Pictures make all the difference on Etsy. Knowing how to create quality photos is one of the most beneficial things you can do to improve your Etsy shop. Strong, clear photos will help you stand out on the search page. Great photos will also increase the chance of attention when posting other places such as blogs or social media, drawing major attention to your work and increasing your Etsy sales.
Camera
Although having the best camera around isn’t necessary, it would be a good idea to stray away from using your phone’s camera. Many point and shoot digital cameras work great once you to get to learn the different functions and know what work best for your environment. With great lighting and the right camera settings, you can get great photos without buying a top of the line camera.
Lighting
No matter the product you’re selling, Etsy product photos need to be taken under great lighting. This is necessary in capturing the true color and giving the customer the best idea of texture. When photographing your product, natural lighting is typically best. Make an effort to avoid dark areas, harsh sunlight, and flash. If you absolutely can’t avoid harsh lighting, using a diffuser can aid in toning down the brightness. Creating a diffused light box can be used when shooting in dark areas.
Photo Location
A great place to photograph your product is in an environment that it will be used in. You can also include relevant props in the shot to show the product in action. As long as the props don’t take away from your item they are great to use. Give your buyers a good sense of how the item will be used when they receive it.
An alternative to location photos, using a background for your image is also a great way to present your product. A white background is always a simplistic and crisp choice when shooting an item. There are tons of tutorials online that help you build an inexpensive platform for crisp white background product photography.
Although a white background can provide a clean and crisp look, backdrops can compliment your product also. It is important that you choose a backdrop that will still allow your product to be the main focus. Anything distracting should be avoided, as it will take away from the photo. The backdrop should also show some consistency throughout your store. An idea of things to use for a backdrop would be fabric, scrapbook paper, tablecloths, even clothing laid out flat as a background.
Distance
When shooting your product photography for Etsy, experience with a few different shots and angles. Be sure to capture a few wide, medium, and close ups, giving you a variety to choose from. Don’t be afraid to get as close as you need to be to get the shot you need to get. Detail is very important in helping the potential buyer see the detail and get an idea of texture.
Editing
Editing is where the magic happens. A great start would be to crop your photos to a square since Etsy forces you to do this anyway. While editing, find an exposure that compliments your products and aim for it to stay consistent throughout your store. Use the color correction adjustments if the product’s photo doesn’t match the color the product is to the eye. These small but helpful adjustments can be done in a simple photo-editing program.
Beautiful photos on Etsy are key to selling your work and expressing the style behind your brand. No matter the quality of your product, providing great photos for your customers to see will help you get the sale.
Resource: https://blog.etsy.com/en/2011/etsy-success-product-photography-for-beginners/
https://www.revisionsdesignstudio.com/studio-life/successful-product-photography-on-etsy/