, you have to be careful about the time of day you take the pic and be careful not to get them dirty in the process.
ReplyDeleteFirst let me say your quilts really inspire me. The photos were all good ....I vote the chair and I do like the way the color shows well on the outside railing photo...Peg
ReplyDeleteYour quilts are beautiful and inspiring! I like the mirror spot because of the white and aqua, but I think I would fold them if possible for selling purposes.
ReplyDeleteThat has long been my dream to take photography classes and own a good camera.
ReplyDeleteI like the ones outside the best, as long as it's the right lighting. I think it shows off the colors. But next would be the mirror. BTW I love your nursery - so cute!
You have amazing talent, your quilts are gorgeous!
I love your quilts! When you photograph them over the mirror, you can see more of the quilt. I love all of the inside pictures. I enjoy the white background.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work!
Risa J
I enjoy quilts in the great out-o-doors for the very reason you pointed out: lighting. But, the gentle drape of the quilt over the mirror is artistic and appealing --- and graceful.
ReplyDeleteThat's a hard decision! I always like the light outdoors better, but your daughter's room seems to be perfect, too, with her paneling and blue wall and great rocker. Decisions, decisions...!
ReplyDeleteWhich I really like on all photos is the fabric laying on vintage shabby wood. I like them better on the mirror than on the rocker cause they hang more randomly and the softness becomes more visible. I would not take pictures outdoors when the sky is grey and heavy. Sunshine pictures are great, though.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate the photo's taken out doors. The light really shows of the lovely fabrics you've used.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is the rocking chair. To me it shows the realistic of it and how it is supposed to be used. Like its just hanging there waiting to be picked up and snuggled into! I love it!!
ReplyDeleteTracy Dawson
dawson.tracy35@yahoo.com
The outside shot is a great one, IMO, but the pic with the mirror is really nice, especially because of the beautiful colored wall behind it!
ReplyDeleteI like the one over the mirror the best because you can see both the wall color and the beadboard. I think its a cozy picture and I would want to buy the quilt.
ReplyDeleteHi--I just came here for the first time by way of jaybird quilts and then freckled whimsy who linked to a gorgeous quilt you had posted. Nice blog and beautiful quilts!!
ReplyDeleteI like the quilts over the chair because it seems more natural to have a quilt on a chair than on a mirror. Although the quilts themselves look good both ways.
I am a sucker for a quilt draped over a rocking chair every time. Love all of your quilts.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry I missed the giveaway! But, I do want to comment on your choice of quilt photographic spots. I think my favorite is over the rocking chair. My second favorite was draped on the railing of your deck. The snow was an especially nice touch {too bad you can't get that made-to-order}. I think hanging over the mirror was just weird. I'd suggest not doing that again.
ReplyDeletexo -E
I would love to know the name of the quilt pattern hanging on the deck railing. I have searched Moda's site, but do not see simple abundance as a pattern only the fabric selection. Please HELP!
ReplyDeleteHi! I hope you read here as I'm not able to reply directly. This quilt does not have a pattern. It is 5" squares, alternating cream and print fabrics. The line of fabrics is called Simple Abundance. Hope that can be of help to you!
ReplyDeleteI like every single setting. And each of the quilts has a clean, crisp feel to it. Your furniture is also a plus. It makes them feel like they belong to a greater setting, are loved and used even though they look brand new.
ReplyDelete