Hello, everyone.
I am a jewelry artist and am working on improving my product description, photographs, and booth layout. For this discussion, I am looking for feedback on a few of my images. From what I understand, when submitting jewelry photographs for "fine" art shows, it's best for the images to have a gradient background of some sort. So...what about high end shows, but not "fine" art shows? Do you feel a non-gradient background would be acceptable? The attached images shows how I currently photograph my designs. Do you feel they would be perceived well by Jurors for high end shows? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
Tara Hicks
Owner/Artist of Inimitable Design, LLC
Replies
Tara,
I actually prefer the backgrounds you have in the photos you included here. I have never like the plain graduated backgrounds I've seen with many product photos. To me that background is well, just, plain boring. I have seen some very pretty product photos on Etsy or othe shops that have no graduated background but excellent lighting and a unique display. I know that some of those displays are not what juries want to see but I for one still love them. JMHO
Hi Tara,
Graduated backgrounds are not as important as having the background be neutral and non distracting - no texture. I wouldn't recommend using white but gray or black is fine. The background needs to match on your jury set. Contrary to what some people think, black is difficult to work with as a background. That's because the lighting needs to be such that the edges of the pieces don't get lost. That can usually be solved by suspending the piece a few inches in front or above the black background.
Getting back to graduated backgrounds. In general they can be dull looking depending on the lighting. That's why I add a slight halo to accent the piece and make it pop from the background.
You can see examples of my jewelry photography on my web site:
http://bermangraphics.com/digital-jury-resources/jury-slide-photogr...
BTW, you sent me two booth pictures last month. If we haven't already talked about it, we need to discuss what changes you need to make and then reshoot the booth.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Hi Tara and Larry, this is a great thread and I appreciate Larry's expertise. Great to know that the backgrounds for a jurying set must always be the same. Thanks!!!!
Thank you so much Larry! I will work on changing the background to something that's non-texured. How is the size and clarity of the images that I attached? Am I on target with that? As for the booth - yeah...I know there are a LOT of changes I need to make with my set up and how the set up is photographed. I'm currently working on a new layout that does not include tables. Instead, I plan on using pillar-like stands to display my designs...and each "pillar" will be a different height with a pleather cover over each one. Attached is a pic of a mock up version of what I'm talking about. I plan on having 3 or 4 of those pillar sets placed strategically around my booth. I'll be buying new pleather covers and having a seamstress custom fit the covers over each pillar, so...they won't look free flowing or wrinkled like the ones in the image shows. :) When I finally get that done, I'll be reshooting a new booth shot that will look more professional and less cluttered. I'll send you an image of that set up when it gets done. :)
IMG_3487.jpg
If you want me to evaluate the images, please e-mail them to me. Also if you want to work with me on the booth picture, send me the picture while the booth is still set up so I can suggest changes in positioning of your stuff and the camera angle. Using a tripod is necessary for me to guide you through the best camera angle.
Larry Berman
I'd love you thoughts on my cover letter post, too, if you're willing! ;)
Okay. Thank you so much, Larry. :) I'll email you the jewelry images. I don't have the booth set up right now and since it's really cold here, I won't be able to take an outdoor shot for a few months. My ceilings aren't big enough to set it up in my house, either. :) I did go get a tripod after our phone conversation, so...I'll be using it when I am able to take an outdoor shot. :)