CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

I am a test knitter for a lace shawl designer. Part of the deal is that I take pictures of my shawls and post them online on a couple of knitting forums. I really want to improve my pictures so am asking that my pictures be critiqued as to how I can make them better. The whole objective is to show them to the shawl’s best advantage. However, I'm somewhat handicapped that I am the sole care provider for a very elderly relative, so I have to find places to photograph the shawls very close to home since I can't be gone long.

Generally, I post a picture of the shawl being blocked, one of the whole shawl hanging on a fence or from a tree - whatever is handy and will work, and one showing some interesting detail of the shawl (interesting to a knitter, lol!). Occasionally, I will take a picture of one being modeled.

The camera is a Nikon D5500. If I remember right, the camera was set at aperture priority. All the shots are jpeg.

Settings: f3.8, 1/60s, ISO 250, focal length of 25 mm


Settings: f3.8, 1/250s, ISO 250, focal length of 27 mm


EXIF info is missing...

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

CathyAnn, My suggestion is to display the shawl in a manner that people are most familiar. Thus, spread on the floor, hung over a brick wall is probably not the best.

The model wearing the shawl is quite nice to display how it would look when worn. If you need to show it in a more flat position, have the model hold it.

Additionally, the third photo has this large blank, almost blown out, area. I'd avoid this. Stick to a somewhat neutral color for the background, as that will tend pull the viewer towards the bright color areas.

I'd also feature not only the two ideas mentioned above, but also a close up of the pattern of the knitting, or crocheting. This will feature the quality of the article, as well.
--Bob

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

Excellent suggestions, Bob. For the next shawl which I'm knitting now, I'll ask her to hold the shawl up and see what I can come up with.

I'm going to have to write down the suggestions to try the next time so that I don't forget anything. :thumb: (Sometimes, when I'm in the middle of taking pictures, I get so wrapped up in it that I forget some things I wanted to do. :| )

Dziadzi Loc: Wilkes-Barre, PA

CathyAnn, I like the first photo, would like more light cast on the upper left corner. The second photo is even better, however, I would have centered the garment in the photo. The third one would be better if the subject were centered in the photo. :mrgreen:

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

A check list for preparation and then the photo session is very handy and a good idea. As you work through the different presentations, keep meticulous notes. You'll find those very helpful time and time again.
--Bob

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

Thank you, Dziadzi! Somewhere I got the idea that off-center positioning is best, but reevaluating it I have to agree with you, especially with the model so far on the right like that. That's my fault in that I cropped it off-center. :oops:

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

I'll do that Bob. I tend to get in a rush - not good! :-D

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

I'll do that Bob. I tend to get in a rush - not good! :-D

Dziadzi Loc: Wilkes-Barre, PA

You may call me Frank, if you wish, CathyAnn.

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

It's certainly easier to say to myself! lol!

I keep getting kicked off the internet. The service here is the pits!

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

I bet you would not swap your internet service for mine. You want the pits come to where I live!
About 30 years ago my ex and I ventured into the world of knitting pattern books and although the shots for the published books were taken by pro's in studios or on site we needed shots to show potential customers who pre ordered the books in lots of 25000. I bought a roll of photograhers back drop paper in a very light grey and second hand manikin in a surplus store for around $16. Two household spotlights with muslin diffusers provided light if needed. This was in the days of film by the way.
The paper roll was attached to the wall in a spare bedroom. It meant my background was colourless and easy to control and the manikin of course did not move and stood where one placed it.
Get in in house and under your control and its easy plus for sales purposes a lack of background is always good. Allows the customer to concentrate on the goods
We made enough to buy another house to rent out in three years with a tiny investment. So very good luck and hope it works as well for you.

Lady Red Loc: Puget Sound, WA

Beautiful shawl, lovely knitting. I am interested in the answers also.

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

Thank you, Billyspad! I know you're right. The pictures taken by the designer I knit for are most often on a black or white dress form with indirect light from a large window illuminating it, or sometimes hung on a gray, weathered, wooden fence in her backyard. I do have a dress form, but it's strictly utilitarian for sewing (and somewhere in storage). A dress form that's made for display would be ideal. I'll check it out. I know I've seen some on Amazon that weren't expensive. Where I'm living with my elderly relative, there isn't much room, but maybe I could do this. Where there's a will, there's a way, my mother always said...

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

Run4fittness, I know you from Knitting Paradise! Obviously, I'm not the only one who wants to take better pictures of my knitting. :thumbup:

Lady Red Loc: Puget Sound, WA

Guilty! Yes, I am also a fiber artist! Instead of sticks and stones it is sticks and string!