Monday, 16 October 2023

6 Tips For Better Crochet Photography

Image shows a large russet coloured sunflower beside a close up of a piece of crochet in progress


Hello! I'm here in this post to share my 6 top tips for better crochet photography because in the last week or so I've put in more of an effort to take better photos and it's paid off because I've seen an increase in reach and engagement on social media, yay!

As you know, crochet is such a beautiful craft, and it's only natural that we should want to share our finished projects with the world! But taking good crochet photos can be troublesome, especially if it's not something which comes naturally to you.

Here are my 6 tips to help you take better crochet photos:

1.  Use natural light. Natural light is ALWAYS the best light for photography, so try to take your photos outdoors or as near as you can to a window (if that means rearranging the furniture, do it!). However, avoid using direct sunlight, as this can create harsh shadows. Instead, opt for soft, indirect light. I have thin blinds in my photo spot which I can pull down to diffuse the light. A piece of muslin taped to the window would work well!

2.  Choose your background wisely. The background of your photo is just as important as the crochet project itself. Choose a background that is neutral and uncluttered, so that your crochet project stands out. Try using a plain white or light-coloured wall, or a piece of fabric. If you're outside, brickwork, folliage, on the beach, large doorways are all good options.

3.  Stage your photo carefully. Once you have chosen your background, take some time to stage your photo,  arranging your crochet project in a way that is visually appealing. You may want to use props to help showcase your project, such as a basket of yarn, crochet hook, cup of coffee, seasonal objects that resonate with your viewers.

4.  Use the right camera settings.  If you're using an up-to-date smartphone camera, you can adjust the exposure and brightness settings (Google or YouTube are your your friends here if you need to learn). If you're using a DSLR camera, take some time to learn about the different manual settings. You'll need to adjust the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in order to get the best possible photo (again, you know where to go for help!)

5.  Take multiple photos. Don't be afraid to take multiple photos - this will give you more to choose from when you're editing your photos. Try different angles - you may be surprised at how different angles can change the look of your photo.

6.  Edit your photos. Once you've taken your photos, it's always worth editing them to make them look their absolute best. There are many different photo editing programs available, both free and paid. You can use these programs to adjust the brightness, contrast, and colours of your photos. You can also use them to crop and straighten your photos, and to remove any unwanted objects. My favourite editing app is called Snapseed - it's FREE!

Here are a few bonus tips to keep in mind:

  • Use a tripod to keep your camera steady. This is especially important if you're using a DSLR camera or if you're shooting in low light.
  • Be sure to focus on your crochet project, not your props. Make sure that your project is in sharp focus, the star of the show, and that the background is slightly blurred.
  • Have fun! Taking crochet photos should be enjoyable. And never be afraid to experiment and try new things.

With a little patience & practice, you'll be taking beautiful crochet photos in no time! Of course, if you're taking a photo of a crochet project made following one of my patterns, don't forget to tag me when you share it so I can see! 

 

Until next time, happy crocheting and happy snapping!

Marta xx

PS. Are you subscribed to my mailing list? My emails are packed with info and a few free patterns too! You can sign up here.

PPS. I have another blog post all about flatlay photography - if you'd like to dive deeper into that, click here.

 

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