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I am asked questions about starting an online business, well, a lot.* Sometimes I laugh because I don’t have any “business” training.* I feel like I have just faked it: tried this, added that, adjusted this, deleted that. And I still need lots of work.* However, because some of you are just starting out with a little online shop, I am totally up for sharing what I know.* But please don’t feel like my way is the only way.* Or even the right way.*

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But I have a few opinions about selling online and I will share them, if interested.* And because there is more than one area to talk about, I’ll split it up.* So first…….is taking pictures.

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Let’s talk about the consumer.* When someone who doesn’t know you, clicks on your shop, first impressions mean a lot.* They don’t know if you’re clean or dirty, kind or dishonest, happy or cranky.* All they know is what they see in your little shop.* And I guarantee that they aren’t going to go and read the “profile blurb” about you first.* They will go and see what you’ve got.* So make all of your pictures good, so that they will research your shop more, if interested.

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Let me clarify something before you slump over in defeat, knowing you don’t have a super nice camera. You don’t have to have a beautiful camera with crazy good lenses.* Use what you have but maybe just change your methods a bit.

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First of all……..background distractions.*

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Let’s say that you are selling this super sweet little green ceramic egg-shaped bowl, with clothing labels inside. (Nope, I’m not really selling this.* It’s just an example.)* And you decide that your counter top is the perfect background for it.* So you take a few shots of it.



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Good grief, can you even see the green bowl?!?!!*

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Let’s point out the distractions:



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If you’re going to use the counter, that’s great.* Just clear everything out of the background.* Seriously, everything.* But if you do want something else in the picture, make sure it corresponds with the product you’re selling.* For example, I could place the green bowl next to my sewing machine, or next to some scissors and a stack of fabric.* Just make sure it relates to the product.* And is tidy.*

(And I would always take a picture of the product all by itself too, as an additional image.)

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Do you want to know what I use for my background 90% of the time?* A white foam poster board.* And then I zoom on in (or step closer), so the edges of the board can’t be seen.



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But I use colored backgrounds too.* Most of the time it’s a piece of fabric that I lay down, or a blanket, or the grass, or a piece of wood, and sometimes even a cool plate.*

(All are past projects of mine……not actual items I have sold.)



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Whatever the background is, be sure it adds to the item……and doesn’t take away from it.

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Now………..product angle.

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Sometimes it’s hard to tell what angle will take a good picture of your product.* My advice here, is to take lots and lots of pictures.* Try different angles, different heights……..and keep on clicking.* You can always delete digital images later.

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I think at first we think it’s best to take a picture from the top.* And that’s it.* And we don’t even consider all of the empty space around the object.



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Instead, zoom in (or step closer) and give that product a different angle.

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See the difference?

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And don’t be afraid to take several different shots of the details of your item.* The more the consumer can see, the more likely they are to get a feel for the product…….and then hopefully want to buy it.



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It’s hard to get an idea of what a product is really like, without having it in your hands.* So make it easier on the consumer and take as many different angled pictures as you can.

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Okay……let’s talk about lighting.

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Flashes are so great.* But they really wash out your pictures.* Especially while you’re inside and it’s really dark.* And the flash just tends to bleach out the real color and detail…..making the pictures inaccurate and blah.* So unless you have all the right equipment (and flash training), the flash is out, in my opinion.

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But if you take a picture inside without the flash………it can look like this:



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So step outside and take a few shots.* What’s the best time of day?* Morning, evening, while it’s overcast, or in some partial shade.* Direct sun will wash out your picture too.



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And then scoot in close for your shot.



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But sometimes it’s either too sunny outside or it’s raining/snowing.* If you have to stay indoors, place your product right by a window or a glass door…….to get the light you need.



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And then crouch down and get in close for the shot.* (Putting it up on a table/chair may be helpful too.)



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Does that help?* I hope it does.* Because that’s all I’ve got.* Haha.

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And I have more tips for starting an online business…….but you’ll have to wait for the next installment.

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Let me know if you have specific questions too.* I’m only pulling from the common questions that I get pretty frequently…..so if there’s more, I’ll do my best.* However, remember what I said above……I have no real training.* So take these pointers or leave them.* They are just some that have worked well for me.

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