It's not for everybody, some people like to (or need to) have a different background, and that's okay!
Unless it's not okay! Every day I see photos that make me feel like I'm playing "where's waldo" - crowded backgrounds with strange edges, bad "frame" sort of ideas, you get the picture.
The problem is that people's eyes naturally go towards the darker, brighter, bolder colors. So you always need to ask yourself, where's the attention focused?
The worst violators I see are:
- Other not for sale stuff in the photo. It's fine for photos 2-5 but not for your primary one, people are trying to scan these too quickly.
- Artificial, photoshopped-in "frames" that add a border or decorative elements around the edges of the picture.
- Busy, bright colors or patterns that distract from the product. A simple stripe might be okay, plaid almost never is.
- Multiple lines - like walls, shelves, doorways. The eyes go to intersections of lines, remember. Every dark contrasting line "costs" you attention.
The more involved your product is, the more you'll have to work on this. Maybe a big plain skirt can draw enough attention against the business of the great outdoors. But if you're selling kids birthday hats with rainbow stripes, any background line will give the viewer a virtual headache. You can only get the lazy browsing-shopper human mind to process so much information, so don't make it all your background.
Here I found some GOOD examples of non-white backgrounds that keep you focused on the right thing. They're all very simple... and that's why they're good. The product is the most noticeable thing and you have an instant idea as to what it is:
1st place July 27th, 2012
July 27th! Items from $27-$27.99.
Teal Earrings, Teal Artisan Glass and Gunmetal - Evergreen
by WildWomanJewelry
2nd place July 20th, 2012
July 20th! Items from $20-$20.99.
Recycled Earrings Vintage Flower Findings Boho Chic FLEURETTE
by BeeKaiArtisanJewelry
4th place July 27th, 2012
July 27th! Items from $27-$27.99.
Pendant, Dichroic Glass, Colorful Abstract. DGP-204
by DichroGem
1st place July 12th, 2012
Theme Thursday! Lace items from $1-$50.
ON SALE 20% OFF Flower Jewelry Silver Circle Necklace Flowers and Lace Tiny Handmade Designer Fashion Jewelry - Unique Petite
by JenniferCasady
3rd place July 23rd, 2012
July 23rd! Items from $23-$23.99.
Women Wallet Small Wallet - Fabric Trifold Peacock Quilted - Ready to Ship
by MarilynnsCreations
2nd place July 16th, 2012
July 16th! Items from $16-$16.99.
Baby Mary Jane Shoes / Slipper Bootie - NB to 6 months - ready to ship Pink and Brown Crochet
by BlackCatStitches
Coupon code: MOM12 12% off
personally, I dont care for any of these backgrounds. Not attractive in the least IMO;0) One thing I absolutely hate is seeing hands or fingers as a background, ugly for sure**
ReplyDeleteI personally think the backgrounds are distracting and wash out the items. The only one that works somewhat is the doily and only because the pendant itself is so vibrant.
ReplyDeleteI personally am a white background gal. I use white satin which I think adds a feminine background, which I believe enhances jewelry photos. IMHO, I also like photos in the hand because it is not only a neutral background color, but it gives perspective as to the size/shape of the piece(s), moreso than just giving measurements.
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