Photographing your craft :: The importance of backgrounds

This is a new segment which I'm going to be writing about on the blog, and that's tips for photographing your craft. So many times when looking around the web, I see beautiful quilts and handmade items, but the photo lets it down. It's such a shame as I know how much hard work goes into your handmade pieces and if there had been just a few tweaks here and there, the photos would've been gorgeous!

Now, I must start this by saying that I'm not an expert in photography, but I have picked up a few tips and tricks along the way. I really want you all to show off your pride and joy and hard work in the best possible way. So I hope that you get something out of these postings. They are going to be written specifically for the crafter and quilter in mind...fingers crossed!

Today, I'm going to be talking about the importance of backgrounds. The right background ensures that your handmade item is the first thing that people will look at in your photo. Choosing the correct background will set the scene and enhance your craft piece. Choosing the wrong background and this could take away and hide your handiwork.

When choosing the background be aware of colour and patterns. Too much can be distracting and will hide your handmade item.

It's easy to create your own background. I often use boards which I tape fabric or paper to. This way I can change the background easily and when I'm not shooting, I can easily slide the boards away. Remember though...choose a matt, non-shiny background. Choose a background colour that complements what you are showcasing, remember you are trying to show off your handiwork not detract from it.

Let me show you what I mean. Here's some photos I took of a punnet of berries for an earlier post. It's the same punnet in each of the photos, I've just changed the backgrounds.

Here's the punnet of strawberries taken with a soft, white, neutral background.

All I did was tape a large piece of white gauze behind as a backdrop.

When using colour you need to know a little bit about the colour wheel. Choose colours that are of the same shade (contrasting) or are complementary.

Here's the same punnet, but this time I chose a pink background to contrast the reds from the strawberries. Pink is a lighter shade of red, and therefore is a contrasting colour.

Here I've used a board which I've painted pink for the background.

Ok, can you see a difference? The white background makes the berries "pop" out more, don't you think? Whereas the pink background flows better. It just depends on the final look you are trying to achieve.

Try the  same berries but with a blue background. If you look at the colour wheel, blue is directly opposite red on the wheel and is  a complementary colour.

Again, the punnet takes on a different look.

You can also think about using patterns in your background. Just remember not to use patterns that are too bold, too big or clash with the handmade item. You want something that is soft and subtle.

Here I've just taped some gorgeous fabric to a board and used it as a background.

You can also think about using different textures, such as woods, linens and tiles. Cutting boards also make great natural backgrounds to use too. Try creating some layers.

Here's another shot of the berries, but I've layered some pieces of fabric underneath.

So next time you are taking a photo think about the background. Can you move it to somewhere else? Can you put something behind it? Is there a colour in the quilt that you would like to highlight by choosing a background that will contrast with it?

Hope I've been of some help. Which photo of the berries do you prefer?

Comments

[Says Lynn B]

Hi Bronwyn,
Thanks for the tips, I love them all!

[Says Tracee]

Thanks Bronwyn. I have come to the conclusion recently that I don't spend enough time perfecting my photgraps, just snap & quick write the post. I can definitely do better! Tracee xx

[Says Kris]

Wow, thanks so much for the tut!! I am always trying to find a fun way to show my projects!! Your ideas have gotten my thinkng into motion!! :-)

[Says Grace Horton]

Great tips....those strawberries make me hungry!

[Says nini]

It's great that you'll be doing this. I am sad too when I see photos bring people's wonderful pieces of work down. And I know how eager we all are to just post as soon as possible :)

[Says Mama Bear]

Good tips!
Mama Bear

[Says Tori Beveridge]

Thanks for the wonderful tips.

[Says Jolanda]

Great idea Bronwyn! I have to say often see pictures that look great and then I wonder how people are doing this. Ofcourse the settings of the camera are really important but so is the background as you point out. Thank you very much for posting your tips!

[Says K]

Thanks Bronwyn I am just getting back into photography so this post has great timing. I also wanted to say a HUGE thank you for all your fantastic artwork, stitchery work, photography and everything else in between that you do!

[Says Raewyn]

Very interesting and great food for thought thank you Bronwyn.

[Says Jules]

Thanks so much for these tips. Even though I don't have a blog, I like to photograph my work and keep in a journal. My photos need all the help they can get.

[Says ale balanzario]

Great tips, so important to know more about this subject, thanks for sharing!

[Says Shirley Flavell]

Hello Bronwyn, thank you for the "tips", very helpful. I like the blue background effect. Shirley

[Says Melody]

Thank you so much for this post. I'm going to love this series -so very helpful

[Says Lone Jakobsen]

Hi Bronwyn

Love the way you are making us think about the things behind the item in center of a Pic.....
Here is a quick link to making a box for the same purpose but with the right lighting on the Item.
I did manke this thing using a movingbox and some white t-shirts and paper and some IKEA architect lamps on both sides of the box.
Take a look at this link and see how its done

http://www.lonnies.dk/2010/12/diy-produkt-fotokasse/

[Says Patsy Booher]

You are a real "jack of all trades!"

Your post was really interesting and I will try to remember your thoughts when I snap my next picture.

Have a great week!

[Says michelle of Ragtag Stitchin']

Thanks so much Bronwyn. Great tips. Photography is definitely my 'need to improve' goal. Lovely to be reading your great blog again for 2013. Hugs xx

[Says Anita]

Thankyou very much for the great tips. It is good to have your log back.

[Says Lone Jakobsen]

Hi Again Bronwyn

Just as we were taking photo tircks - I found this in my mailbox today - forwarding it on to you here in comments as it seems to be of great concern how to make the perfect photo of a product
Follow the link and get 5 more DIY. FREE......♥

http://www.everythingetsy.com/2013/02/improve-your-product-photography-5-diy-tutorials/

Hugs from Lone - Denamrk

[Says brodine]

moi je préfère la photo n°4 avec le fond à motif

[Says Bronwyn Hayes]

Mais Oui, Brodine-
Je pense que ce contexte a un look vraiment charmant!

Bronwyn ...

[Says Anne Fraser]

Thanks Bronwyn! Great shots and they will help me do a better photo in the future. I learned a colour wheel years ago, but forgot most of it! :) Just remembered 'pink and green should never be seen'. lol I suspect in these days pink is quite often seen with green!! :) My eyes were drawn to the berries with the pink design background. Happy Day to you! :)