Artwork

Content provided by Marie Segares: Crochet and Knitting Blogger, Designer, Teacher, Solopreneur, Indie Artisan and Marie Segares. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Marie Segares: Crochet and Knitting Blogger, Designer, Teacher, Solopreneur, Indie Artisan and Marie Segares or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
Player FM - Podcast App
Go offline with the Player FM app!

Episode 39: Crochet & Knitting Design & Self-Publishing Mini Series 4: Photographing Your Pattern

46:02
 
Share
 

Manage episode 125473499 series 166769
Content provided by Marie Segares: Crochet and Knitting Blogger, Designer, Teacher, Solopreneur, Indie Artisan and Marie Segares. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Marie Segares: Crochet and Knitting Blogger, Designer, Teacher, Solopreneur, Indie Artisan and Marie Segares or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
This Week’s Episode

I’m continuing my Crochet & Knitting Design & Self-Publishing Mini Series by talking about photographing your pattern. I’ll be focusing on 3 topics: the photographer, the model (or backgrounds/props for non-wearables), and tutorials.

Let’s talk about the photographer!

As the online world has shifted to becoming more and more visual, pattern photography has become increasingly important. As a self-publishing designer, you may be your own photographer or you may choose to work with another amateur or professional photographer.

Designer as photographer

If you take your own photos, you have complete control. You control the styling, the framing, the editing, etc. of each photograph. (If you don’t happen to be a professional photographer, this may not always be a good thing, though!)

Other benefits of taking your own photos is that it is cheaper (in money, though not necessarily in time) and you can photograph on your own schedule.

If you decide to take your own pictures…

  • Be sure to read the manual for your camera (or smartphone or tablet or whatever you use to take pictures) so you understand all the features and how to use them.
  • Use natural lighting when available, and/or consider investing in a light box. You can buy one affordably and there are also many online tutorials for assembling your own light box.
  • Take many, many pictures, and then choose the best ones.
  • Get some professional development. Here are some suggestions.

Since your photographs will form the first impression most people have about your designs, if you are your own photographer, make those impressions as good as you can by investing in yourself and your skills.

Amateur photographer

Some designers rely on a spouse, partner, family member, or friend to take pictures. This has the benefit of being free (or very inexpensive/paid with barter), but it has all of potential disadvantages of being your own photographer. To make the most out of one of these partnerships, ask your amateur photographer to get more training and make sure the emphasis is on the samples, not on you or the models.

Professional photographer

Working with a professional photographer will likely lead to the highest quality photos. This can be a worthwhile investment in your business. If this photographer isn’t familiar with handmade items, you may need to be more involved with styling or be more explicit about your needs.

Some designers are able to work out barters or trades in exchange for professional photography services if paying a photographer is outside of their budgets.

Let’s talk models!

If you design wearables, you will have to decide whether to be your own pattern model, have other (human) models, use a dress form/mannequin, or take flat product photography.

Designer as model

The advantages of being your own model are keeping costs down, making scheduling easier, and associating your face with your designs and brand. You will definitely need to become comfortable with posing, and if you are also your own photographer, you will need to become very familiar with your timer and have an excellent tripod.

Working with amateur and professional models

You may choose to work with models for sizing reasons, diversity, or because you are camera shy.

When working with models, a release form is critical. The American Society of Media Photographers has several release form samples that you can customize for your business.

Friends and family are often a first choice for designers, but they may not be comfortable in front of the camera. Consider bringing another friend along as a stylist or to chat up your camera-shy friend while you or your photographer take pictures. Taking breaks to switch accessories or change outfits can be helpful in allowing your model to relax and look more natural.

These days, many people have concerns about sharing images of children online. If you work with child models, consider taking photos from behind or the side so the full face isn’t in view.

I have had good luck photographing local college students. Their rates are generally reasonable.

You may want to make recommendations to your models about what to wear, or bring clothing props.

Working with dress forms/mannequins

Your dress form or mannequin presumably doesn’t have an active social life and is always available when you or your photographer have time to take pictures. If your dress form/mannequin fits into your light box, then you are also able to take pictures even when no natural lighting is available.

Some people feel that models are preferable to dress forms, but I’ve heard just as many people say the opposite. When in doubt, go with the preferences of your target audience.

Consider the “look” of your mannequin/dress form, as well. Do you want something with a neutral background and/or no face, or something with decorative fabric and/or a “lifelike” appearance. Ideally, you would make a choice that both fits your brand and budget.

Taking flat/product photography

If you primarily design home decor items and toys, this option may be right for you. However, if you primarily design wearables, consider whether flat photographs do your designs justice.

Think carefully about what is in the background of your photos, especially when taking flat photos. Having random junk in the background can be distracting, but having some common decorations can help support your brand.

2019 Update: You can find my 10 tips for how to photography your handmade crafts with flay lay photography here.

Let’s talk tutorials!

Some designers never shoot tutorials, some only shoot tutorials when they are deemed necessary (by the designer), and others include tutorials with all of their designs.

If you never shoot your own tutorials, you don’t need to worry about the photography of tutorials.

Considerations for tutorials

Whether you create tutorials occasionally or always, here are two things to consider.

  • Will you only include specific elements (e.g., a difficult stitch or unusual construction method) or a complete project in your tutorial?
  • If your tutorial is photographic rather than video, will you include your hands in the shots?

If you plan to include tutorials for each pattern, you may want to develop a cohesive format (akin to a style sheet). What size photos will you use, and at what distance? For video tutorials, will you introduce each one face-to-camera, or will the video start with a product shot or yarn in your hands?

Final thoughts on photography

Consider bringing a stylist if you are the photographer. Not only can this person serve as a second set of eyes, but s/he can also help the models feel pampered!

Post-production (photo editing) is also important. This can be even more important as you are developing your photography skills.

If you enjoyed this episode

The Creative Yarn Entrepreneur Show is no longer broadcasting. Episodes are available as a service to the yarn community. This episode originally aired in June, 2015. Be aware that content may be outdated.

If you'd like to chat with other yarn-related business owners, join the Creative Yarn Entrepreneurs Facebook group. Support Marie's work by buying one of her books, Make Money Teaching Crochet: Launch Your Business, Increase Your Side Income, Reach More Students (Amazon | Gumroad) or Design It, Promote It, Sell It: Online Marketing for Your Crochet and Knit Patterns (Amazon | Gumroad).

  continue reading

74 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 125473499 series 166769
Content provided by Marie Segares: Crochet and Knitting Blogger, Designer, Teacher, Solopreneur, Indie Artisan and Marie Segares. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Marie Segares: Crochet and Knitting Blogger, Designer, Teacher, Solopreneur, Indie Artisan and Marie Segares or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
This Week’s Episode

I’m continuing my Crochet & Knitting Design & Self-Publishing Mini Series by talking about photographing your pattern. I’ll be focusing on 3 topics: the photographer, the model (or backgrounds/props for non-wearables), and tutorials.

Let’s talk about the photographer!

As the online world has shifted to becoming more and more visual, pattern photography has become increasingly important. As a self-publishing designer, you may be your own photographer or you may choose to work with another amateur or professional photographer.

Designer as photographer

If you take your own photos, you have complete control. You control the styling, the framing, the editing, etc. of each photograph. (If you don’t happen to be a professional photographer, this may not always be a good thing, though!)

Other benefits of taking your own photos is that it is cheaper (in money, though not necessarily in time) and you can photograph on your own schedule.

If you decide to take your own pictures…

  • Be sure to read the manual for your camera (or smartphone or tablet or whatever you use to take pictures) so you understand all the features and how to use them.
  • Use natural lighting when available, and/or consider investing in a light box. You can buy one affordably and there are also many online tutorials for assembling your own light box.
  • Take many, many pictures, and then choose the best ones.
  • Get some professional development. Here are some suggestions.

Since your photographs will form the first impression most people have about your designs, if you are your own photographer, make those impressions as good as you can by investing in yourself and your skills.

Amateur photographer

Some designers rely on a spouse, partner, family member, or friend to take pictures. This has the benefit of being free (or very inexpensive/paid with barter), but it has all of potential disadvantages of being your own photographer. To make the most out of one of these partnerships, ask your amateur photographer to get more training and make sure the emphasis is on the samples, not on you or the models.

Professional photographer

Working with a professional photographer will likely lead to the highest quality photos. This can be a worthwhile investment in your business. If this photographer isn’t familiar with handmade items, you may need to be more involved with styling or be more explicit about your needs.

Some designers are able to work out barters or trades in exchange for professional photography services if paying a photographer is outside of their budgets.

Let’s talk models!

If you design wearables, you will have to decide whether to be your own pattern model, have other (human) models, use a dress form/mannequin, or take flat product photography.

Designer as model

The advantages of being your own model are keeping costs down, making scheduling easier, and associating your face with your designs and brand. You will definitely need to become comfortable with posing, and if you are also your own photographer, you will need to become very familiar with your timer and have an excellent tripod.

Working with amateur and professional models

You may choose to work with models for sizing reasons, diversity, or because you are camera shy.

When working with models, a release form is critical. The American Society of Media Photographers has several release form samples that you can customize for your business.

Friends and family are often a first choice for designers, but they may not be comfortable in front of the camera. Consider bringing another friend along as a stylist or to chat up your camera-shy friend while you or your photographer take pictures. Taking breaks to switch accessories or change outfits can be helpful in allowing your model to relax and look more natural.

These days, many people have concerns about sharing images of children online. If you work with child models, consider taking photos from behind or the side so the full face isn’t in view.

I have had good luck photographing local college students. Their rates are generally reasonable.

You may want to make recommendations to your models about what to wear, or bring clothing props.

Working with dress forms/mannequins

Your dress form or mannequin presumably doesn’t have an active social life and is always available when you or your photographer have time to take pictures. If your dress form/mannequin fits into your light box, then you are also able to take pictures even when no natural lighting is available.

Some people feel that models are preferable to dress forms, but I’ve heard just as many people say the opposite. When in doubt, go with the preferences of your target audience.

Consider the “look” of your mannequin/dress form, as well. Do you want something with a neutral background and/or no face, or something with decorative fabric and/or a “lifelike” appearance. Ideally, you would make a choice that both fits your brand and budget.

Taking flat/product photography

If you primarily design home decor items and toys, this option may be right for you. However, if you primarily design wearables, consider whether flat photographs do your designs justice.

Think carefully about what is in the background of your photos, especially when taking flat photos. Having random junk in the background can be distracting, but having some common decorations can help support your brand.

2019 Update: You can find my 10 tips for how to photography your handmade crafts with flay lay photography here.

Let’s talk tutorials!

Some designers never shoot tutorials, some only shoot tutorials when they are deemed necessary (by the designer), and others include tutorials with all of their designs.

If you never shoot your own tutorials, you don’t need to worry about the photography of tutorials.

Considerations for tutorials

Whether you create tutorials occasionally or always, here are two things to consider.

  • Will you only include specific elements (e.g., a difficult stitch or unusual construction method) or a complete project in your tutorial?
  • If your tutorial is photographic rather than video, will you include your hands in the shots?

If you plan to include tutorials for each pattern, you may want to develop a cohesive format (akin to a style sheet). What size photos will you use, and at what distance? For video tutorials, will you introduce each one face-to-camera, or will the video start with a product shot or yarn in your hands?

Final thoughts on photography

Consider bringing a stylist if you are the photographer. Not only can this person serve as a second set of eyes, but s/he can also help the models feel pampered!

Post-production (photo editing) is also important. This can be even more important as you are developing your photography skills.

If you enjoyed this episode

The Creative Yarn Entrepreneur Show is no longer broadcasting. Episodes are available as a service to the yarn community. This episode originally aired in June, 2015. Be aware that content may be outdated.

If you'd like to chat with other yarn-related business owners, join the Creative Yarn Entrepreneurs Facebook group. Support Marie's work by buying one of her books, Make Money Teaching Crochet: Launch Your Business, Increase Your Side Income, Reach More Students (Amazon | Gumroad) or Design It, Promote It, Sell It: Online Marketing for Your Crochet and Knit Patterns (Amazon | Gumroad).

  continue reading

74 episodes

All episodes

×
 
Loading …

Welcome to Player FM!

Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.

 

Quick Reference Guide