Just a CLICK away

Or maybe a snap.

Great photography. But why is photography important? The obvious reason is that because most crafters either participate in an online gallery of sorts of have their own ecommerce site. Customers cannot touch your product, so you must be able to provide an exceptional visual representation of your product coupled with a wonderful (and accurate) product description.

Therefore, photography is another subject and art form that, besides photogs themselves, crafters need to develop (no pun intended). I'm sure most of us can spot a great photograph right away. It is crisp, clear, bright, in focus, and interesting. More than likely the subject of the photo is quickly identified. These type of photographs are what draw people in. They want to see more, know more, and get their hands on whatever is in the photo. Obviously, this is the type of photography we want to use for our products.

A not-so-great photo is muddy, dull, uninteresting, maybe even distracting. It's a real ho-hum, boring, don't-even-glance-at-it-twice kind of photo. Again, obviously, this is not the kind of photos we want to represent our work.

In my opinion, this is one of the most difficult topics an artist will tackle. How does one get "great photos?" Some folks will tell you it's all about your camera, some will say it's the photo editing software, some will say lighting, and still others will say something entirely different. I have found the truth lies in all of these factors. Some more than others, I must add.

Normally I would just tell you what has worked for me in the past and what learning curves I have had to overcome. However, when it comes to photography the variables are just too great. I don't know what type of camera you have, what your studio set-up is, what type of photo editing software you have access to, what type of spending budget you have, etc.

At this point I am going to make a suggestion that some readers may dislike, and other may love, but....GO READ! Search the bookstore for books on photography, read forums, get a copy of Consumer Reports that discusses cameras, find a few copies of various craft and art magazines that have articles on photography, scour the library, ask friends and fellow crafters for opinions. In a huge nutshell....do some homework. You will save yourself some pain and agony and maybe even some cash by doing some very pointed research.

Where should you start? I love the library. More than likely many of the magazines I have suggested are available (for free) at the library. Ask friends and coworkers. (Some may think photography is a highly guarded secret, so don't be put off if they zip their lips on the subject.)

Of course...take a few shots and choose the ones that YOU think are best and ask for outside opinions. Listen to what they say and ponder it. It is always difficult to separate yourself from your art, and as a human, criticism is hard to swallow. But, hey, when you are able to look at your art or photography with neutral eyes, good things are sure to follow.

Now go do your homework!