Five EZ Techniques To Create Great Photographs For s

Five EZ Techniques To Create Great Photographs For Internet Sales




1)Use a digital cameraYou can use a film camera for your okay listings. The problem is that it with film you cant see the results right away. Digital cameras have an LCD screen that gives instant feedback about the shot. Another factor is time; it adds up running back and forth to the film processor. Lastly, the cost of putting those images into digital format will add up quickly.Its a wiser choice is buying a digital camera. What do you look for when purchasing a digital camera?A Brand Name 3 megapixels or better A macro (or close-up lens)Flash-offYou do not need an 8 to 12 mega pixel monster. Those mega pixel cameras are designed for photographers who want to print and enlarge their photos. With okay, buyers only see images on geputer monitors (and they should be small) so 2 or 3 mega pixels is all that is needed. Choose a camera with the ability to focus close up, as close as a few inches from the item you are photographing. This close-up feature is called Macro Focus Do not buy a camera with a fixed focus that will not allow you to get close-up. A fixed focus camera will not allow you to get closer than three feet from your subject. A postage stamp will look very small shot from three feet away.And lastly, be sure your camera is not so automatic that you cant turn the built in flash off. In product photography items will look best under soft diffused, or natural light.


2)Watch the backgroundKeep it simple and solid color - no patterns. Having a background that is busy ruins a good photograph. Before hitting the shutter release ask yourself: Can I move myself or the item to display the item in a better manner? Sometimes just moving a few inches up or down or sideways can improve the photo. If you cant improve the background by moving your point of view it may be time to try adding a backdrop. A simple white piece of flexible poster board can isolate your item from its surroundings. Remember to keep the backdrop a solid color, no patterns. You are trying to keep the buyers eyes focused on the item you are selling.



3)Turn off your cameras flash and use existing lightUsing the on-camera flash can wash out or create reflection spots on the item you are shooting. Using a flash can create deep, distracting shadow. To avoid these problems use soft diffused light. A simple technique is to shoot outside on an overcast day. The clouds act as natural diffusers. The light is soft and allows the detail and color of the item to show clearly. If you cant wait for an overcast day you can create the same effect in your studio. One technique is to use an eTent which is a nylon box that allows light to enter but diffuses the light rays. You simply place your item inside the eTent, put one light on each side and shoot. Another method photographers use is umbrellas designed to bounce or diffuse light before it falls onto the subject. If you dont have a set of reflective umbrellas, thats OK. You can diffuse light by putting a sheer material between the light source and the subject. That material can be anything from a clear plastic shower curtain to translucent shrink wrap.


4)Use a tripodA tripod is a useful and important tool in product photography. Yet, tripods are often the last thing people reach for. If you have one its time to dust it off and put it in service, ASAP! If you dont own one, they sell on okay for as little as $20.00.What is so important about using this seemingly awkward tool? When you use natural or diffused light the amount of light falling on the subject is less intense. Your cameras shutter will need to stay open longer to get a proper exposure. When the shutter stays open for more than 1/60 of a second any slight movement, even the movement of pressing on the shutter button, will cause the picture to be blurry. If your camera is on a tripod it will remain stable and the photo in focus. Small items that are shot in macro or close-up face a similar problem. The very slightest movement will be magnified and the photo will appear soft or out of focus. You might not be able to tell that it is soft by looking at the LCD screen. It wont be until you get it into your geputer that you notice the focus problem. At that point you will have to go back and start over.Have I convinced you how important a tripod is? If not, here is one more reason for a tripod. If the camera is on a tripod, the photographers hands are free to move the lights and adjust other elements in the photo before shooting. Having you hands free is a big help when setting up the still life photograph.



5)Learn to use photo editing softwareLearning a few simple gemands to fix up your photos can go a long way to improve the final product image. Ive never taken a photograph that couldnt use a little touch-up. Im not talking about advanced photo techniques. I referring to things like cropping out the extra around the subject to isolate it, or flipping the image so it is right side up. One important gemand to learn is to resize your image to about 600X800 pixels so it loads quickly in your buyers browser. Photo editing software can really fix-up a less than perfect shot, and I strongly encourage you to at learn some basic gemands: crop, rotate