Nicole Hanna Jewelry
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Gallery
  • Learn To Wire Wrap
    • PDF Tutorials
    • Video Tutorials
    • Tutorial Membership 2022
  • Shop
    • SIGNATURE COLLECTION
    • GODDESS COLLECTION
    • PDF Tutorials >
      • Beginner Wire Weaving
      • Intermediate Weaving
      • PDFs for Cabochons
      • Advanced Weaving

Product Photography: To Model or Not To Model

8/10/2017

2 Comments

 
I finally did it.

I finally had my jewelry modeled in a life-style photo shoot! I am, unfortunately, not photogenic myself, which is more fact than an attempt to self-deprecate. I prefer to be behind the camera and definitely never in front of it. But I am blessed to have beautiful and willing family members open to some compensation for their time!

​In the jewelry and fashion industries, modeled shots can sometimes make or break a customer's decision to purchase. There is no other universal way to show how a product will wear but on a real person. Quarters or rulers for comparison (widely used today in product photography) are not, unfortunately, global or universal, nor do these props necessarily speak to a business brand.


Picture
So when and why are modeled shots useful? While I do believe the primary photo in any jewelry or fashion listing should be a detailed shot of the product itself, modeled shots can show how a product wears. Instead of an inanimate object, the piece becomes part of a scene. When worn on a model, there's an understanding of the mood a seller intends with their work when they create a scene in which it is worn. Ultimately, it tells a story.
Picture
And like intended with a coin for reference, it shows scale, though I believe does so with more accuracy or realism. It's also easier to understand a descriptive word such as "bold" or "elegant", in a product listing when shown on a model than when shown next to a quarter. These descriptives are fabulous for search engine optimization, but expressing them visually is equally important.
I've learned, however, it's not always practical to have every piece of jewelry modeled. It can, in fact, be a financial burden on small business. While I am a photography enthusiast at best, I am lucky to have the gear and experience to take decent photos without hiring a professional photographer. But this came at its own expense via an artistic interest of mine (as any hobby would). I am also lucky to have beautiful nieces who are open to (affordable) compensation for photo shoots. So, I understand this can be a prohibitive expense to many... to myself even! I believe in real compensation for the time any model provides, and would never utilize that time without compensation, relation or not. Therefore, it's not practical (neither in time nor money) to have every piece of jewelry modeled. Bartering, however, is also an excellent method by which new jewelry designers or sellers can pair with new photographers or models to add to a business brand.

So, you don't have the resources to have every piece modeled? Never fear! I'm a firm believer that a single one-hour life-style shoot, shared on your selling platform as a website cover photo, for instance, can complete the picture of your business without the necessity for a modeled shot in every product listing. It's a one-time expense I personally believe to be as important to a brand as a monthly subscription to the provider of a website or selling platform, or to the manufacturer of business cards.

With all this said, as long as you've defined your brand, have a clear understanding of the mood or tone your wish to evoke through your work, and know your market, you can certainly have a successful shop without modeled jewelry.
2 Comments
Lois Demers
8/13/2017 11:14:33 pm

I agree, it makes so much more of an impact to see the pieces on a model. I have a beautiful daughter and 2 beautiful daughter in laws, and I should ask more for modeling from them. Maybe a little self consciousness on my part getting in the way?

Reply
Stephanie
8/19/2017 01:54:04 pm

When my mom passed away in 2014, I have been struggling with a way to remember her...she left me her jewelry and music, thank you so much for the indpiration.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Enjoy my content?

    Categories

    All
    Articles
    Blog
    Contests
    Giveaways
    Reviews
    Tutorials

    Archives

    February 2023
    April 2022
    January 2022
    July 2021
    November 2020
    September 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    August 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015


    Follow Me!


    Search My Site!


    Feed your creative spirit! Shop now!

    Picture

Check out my private Facebook group for live chats, giveaways and more! CLICK HERE!
FAQ
Contact
​
Gift Cards
NEWSLETTER
Jewelry Care
Privacy Policy
Permissions & Copyright
​Returns & Exchanges
​Shipping Policy
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Gallery
  • Learn To Wire Wrap
    • PDF Tutorials
    • Video Tutorials
    • Tutorial Membership 2022
  • Shop
    • SIGNATURE COLLECTION
    • GODDESS COLLECTION
    • PDF Tutorials >
      • Beginner Wire Weaving
      • Intermediate Weaving
      • PDFs for Cabochons
      • Advanced Weaving