Lucky Cat

Lucky Cat is a Krmbal t-shirt design that I was fortunate enough to have in the studio last week. I specifically shot these two examples because I wanted you to be able to see just how hard it is to get the "right" shot with red. This is doubly tough because it had gold imprinting. Make no mistake the quality on the shirt is AMAZING! I was super impressed!

Having the correct exposure on any image is important. Understanding what exposure is, and how to manipulate your camera settings and environment (ie, light) around you will take you from having some snapshots to have some amazing images. You can see on the image above that the difference in how my lights were set - adds shadows, and highlights that are distracting in this image. It also makes the gold go slightly red... which really detracts from the beauty of this shirt. You can't really see the detail and brightness of the reflective gold.

When you shoot red, be sure to work with your light and aperture to acquire the right balance for your subject. Regardless if it is for product or people, if your shooting red you need to be EXTRA mindful of your exposure and lighting in order to get the image that you will LOVE!

I would be remiss in my duties as an Indie shop lover and supporter if I also didn't share with you some highlights about Krmbal - Owner and Designer Tessa is a self appointed "apparel nerd" which cracks me up and speaks to my inner geek. I copied just a bit from her website because she does such a fab job of telling you EXACTLY why I love this shop!

I wanted to take back my t-shirt! I wanted another option, a BETTER option. So I did it. I struck out, with the support of a lot of people and krmbal was born. I hope you’ll join me in standing up for being as eco-conscious as possible, giving back to our communities, both on a local and global level and be as proud to wear krmbal as I am to make it. 

To shop Krmbal follow any of the links above, or click here for a direct link to her shop! 

Pop the cork!

Today's image comes to you as part of a product shoot I did for A Bow for Mama, she makes the CUTEST bows to decorate your home, office and even gifts! This little pin bow is attached to a bottle of champagne that I often use as a prop in the studio.

Which brings us to today's VERTE TIP: Tell a story!

In product photography, you want to showcase the product, but adding a practical image such as a way for someone to use the item brings it to life! Using something simple like this bottle, tells a story in the image. It lets you see the product but it also lets you imagine what it could be used for! Celebrate a house warming, announce your engagement... Celebrate and leave your loved one with a little gift they can keep! How fun is that!!!

Krafty Kash

Today, I would like to introduce you to Krafty Kash. I myself just found out about her and I can't tell you how excited I am!

I received a thank-you and this little gift from a client, and totally fell in love!

Find Krafty Kash on ETSY

 It is a charming necklace, with my initial, a pearl and a super cute camera! What more does a girl need! I was super excited and kicked out these couple of product images to be able to share with all of you!

Visit Kraft Kash's AMAZING BLOG

I really love the simple, casual look of this necklace! I am not super big into the "statement" pieces and I find that this adds interest and some discreet advertising without being all "in your face" about it.

When you visit her store, be sure to check out the custom items she can make for you!

What our Clients Say: Melli's Yarn Works

I want to start this off by saying how much I loved working with Candy. I have always enjoyed looking at her pictures, and seeing all her amazing pictures made me happy when she extended her photography services for my items!
 

After some thought I decided my loom knit items would benefit far more in being photographed professionally. Being that they’re so much bigger than jewelry, they have been a challenge for me to photograph.

So into a large box they went, ready to be photographed! Hats, scarves, wrist warmers, all into one giant box.

I waited to hear what Candy would say. I’m always slightly afraid my items won’t be loved, or liked. However, the day she received them she told me they were awesome and she couldn’t wait to photograph them!

She was very quick in photographing the items. She is extremely thoughtful and creative when taking pictures, she even had a special model up to show off my scarves!

"Melli" Verte's  Mannequin was designed and made her debut just for Melli's Yarn Works

 I had HUNDREDS of pictures to look through at the end. I might be exaggerating but each one of my items had at least 10 shots. And she even let me see them as she fixed them! They were brilliant, and she always asked my opinion, whether I was happy with them or wanted anything fixed.

Of course with her brilliant skills I don’t think I asked for anything to be changed!

I have to mention the ease of her website. Brief pause in my epic story. Her site allowed me to view the pictures as she posted them. I also goofed off and looked around her site at her past work and other awesome things :) 

And on top of these fantastic images, she watermarked them for me! As a shop owner, I do the entire process myself usually. Make the item, photograph. Edit and watermark. Post picture. Make listing. Share listing. So much work! But Candy was able to cut my work in half!

I got my products back incredibly fast. I believe it was under two weeks, maybe even just a week! Along with the items tucked back into their protective sandwich bags was a CD with all the pictures so that I would have my own copy.

Overall, I had an amazing experience working with her. My items were brought to life with her photography and my store looks so much better! She even modeled for me! How many of you can tell me your photographer modeled your items for you?!

I am extremely happy with her work and working with her. I highly recommend Verte Photo to everyone who needs photography help or wants their products to look incredibly epic. I’m going to be getting ready to talk to her about photographing another batch of my products because they just need it!

Melli's Yarn Works Store

Melli's Trinkets

Melli is part of the Indie A-list, all product images were provided by Verte Photography. Melli is the owner of both Melli's Yarn Works and Melli's Trinkets. You can learn more about her from her blog at http://mellistrinkets.blogspot.com/


Client reviews are posted without any editing done by myself, all opionins and comments are made by the author and they receive no compensation from me for providing this feedback.

Top 5 DIY Product Photography Tips

I have had several online shop owners coming to me asking for advice on how to make their DIY product images better... and time after time, I find myself writing the same (or similar) email back... I thought I would simply post a quick Tips post to be able to point people to!

If your images are dark, grainy, have a color cast, blurry or simply "yucky"....

Here are my top tips, for starting to troubleshoot and solve your DIY Dilemma!

1. Lets talk set up. Here is a great post about how to set up next to a window. http://www.tsualist.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-dollar-store-studio.html
You do want to make sure you understand the difference between shooting in the morning, afternoon, night... sunny, partly sunny, or during a rainstorm... each difference changes the type and quality of your light. I have some great posts on this on the blog... There are a ton of posts in March for product photography - and previously about white balance and types of light... like this one http://vertephoto.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-best-time-to-do-product-photography.html

2. Camera settings. Usually the biggest issue isn't the type of camera (tho lens quality will play a role) but focusing on an item close up, and possible reflection off the materials may be the root of the issue. Here is what to look for in order to over come those issues:

• Keep your flash off.  When your shooting close up and you use your flash... it creates an overexposed image with too much light and the subject looks blurry or "ghostly" because of the reflection of the light back into the camera.

• Make sure your shooting in a Program mode (not auto which is commonly a green square or green P, or AUTO... but a regular P) this will allow you to control your flash and access additional options.

• Find a Macro Function: I would suggest using the "flower" or "close up" mode that it lists under your Scene (SCN) mode... these will allow your camera to focus closer and typically allow more light to your sensor. This will help (maybe solve) the complaint you had about the images being so dark - by gathering more light to your sensor your images will be better exposed. Depending on your camera, it may allow you to physically get closer to your subject and still remain in focus as well. (NOTE: Most point and shoot style cameras will only allow you access to find this SCN mode when your camera is in Program. If your in Auto, this menu will not be visible)

•  If you have an "anti shake" or "DIS" or any sort of Image Stabilization option turned on for your CAMERA - turn it off.  These functions when on the camera are adjusting your ISO setting which is what is causing the images to look really broken down and poor quality.. your seeing the noise created by your pixels. To learn more: http://vertephoto.blogspot.com/2013/05/tuesday-tip-dis-function.html

• Now, it's hard for me to tell.. you could have adjusted the ISO (which is what controls the noise) by selecting an anti shake type function, or you could have done it manually by adjusting your ISO - If you selected it manually you want to read just and go down to auto or 100 (maybe 200 if you want to shoot on a cloudy day) Typically auto is just fine, and you should never really "need" to adjust this off of auto. If it is set to auto and it is forcing your ISO settings up on its own with no adjustments from a IS function or you... then you have WAAAY to little light going on! You can check your camera settings to see what the auto is shooting at typically on your camera, if you cant find it let me know and I can show you how to find it on your image on your computer by viewing the meta-information.

• Back off. In most cases you've got high enough resolution - you could back off a little if you need in order to get focus.. then simply edit the images to crop closer :) If you need a photo editor I can give you some to check out - that you can either download free or that would be fairly inexpensive. (you can pick up old versions of Photoshop Elements, a consumer level photoshop program that is easy to use for as low as $10... and they work perfectly for 90% of your photoshop needs!) 

4. Lets talk backgrounds.

• Black adsorbs light and is great when TOO much light is your issue... but it rarely is.

• White backdrops (like poster board) help to reflect the light you have creating  an overall more balanced look to your images. In most cases of DIY, the issue is not enough light... so by using white your adding extra light to your area.
• If you don't want to go white - go Grey. You can find poster board still at the dollar store or any craft store :) super easy and cheap fix.While grey is a neutral, it wont bounce light... it wont absorb it either.

5. Add Light. ADD LIGHT..... ADD LIGHT! 99% of issues, the image posted above included will benefit from MORE LIGHT. Just because you think something is well lit, doesn't mean your camera will see it that way. Your camera sees about a 1/3 of the light you see. (ok this is really "depending" on the settings and type of camera... but its a good rule of thumb)
Use reflectors to bounce light where you have shadows. Use diffusers to soften harsh light. Read up on white balance, to make sure your getting the best quality of light. Again... I talk about light ALL the time because it is the SINGLE most important factor in photography. EVERYTHING is contingent upon light.

Bonus Tip: Be sure to keep your manual for a quick reference to find the different scene modes, or other adjustments and settings that I am talking about! If you don't have it, google your camera and look for the PDF manual, there hasn't been a camera I haven't been able to find one for yet!

Now, after you have put these tips to use... if you still want some additional help.. I am HAPPY to help troubleshoot! Simply leave me a message, or shoot me an email and I will be sure to take a look at what you have going on!

Melli's Trinkets, and more!

I have to tell you... I shoot a lot of different knit and crochet items... granted most are for babies... or are hair bows. However, I recently hooked up with my new client Melli from Melli's Yarn Works... and got a chance to work on her items so she could update her site. 

It always surprises me how different things are when you get a chance to hold them! Now that I have, I can't tell you enough wonderful things about Melli and her products!!! She is AMAZING! THOUGHTFUL (did you see what she sent me as a thank you gift?) and oh SO talented! Her quality and passion for providing your with great items totally comes through when you touch her products! I can only hope that with her updated images that you can see some of that detail and love that is stitched into each item! (for lack of a better pun) Plus, shes got 2 great stores for you to visit!

http://mellisyarnworks.storenvy.com

http://mellistrinkets.storenvy.com/

Besides totally gushing on Melli... I wanted YOU to get to know her as well! So, I sent a request for a little interview. You can read that "interview" below - I hope you enjoy!

• When did you start your business?

I started my jewelry business in April of 2011. My loom knit business is more recent and I opened it in 2012 towards the end of the year.

• Why, choose this for a business?

I've made jewelry since I can remember. And I've always been crafty! My jewelry hobby was starting to add up and the more complicated the pieces I just couldn't keep giving them away. So now my jewelry is affordable for everyone and a way to make sure I can get new supplies for more epic goodies! My loom knitting store has a similar story except I got my first looms for Christmas in 2011 (I did not receive them until March 2012 because of a delayed holiday). I loved using them and created my own patterns. Again, I could only give so much away before I had to find a way to get more supplies so Melli's Yarn Works was born!

Wonderful bracelet that was part of our Birthday Giveaway, from Melli's Trinkets

• What's your "top seller"

My jewelry top seller is pearl dangle bracelets! For my Loom Knit items, it is a tie between hats and wrist warmers!

Those Awesome wrist warmers making an appearance in the studio!

• What are you most proud of (business or personal)

I am so proud that I can have two stores, with two different item focuses. And go to school (college for a bachelor's degree in psychology), do homework AND be a mom and all this stuff :) I feel like I'm still finding my way to balance everything but when I look at all I do I'm like "wow I'm insane" lol!!

• What advice would you give to a new business/shop owner

Keep trying. And don't give up. It takes a lot of effort and time. And branch out to other people! Get out there and connect. I have made AMAZING friends via twitter, facebook and other social media stuff. It's just epic how supportive they are!

An infinity scarf... check out that crazy consistency and soft texture!

• What makes your products special?

I feel like I'm taking loom knitting to new places. Before my wrist warmer tutorial, I could not find anything even remotely close to it. I also figured out how to make character hats entirely out of looms with no crocheting/knitting! My jewelry is affordable, which is not something many can say. I use the best supplies and make sure to keep my costs low for everyone.

• What new things do you have coming out?

Melli's Yarn Works has new slouchy berets in stock as well as messenger bags! For Melli's Trinkets, I just listed new items including dainty necklaces!

• Why do you do what you do ?

It all started because my husband was deployed and I needed something to focus on. My son was not even a year old at the time and making jewelry was a nice thing I could do for myself. Now I have the two hobbies and I can loom knit at my desk while still interacting with my son.

Each item, packed in a fun little bag - seriously they are adorable to receive!

• What is something few people know about you?

I am only 23 and a full time college student. I was in the Army for 2 years... and I met my hubby in Hawaii :)

• What is the craziest (PG) thing you have ever done?

I would have to say joining the Army. It was an INSANE ride the entire time!


I find it a little funny, myself that I have had two wonderfully talented jewelry makers on the blog this month... both did "time" in the Army... both listed it as the most insane thing they have done in their lives!  If you want to experience Melli's items for yourself, and I highly recommend you do - visit her shops, or connect with her on her blog or twitter! Here are all the links you need!

Blog: http://mellistrinkets.blogspot.com/
Shops:  http://mellisyarnworks.storenvy.com
             http://mellistrinkets.storenvy.com/
Twitter: @Mellistrinkets

A little gift.

I hope you all have been learning a lot during our product photography series! As you know, I've been busy in the studio myself! I have had SOOO much fun checking out the new designs, and products by so many different shop owners! I can't share many of them with you yet... sworn to secrecy and all that! I admit it's one of the more difficult parts of my job! I can't wait to share not only my images... but these products! Your going to LOVE them!

For now... I can tell you that when I opened the project the wonderful, and fantastic Melli from Melli's Trinkets and Melli's Yarn Works  it had this super awesome trinket inside... just for me! Not only super sweet, and thoughtful.. but super cute!

It came inside an adorable bag, along with a handwritten note... did I tell you I LOVE it when people take the time to write a note!

When I opened it up I discovered this charming anklet! PERFECT for swimsuit season... (really it's a  bracelet, but for me anklets are more fun, and this one will fit!!)

And it even sports the cutest little charm saying "made for you" I LOVE it!

By the way... this adorable item has "friends" found at Melli's shop you better place your order now!

A Crafty Gal

 It seems only fitting that I do a introduction to the woman behind Crafty Gal Creations. Pam has been a client of mine for so long, and I use her items as examples here all the time!

I first met Pam when she opened her business in 2010, she was looking for a product photographer who could "think out of the box". A typical white background... just not Pam's style. It was a natural fit! Pam looks for scenes and props to be used with her jewelry to really open up the imagination of her buyers. She feels that this really separates her from so many other shop owners. Pam also finds that she is picked up, and showcased in many treasuries on Etsy due to the more unique style of images she has!

Pam created her business because she was tired of department store, mass produced items. Pam found a passion in jewelry, so much so that before she knew it she had made over 100 items! She had to start selling. Today, Pam is so proud to have a shop where each and every customer feels like they are her only buyer. Pam exudes customer service and provides quality products at extremely competitive prices. While her store began as a hobby, it grew to be Pam's therapy. She finds herself the happiest when she is alone and quiet in her studio with her beads and stones. If she could do it for her sole income, she would!

Pam's best sellers are items with Earth's Natural stones in them, which is fitting because it is where her passion lies, she loves working with them. She does offer other items, and non natural stones, but that's not her focus. Combining the fact that she works with these Earth Natural stones, and that Pam only creates only one of a kind items creates an EXTREMELY special product, that she often refers to as her treasures. She jokes (at least I think she jokes) that she finds often finds it difficult to pass on something she has created because she loves each of them so much!

Recently, Pam has been making items with a little more "bling" in them. Since she has had many requests for these items. She is currently trying to have a few of these new items in her shop at all times to provide some variety.  I have to say I have LOVED seeing these in the studio! This one might be my newest favorite!

    

Pam finds inspration in many different places, including seeing a piece of jewelry on someone else. She often sees something and thinks... "If I made that, I would have______" and then she goes home and she creates it!  Other times, she is simply drawn to a particular stone, and she will make several different pieces to showcase it. 

 

 

Even though Pam and I have known each other for so long, and I see her items in my own studio every 6 weeks or so, I still learned a thing or two about her while gathering information for this post. Pam is one tough cookie! She is a retired Army veteran... and flew in a helicopter during combat training! THAT is no run-of-the-mill helicopter ride. From someone who has been afraid of flying for a large part of my life... simply getting into a helicopter is something I'm not sure I would want to do... combat training... pretty sure that includes some quick turns and ups and downs... no thank you! I am SUPER impressed by this! 

For my closing note, I DO realize that I showcased most of the items with close up, detailed shots, I did this because Pam has paid such amazing attention to detail and crafted each item with care and love.  I very much wanted you to see those details!! She offers necklaces, lanyards, earrings, bracelets, bookmarks and SO much more in her shop... I literally never know what to expect from her... but I know I always love each item! I hope you enjoyed getting to know a little more about Pam, shes a fantastic client and I consider her to be a good friend! She's stuck with my business even after she also moved away from the Denver area, and has always been supportive of my goals! Pam does offer sporadic sales AND FREE giveaways for her Facebook fans. All of her sales and promotions are announced via FB, so take a few moments and like, love, and share this fantastic shop owners social media and shop links!

www.craftygalcreations.etsy.com             http://pinterest.com/pamsjewels/         http://www.facebook.com/pages/CraftyGalCreations/128737910505845

A Bow For Mama and MORE!

First, let me introduce Shirley, from A Bow for Mama. Shirley makes amazing decorations and bows that are used for all occasions. Baby showers, weddings, holidays, etc. ABFM provides your home, business, or event with the beautiful decor it deserves!

Each of her bows are handmade, they are packaged and shipped with LOVE and CARE, so that they arrive to you fluffed and beautiful! When Shirley contacted me and asked if I would take her product images for a new "super secret" product line! I almost died! I LOVE a good secret! I was fall out of my chair excited!!!!

 I received her boxes of goodies, and I could hardly wait to open them! I had an "idea" of what was inside, but to put my hands on these little gems - AMAZING!

As I unpacked the box, I was very impressed with the time Shirley had put in to separate the bows, and make sure they all floated so nothing got squished. While I did fluff a few as I was styling for her images, I didn't really "need" to! They arrived beautifully!  Now, these are not her regular bows... no this is something TOTALLY new for her! I am so excited that I finally get to share them with you! It was SO hard keeping this a secret!

These little prizes are her message board bows... or as I like to call them Little Bits from Heaven! They have 2 clips, one on the back and a smaller one on the front. I found SO many uses for them around the office as I was creating her "in use" images.

 On my pencil holder - perfect for holding reminder sticky notes or business cards I need to update in my client list...

Clipping recipe cards, or marking pages in my book.... 

As a housewarming, birthday or any celebration gift! It adds just the right bit of glam, who needs a bag! PLUS this is RE-USEABLE so the person receiving it can use it around their house again! I LOVE THAT!

I love the extra touch on top of gift boxes and bags... since they clip to message boards and can be ordered with magnets for magnet boards they make AWESOME additions to teacher gifts!

OH! Not to be outdone... but I found the BEST use for these babies! Clip them onto your napkin rings to hold a place card... TAKE THAT SANDRA LEE! Oh, and by the way.. you can stock up on the Eco-friendly napkin rings shown here... that's right with A Bow For Mama also! This makes the perfect gathering a little more special! Each guest can take the bow home with them, or you can use them yourself over and over!

What Clients Say: Streeter & Co

April Showers bring more then May Flowers! This month I am  super excited to add this segment to my blog! 

I hope to share with you, a clients perspective on my services, or tips and solutions from them during this segment and let this continue as a guest blogging option for you all to "put in your two cents".  If your interested in creating a post, please contact me! I would love to hear what you have to say!

So now, I will be turning it over to Kristina at Streeter & CO for our First "What Clients Say" post!

"I used to be guilty of what I like to call the "Jack of All Trades Syndrome". I was always the business owner that wanted to do everything myself, if for no other reason that I wasn't willing to invest the time or the money into having someone else do things for me instead. Did you notice I used "used to be" in that first sentence? That's because I learned the value of having my items shot professionally.

Although I know my photos were better than others I have seen around the handmade shop industry, heck lets me honest - even in small business images - we've all seen them, the grainy, unclear photos - mine weren't quite that bad, but they weren't the quality I needed.  As an online merchant I know that the photos are the one chance I get to grab the customers attention and want my product, low quality images won't help me achieve that one bit. Sure, I was getting return customers that had used my products in person ordering from my store but I wasn't having the sales that I hoped for from "new customers" - why? My product photography. The images I was shooting with my amateur skills and less than fabulous camera quality (or iPhone whichever was closest) wasn't doing my products justice. I needed a different solution.

Verte Photography was the solution to my problem and I never looked back. With Verte Photography I know my products are in the hands of a passionate, talented photographer.  Candy is so wonderful to work with and thrives on making the image look so wonderful that you would like to grab it off of the screen.  I have seen such a big difference in sales and page views. Customers are liking what they see and I know this not only by the sales but by the fabulous comments that I have received.

Not only does Verte Photo have a lifetime customer but I also refer every other shop owner I know to Candy. Why wouldn't I? A Shop with fabulous products needs nothing less than the best." - Kristina Streeter, Owner of Streeter & Company