Photographing Your Work

Images displayed on our website need to be no larger than 1024 x 1024 pixels.  Our software will reduce the size of the image to display in various formats.  But if your image starts off small, the software will also make larger versions that will end up looking grainy.

In the OUT of the BOX show, we can allow 2 images for each submission. They will be displayed as separate entries but the description and title for each will be identical. If you decide to upload 2 images, one is OK though, one image should show the complete work (or what may make sense).  Your second image should show a smaller section of the work – what someone might be able to view if standing in front of it on display.

The following is general information you may find useful when trying to photograph your textiles.

1. The most important thing you can do is concentrate on your light source. Natural light is always the best way to go! First things first, pick a location with a lot of natural light, but avoid setting your product up in any sun glares. Turn off all unnatural light sources, including your flash on the camera. Pick a time of day where the light is strong, and avoid shooting directly into the main light source, or you risk losing detail in your shot.
2. Pick a solid backdrop that doesn’t blend into your art piece. If your item is dark, use a light background. If your object is light, use a dark background. Plain carpeting, a towel, sheet, or blanket can provide an easy backdrop. Other options include mat board, foamcore bounce cards, white paper roll, or poster board, which is available in black or white.  Try shooting in a highly lit area, or even outside. If you shoot from above, and lay your art flat, you will only have your solid background and no pesky backdrop that can be distracting.
3. Watch your angles. 90 degree angles and straight lines are always prettier, and pleasing to the eye. Tilt your phone (and even yourself) so that almost every angle you are seeing is a 90 degree angle or straight line in your image.
4. Avoid zooming in where you can. If you need a close-up shot, just move in close to your product. You’ll get a much better finished product photo than zooming in.
5. If you would like to take your image a step further, you can download Lightroom for iPhone. It is a software used for almost all professional batch editing, but on your iPhone the app is free!