Photographing Product II

I’ve just done a quick test in the back yard, using some of the ideas Erin Algiere shared in the recent Denver Handmade Alliance workshop. And yes, she knows product photography very well. Woven things are often difficult to photograph because, like jewelry, they don’t always react to light sources the way you want.

Using the natural light of today’s overcast day (snow in the forecast for the next three days), I was able to get a more even distribution of light across the scarves. Much easier than trying to get an indoor light to cast evenly over the woven design. Make your focus the product itself, and don’t make the background too distracting. Wally II (from the same junk shop as Wally) looks fairly dapper in this silk, cashmere, and wool stripy scarf (more orphan yarn). The scarf even matches the weathered back fence pretty well, which isn’t that great for contrast. Obviously I have much more to learn about product photography!

“A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition.” – William Arthur Ward

Photographing Product? We got to ask Erin Algiere!

Hanging product on the back fence? Using your bathroom lights for your light source? Photographing shiny stuff? Get some tips by looking at photography books, steal ideas from those glossy catalogs, or ask somebody who knows. Try something, see what works and what doesn’t, then try again.

We were both lucky enough to attend the nearly-free Denver Handmade Alliance workshop “Photography is Your Friend!” this week. Photographer Erin Algiere, http://erinalgiere.wordpress.com/ , graciously donated her time to a room filled with talented local crafters. And all of us wants/needs a little help with product photography! Fortunately for us Denverites Erin is funny, enthusiastic, and willing to share what she’s learned.

DHA will be hosting more of these workshops in the future, and they’re looking for folks who are willing to share their knowledge with others. If you have a helpful skill to offer your fellow crafters, consider doing a workshop for your local crafting group. If you’re in the Denver Metro Area, contact the Denver Handmade Alliance at http://denverhandmade.org/

“Wise teachers create an environment that encourages students to teach themselves.” – Leonard Roy Frank