I'll be completely honest and say that my card photos, as of late, have been frustrating me to no end. I'm not happy with what I've been presenting, and I don't know why. My bestie and photographer extraordinaire, Tanya, was sweet enough to suggest it's because I want to grow my skills... yes! But in which direction?
All the details of a card, shot in a light-box?
I adore Melania's cards, and her card-pictures. They are so crisp, and really pop off the white backdrop, don't they? If only my cards, and the photos, could look like that!
You really get to see the card, and all of its details... if Melania made mistakes, she wouldn't be able to hide them ;) But her card-making and card-photo-taking are always top-notch.
The only thing that nags at me with cards shot on a white backdrop, is they tend to all look the same. The angles are the same, since the lightbox is limiting, and there is no interest created from shadows and light. But does that even matter, since the focus is on the cards?
Lately, I've also been drawn to photos that sell a mood, along with the product. Check this photo from the Reverie blog:
or this one:
I can easily see all of the details, but there's a softness that will never be achieved through using a light-box, and an artistry with the styling of the shots.
Then, there's a move to complete artistry:
Some details are in focus, other are blurred - even though the product is for sale, so is the story behind it.... and the vintage vibe of the photo-card. This photographer will not ever show that photo-card in full detail. Do you feel like something's missing when some of the details are "missing"?
Discuss.
And throw in a little comment about how important the photo of a card is to you. If you are a card-blogger, is it an afterthought? Is it important? As important as the creation of your card? If you are a non-crafter, and reading a crafty blog, what's your take?
WOW. Some lovely samples here. I generally try to make my card or project take the spotlight as I assume that's what most folks who visit my blog want to see. And I do prefer to do the white background, well lit type of thing although I don't use a lightbox. (The only time I don't use a white BG is when the card has a white base)
ReplyDeleteBut as for what I like to SEE? Well any of the above samples would be fine to me. I'm not terribly detail oriented when it comes to looking at other crafters' cards. I can easily see in a glance if it's something I'd be able to re-create, so a softer focus or blurred areas would be fine to me.
The biggest disappointment to me when I see card photos is when it's so dark, you have no reference to color. I just want to brighten it up for someone occasionally so I can see what is supposed to be white! LOL
I feel the same way about dark cards, lol! thanks for the feedback, Dana!
DeleteDark cards and picture taken too far away (no macro?) so you can't see the details make me sad. At least on some blogs, you can click on the photo to enlarge.
DeleteSo I'm totally not a crafter, and after 9 years of marriage, my wife will be the first to testify that I don't have an artsy bone in my body. But after thinking about this, I like it best to be switched up (focused on the card sometimes, and blurry others), because the audience of the blog will always be made up of all groups of people. You'll have the crafty, those that are more interested in what's happening, and finally those that are craft impaired as I am :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting discussion Elena! I'd love to know what others think too.
ReplyDeletes for me, my card should be center stage so it's generally the largest picture on the post that day. I don't want to invest any more money into my photos so I do what's the least expensive for me. I take my pictures outside with a point and shoot type of camera and then edit on iPhoto. When cropping the photo, I leave a border of green around for some contrast (the hedges from my yard). Works for me, except when I have several items to shoot of varying heights. Then I have to get creative.
When visiting other blogs, I like to see photos like Melania's. Like you said, her images really POP! While I appreciate more artsy type of photos (like Ashley Newell-Canon), I think it'd be WAY too much work to recreate them on my own. :o)
It is interesting, though, that both Melania and Ashley are photographers by profession - I am definitely an amateur just wanting to pick up a few tricks - they are both amazing!
DeleteOh I didn't realize they were both photographers. Well it certainly shows, their pictures are gorgeous! Gives you a standard to strive towards.
DeleteI definately think the pictures on a blog make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of a site...but with that said, your photos are amazing. I agree with Tanya: you are critical of yourself because you want to grow yourself. The rest of us just sit and mostly drool over your cards.
ReplyDeleteSee, told you, El. :P But what a wonderful crossroads to be at, nonetheless. So excited for as you define your own artistic style, encompassing all your talents and abilities.
DeletePersonally, I like to see large photos of the card or project, so I can see the details. I prefer it to be large on its own (so I don't have to click on it to see it larger). (I guess I'm lazy. ;) )
ReplyDeleteI also prefer to see the photo staged a little (à la Ashley Canon Newell or Danielle Flanders), as opposed to a white background.
I should try staging my photos a little more, but I find the best place to take my photos is either on my front steps (in non-winter time) or in my dining room, close to my window, for natural lighting. So my photos are either taken on my table, with my large black basket as a background or on my piano.
Great discussion topic, Elena. I always love looking at your cards on your blog!
Thanks, Leigh! You are one of the people in this craft who has, imo, a signature style when it comes to your cards, scap pages, AND photos. I can pick yours out of the lineup, lol, and that's what I'd like to develop too :)
DeleteThanks, Elena! That's cool that you think that...
DeleteI think that any crafter (already artistic in her own right) needs to decide whether or not her photography will be an extension of her creative expression. And, if so, to what extent?
ReplyDeleteSure, it's important to know what your readers are interested in. But if you are going to reach your full potential, you'll need to feel as though you are always being true to your artistic signature. And if you live in that, you will inevitably be unforgettable.
Great discussion Elena. I have to say that photographing my cards is the most stressful process of getting my cards and projects up on my blog. I want the card to take centre stage and see all of the details. I generally take my photos on a sheet of white cardstock in front of the window in my studio for natural light or at night with my two overhead lamps outfitted with Ott Light bulbs over my craft table. I love the look of photos that have staged backgrounds, but that is too much work.
ReplyDeleteI 100% agree that it can be the most frustrating part of our creative process!
DeleteI am loving all the discussion. I do like to see the card take center stage. I like to see staging a little bit, but too much takes away from the card and can be distracting. I often photography my cards against a white background but have been trying to switch it up and add a coordination color for the background.
ReplyDeleteMy issue is I have limited time of the day to take photos. I have one good spot in my kitchen that has great light either at noon or later in the afternoon. Since i'm at work all day, noon doesn't work for me. I have to really plan photographing my projects during those limited afternoon good-light hours. It honestly can be kinda stressful!
Card blogs I love include Danielle Flanders, Lea Lawson, and Mona Pendelton. They all do a little bit of project staging but not too much.
Those are some awesome examples! I personally like to photograph projects how they may be seen/used in real life. Since people generally display cards in their homes, I thought it may be cool to use my home as a backdrop. I stage with a few vintage books. I think it's also cool to vary your photos based on the project. Don't feel compelled to use the same concept for every project. I think as long as a photo is clear enough to see the project, it works! Everyone has their own style, so don't be afraid to put your spin on it!
ReplyDeleteAlso, thanks to those who mentioned me in the comments. I struggled with my photography for many years and finally found my style. It may take a while, so just have fun and take lots of pictures!
thanks for taking the time to pop over, Ashley! I spied your sofa in the pictures today, right? loved that. And so helpful to know that you developed your skills over a period of years - makes me feel happy for my progress over the last year, and hopeful that with time and effort, I can get better as well...
DeleteThis is a great topic, Elena! I take pics of my cards on my craft table, shoving my scraps aside, my boring green walls as the background. My pictures are generally taken at night since that it was I usually finish a project. I had been using my speedlight and my zoom lens since my SLR doesn't autofocus with my prime lens. However, I decided it was time to get better at manual focus and achieve better exposure.
ReplyDeleteNow, you may have noticed that I have taken a few pics of my cards outside recently using my prime lens, all because of my dissatisfaction with the photography of my cards. I decided that I just need better lighting/natural lighting. Today's card was snapped after I got home from work, put my son down for a nap and my daughter ate her snack on the porch. Not an easy task to do during the weekday right before dinner.
So I am right there with you, trying to have better photos and discover my style. Thanks again for this post. I am staying tuned!
I think your pictures are great, myself!
ReplyDeleteI went through this same battle until I found my current set up - and that doesn't mean I will stick with what I am doing forever... For me, I was looking for something more artistic... just because pretty much everyone uses a lightbox (though that seems to be changing), and I wanted something more interesting and creative. In terms of what I enjoy looking at on a blog... as long as the card is showcased well, I think it's great. Sometimes not every inch of my cards is in focus, but I think that can add interest as well...
It's gotta be like any craft - ever evolving!
What a great discussion. I love your photos, and aspire to achieve something like that. I am more like Deb, only not as good. I just move everything on my desk aside and snap a photo. I hope to improve over time, especially in terms of a better back drop. My preference is clear pictures, so I can really see what is going on with a card. Artistic, blurry photos would leave me frustrated.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a great post!
ReplyDeleteI often battle back & forth about card photos, all of the ones you showed have their own beauty. I find myself drawn to the white, bright simple ones from the begining of your post. I find they really highlight the card itself.
I will agree with the others though, you do take great photos that capture the cards well. :)