Stock Photo Product Shoot!

above, basic photo set-up from a birds eye view
below, what it ends up looking like to you!

I'd been meaning to re-do my glass butterfly necklace basic product shots for a while now. Some of the wing color options I had in the past are now harder to find, or just seasonally different. The [particular] listing had so many wings in it, and so many were currently hard to find, the listing was starting to sound like a sad story. "This wing is brighter now, this one is only ready in 20 days, this wing is no where to be found, this little piggy went weee weeee weee all the way home"...

above, new detail shot that I can use as a generic photo for other listings in my shop

above, the OLD stock photo
below, the NEW stock photos

So- as I do for all my "stock photo" product shoots, I have to make. Make lots of product at once. This is tricky, because its costly & time consuming. Costly because I have to have all the components before anyone pays me. Lots of components. I generally like doing it, but those two things make it hard to get a start on it. Often when I have a large order from a bride, for example, I take that as an opportunity to do some bulk stock photography.


Why do I like having stock photography of my jewelry?

1.)Because it makes my life EASY.
Well, easier. Its time consuming to do a photo shoot, so I might as well do it all at once- you have to get by those first 2 things (time and money) to get there, and then you have to wait for the right kind of daylight. Winter in Massachusetts is generally perfect for that though. Then I usually have to photo-edit them for a while. (With the right daylighting though, you will cut down on photo edit time. )
So back for the "easier" part... if I make "stock" photos, I will have to spend less time, in the long run, on each individual item in my shop. I state in each listing that 'Im happy to send a photo first', but this actually doesnt happen all that often. People are trusting, and they also seem to like a surprise. But on the rare occasion that they ask, its no trouble, because all they want is one photo, not five photos with every single angle and proper lighting. They mostly want to see the basics of the wing.

2.)Because its good to have images for websites or blogs to use for promotions.
If I have a collection of images, I can use them for a general idea of "who is popko?". I use these images for craft show applications, press, promotions, business cards or postcards. I can also use them in other listings on my site, if Im selling a pink necklace in the same setting, I already have a stock photo of a model wearing 5 of them. I plug that it and Im done!

Heres a few more photos of what my silly little set-ups look like. I always like to step away and take a picture of what Im actually doing. Below is a mash of stock and individual item pictures. I thought you might like to see how it all starts!

It usually begins with nice lighting. I prefer daylight, not too sunny. Bright overcast days work well for me. I place everything in the same huuuge window that I am fortunate to have. Its the one with all day sun and only sun rays in the afternoon. Sun rays kill my photos.

Below is a funny picture, the paintbrush is holding the necklaces, over the coffee and sugar containers. Im a professional, trust me! *wink*

below, the end result of the coffee & sugar escapade

I usually use plain white computer paper as a background. Ive chosen to use a rock or leaf or branch as a background. My jewelry is natural and I think it compliments it in a smart way. The first few pictures at the top were on a wooden drawer that I use at craft shows. I like the warmth the wood is bringing to the whole image. I'm still a white paper fan overall.

I know this post is just touching on a few ideas about product photography (mostly the idea that it feels really good to have some stock photos on hand!!!). I am, by no means, a pro, or really even know that much about my camera.
If you have questions about settings or such, ask in the comments below.
I hope you've enjoyed this little behind-the-scenes here at PoPkO headquarters!

Behind the Scenes : a new model, more packaging, studio

Here's a few photos of whats going on this week! I've got a new/old model. This dress form has been in my family for many years (it says 1960 on the front), and a few wedding dresses have even been made with this gal. Shes a keeper, but I need to re-cover the form. The little black print on the neck is a little distracting for my photos, what do you think?
I'm playing with shirts for her until I make a solid cover to make her gorgeous, preferably using linen in a neutral warm color. From now on, I wont have to shower or ever get dressed again to take product shots!



The finest earl grey tea on earth (thanks sis), is an afternoon staple in the studio.


Above, packing up orders (yesterday). I've decided to go back and use the old packaging, with the printed logo paper wrapped around the box. It just seems to make them look like a gift.

I had a few more photos to share, but it's not letting me load any more for some reason, blogger is sort of glitchy. In any case, I should go back to work. I start to fade around dusk...

glasswing

glasswing
Originally uploaded by PoPkO!

This was sent to me to be preserved under glass for a custom order last month, from a butterfly garden in the UK. It was a gift from a boy to a girl. It came out absolutely delicate looking and better than I imagined. The fact that it really is clear like glass made this a little wonderland to look into when finished.

Quick Look: packaging and playing, love and paper

Whats new?
I'm playing with packaging. I usually have a white paper "sleeve" with "popko!" printed all over it, then tied with ribbon. Pretty, I think. Branded, for sure. I also make sure to not mark the actual box in case the buyer want to reuse it.

photo below: current packaging. the text is actually different looking, this is an old photo. but it's close.

I'm looking into either streamlining the process of packing because it takes a long time when packing a bunch of orders. I DO love the way they look,
I LOVE using ribbon and won't cut that part out.

photo below: possible new packaging?

I've been making a lot of pocket mirrors and have beautiful linen textured, colorful, scrap leftover. I thought I'd play with my love of color. It doesn't have my logo on these though- maybe I can use a sticker? Still tossing out ideas, but here's what I came up with in an instant.

PACKAGING: what kind do you like?
[1] Simple/Plain (get to the point of my item!)
[2] Ornate/Lovely (spare no expense, I am worth it)
[3] Recycled/EcoConcious (recycle packaging to keep it 'green')
[4] Beautiful/ Simple/ Gifty (I need simple but I like pretty)

I'd love your input int he comments.

Another little note:
Those little flocked and gilded hearts are still lingering, they are adorable!!! I thought you'd like to see my adoring photos! Still, I think they are gifts and not "products'. I have to keep some things just for me (and the giftees!). Plus they are way too labor intensive at this point to think of selling them. I just want to eat them. But they are furry.

Happy Weekend!

February Fling SALE!

Happy February my Fabulous PopkoShoppers!

The Etsy Glass Artist Annual February Fling is in Full Swing!

ALL jewelry in my shop has
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING.

This is great for 3 reasons (well many more I'm sure)

1. shipping is free.

2. you can shop for 3 different days and its still free!

3. enter the secret code* to get a subscriber only free gift (worth $5!).

*(#3 is only available to mailing list subscribers that received their code in the email newsletters, if YOU want to be one of those lucky birds, just join my mailing list at the TOP, LEFT of this page! easy peasy!)

WWW.POPKO.ETSY.COM

Visit the team blog to see the full list of the other great etsy glass artist shops participating in the annual sale : etsyglass.blogspot.com

jewelrybynatsuko - BOGO 1/2off or 15% off on one item
glasscat - 20% off all fused and dichroic jewelry
MyCabinCreations- 20% off everything
StudioMarcy - BOGO 1/2 Off
popko - FREE shipping on all jewelry
prizmatic - BOGO 1/2 Off
giapet - BOGO 1/2 Off
kimvglass - Free Shipping
LeahPellegrini - 20% off

*BOGO - Buy One Get One 1/2 off

Quick Look -flocked and gilded hearts!

What did I make this week?
Well, a lot of stuff, but these are the NEW things...little hearts! These are polymer clay. I dont know what I'm going to make with them, maybe a ring, a brooch, a pendant?



They were this rich cherry red color before I fired them, and then they got a little darker. I ended up gilding 2 with gold leaf, flocking one with pink (fuzzy ) flocking powder, and painting the rest with red acrylic paint. Just fooling around in the studio...

I decided to paint some white as a base, so that the flocking powder colors would really show up.

The Curious Eye and a butterfly

Thanks to The Curious Eye, for taking such a beautiful photograph of the necklace I made for her. It was a gift that I custom made over the Holidays. Sometimes I never see or hear about my work after it is purchased from the website,
so it was great to come across this posted on her daily 365 blog.

If you have purchased something I have made, either on its own or with you wearing it, I would really love to see it! Send me a link!

Sneak Peak! NEW butterfly wing jewelry!

What's next? I am finally going to have small, round, blue butterfly jewelry for everyone thats been asking me for 3 years. Yes. Finally. Finally! Im so very excited, because 1. I will be able to give you what you want, 2. I will be making something new, and this change is well beyond needed 3. they are really really pretty. I am also in love with that giant teardrop that I put on a wicked long 24" chain. Feels luxurious.

I am planning the pre-debut in the shop around Jan 15th, along with a scrumptious newsletter on Monday (sign up on the left for the deals!). But- I still have to price the new pendants. I really want them to be affordable, but now that I am actually making them, I see how much work they are. I am making every single component of them MYSELF, cutting the glass, grinding, soldering etc. Im still enjoying it now since its all new to me. Maybe once I get a good formula for sizes and shapes and colors, I can streamline my production.
Enjoy the sneak peak!

*Happy New Year*

I wish you Health, Wealth & Happiness!

That is a phrase that my family exchanges every Christmas Eve, during our traditional Polish wigilia. We break oplatki (wafers) and exchange well wishes to each person there. Its a very special thing for us, with laughs for those of us getting the "good boyfriend" wish, and sometimes sighs of hope for those getting the "health" wish. I am very thankful that I have my family and friends, and this tradition reminds me of all that I have.

Above is a photo of a magical dinner I was invited to with some old and wonderful friends hosting a fondue party last week. YUM! This feast photo is a reminder to me that I have everything I could wish for- my wealth of friends, family and the happiness that comes from this blessing. Happy New Year, I think its gonna be a good one!

Quick Look- make, make, make..... pocket mirrors galore & a rainbow!

It's that time of year, where I don't have much more going on besides making and selling and Holiday shows. A few more weeks and I will have some time to decorate my home and enjoy the glittery goodness of the Season.

Until then, here's a quick look as to what I'm doing today (among a list of things not as colorful)...

Pocket mirrors! I hand cut each paper disc, because frankly, I didn't want to spend $250 on a paper punch. Plus I watch tv in the morning when I drink my tea & coffee, and can cut my little papers then. It never seems like work when I do it that way. I am making paper lace designs today. I think these are so feminine and delicate and pretty.

I am going to be first promoting them as stocking stuffers and hostess gifts, then later bridal gifts, like for bridesmaids and gift bags etc. They will be in full swing by Valentines Day and Mothers Day. I know its hard for you to think that far, but I have to.
Winter weddings, lacy and pretty, for sure!
Lace is a trend right now, and Im glad I have something that happens to fit right in!

I will also have custom color listings in the etsy shop, which is why I took these photos. I was so tickled when I discovered the little pinwheel shape I could make with my discs!

I'm so easy to please.