The Art of Photography

It's simple, isn't it?

 

You just point the camera at the thing you want to photograph, press the button and there you are - a perfect picture.

 

Or maybe not.

 

Putting my products on Etsy.com means I need to photograph them to show customers what I sell. Over the past few weeks I've discovered the process is much more difficult than I'd originally imagined.

 

First there's the background to consider.

 

 

And should I photograph outside in natural light (or the rain!) or inside.

If the light's too bright, then there's too much shadow.

 

Next, should I add an accessory, like a flower? Lyndsey James, a professional photographer suggests I should, to give the photos a sense of scale. Her advice has been unbelievably helpful. Check out www.photocraft.org for details of the courses she runs.

 

She also recommended a natural wooden background.

 

Being a beekeeper I have lots of things like that around. The one I've finally settled on is the roof of a beehive. Turned on it's side it creates a natural shelf with backdrop. Now I just have to remember not to actually use it with my bees. I don't think any colony would be pleased to have their roof removed so I can photograph my products.

 

So finally I'm all set.

 

Then my cat decides he wants to help!