Since I started making soaps, I always wanted to take pictures of my projects. Even before I sold them online I wanted to keep an album of what I made. When I started to sell them on Etsy I realized that good photography was essential to being successful. Unfortunately I had no experience with product photography, but over the last few years I’ve learned a few things (check out my flickr account to see my online portfolio). Here are some tips for those of you who don’t feel all that comfortable with a digital camera or aren’t totally satisfied with your pictures:Lighting
Do you marvel at those pictures that have a completely white background with no shadows at all? Me, too. I still don’t know how to do that perfectly, but I find that natural light gives me the most realistic colors possible. I NEVER use my flash!
Do you marvel at those pictures that have a completely white background with no shadows at all? Me, too. I still don’t know how to do that perfectly, but I find that natural light gives me the most realistic colors possible. I NEVER use my flash!
When I set up to take a picture, I use a little mini-studio that I made. With one 12″ square piece of white foam core (found at art supply stores) as my floor, and one 12″x24″ piece (scored so it folds) as my background, I create a little area that reflects light from my window to minimize shadows. I can use it as is or put sheets of colored paper inside. To take away any distracting corners in the background, I let the paper bend up onto the back wall (as shown). See how pretty the light is?
Color and composition
One concept I learned in elementary school art class that I still use today is “complimentary colors”. Here’s how I remember mine: there are 3 primary colors (blue, yellow, red). Take one (blue for example), then mix the other 2 colors (yellow + red = orange) and you have your complimentary colors. In the picture above I had an orange soap, so I used blue as the background. For whatever reason, our eye loves seeing complimentary colors together. Red and green for example! This always helps me set up my color scheme when color is important. I did that for the Energy Bar, too. The primary color was orange so I chose a blue plate. Have a stack of colored and patterned papers around and play with combinations until you find one you like.
Composition is important to make your photos interesting. Try stacking them, putting one on an angle, or using props. You’re basically making a little “still life” so be creative!
Cropping and touching upWhen you’re done, use your photo software (I use a cheesy one from Office Max that was $9), and crop the photo tightly. You want your soap to be the focus, so don’t waste any of your viewer’s energy on empty space. If you’re selling on Etsy, crop it square. Then, if you have shadows or smudges, learn how to touch them up. To get a very bright, crisp picture, use your “brightness” and “contrast” settings to fine tune your lighting. But be careful! You don’t want it to look unrealistic.
As you keep taking pictures, you’ll find your own style. I focus on color and humor, but you may want something earthy and natural. Outdoors on a branch may be your favorite setting when you get comfortable. So have fun and your work will shine!
-Debbie, Soapylove
Thank you, thank you for the great post. I am really anxious to try this. It sounds simple enough that even I can probably master it!
Hello Miss San Diego/Soapy,
what a great post! I totally did not know that about the complimentary colors. But i love the orange and blue…i did one last year in those colors as well and it turned out so appealing to the eye! those of us on a shoestring need these kinds of help! thank you!
You must have read my mind! Now to re-do my website pics……….
This is awesome–and so helpful and appropriate for any range of product photography! I really appreciate the tips, it is something I have been wanting to improve with my own work!
Great ideas, Debbie. Thanks for your input. Very insightful.
Robin Feltner
http://www.SupernaturalBotanicals.com
Thank you, thank you, Debbie!! My photography is really bad, and I need all the help I can get. I love your curved color paper idea.
This is really helpful. Thanks.
Thank you so much for the compliments, everyone! I just love what I do, and obsess about it constantly!
I hope that my experiences and ideas can help you capture the pride you all take in your work, too.
There you go again, teasing us with your beautiful popsicle soap!
Your popsicle soaps are so beautiful and REALISTIC! You are one talented lady!
: – )
Debbie~ You are truly a real "love" to share your wonderful tips! I have tried so many ways to get just the right "pic" but perhaps simplicity would be the best. All your pictures are eye appealing,fun, colorful & look super professional.
Debbie,
Thanks so much for the tips! I always assumed you had your photos done professionally!
Jennifer
FireFly,
No idea where it went! That’s a mystery … I’m all over it. Thanks for the heads up. =)
Great tips! This really helps, since I’m bad with lighting. One question: what happened to your blog list? I enjoyed reading it, and now it disappeared.
Very helpful information… thank you very much!
Great tips thank you. Now I can prove to my husband that we need bigger windows. Seriously great tips.
And you made my day too. Thanks for popping in to say how much you like the blog and the projects. It’s very gratifying to read that. =)
Wow, Vickie! You really made my day! I am guest blogging for Anne-Marie, who is The Soap Queen. She’s been nice enough to let me contribute to her already-awesome blog! I’m so glad you are enjoying it!!
A few days ago I was surfing and started looking at soap making. Then I happened onto your blog. I’M HOOKED! I am going to jump right in! I’ve spent all day today clicking through your posts. You have inspired me!
Thank you!
Vickie Latham