May 29, 2008

White or No?

A Countless amount of threads have been started in the Etsy forums regarding background choices. The question presented, Is it better to have a white background or a coloured one?


A white background gets you a chance to be on the front page, certainly not a guarantee. It also requires extra editing and a possibility of the said "sterile" feel.

The backgrounds in my Etsy photos have always been something I've struggled with. I started with stark white and only this month have decided to scrap that and try the coloured backgrounds. The result?


Well, I still have no idea which way is the better. Its hard to judge visually from my standpoint but one thing I can tell you with 100% certainty, there was no sporadic jump in sales...

If you want to see the entire shop you can click the picture to be taken to my flickr page

11 comments:

Metallman said...

Hey there. The colored ones look better. The problem with color is that you need to choose the right one that bring more attention to the item where as a white background just looks so "blah".

Deb DiSalvo said...

I like the colored ones best. I started out taking pictures behind white, too. And especially with jewelry, I love to place my things on an open book page.
Cheers!
Deb

Rocki Adams said...

This is always a hot etsy topic. Although I like how some photos look with the white, you hit the nail on the head "sterile" - just too sqeaky clean for me.

I like your color backgrounds better. I like to be different, besides I've seen plenty on the front page with other backgrounds - like right now!

Anonymous said...

White is definitely more professional, and it helps the product stand out. If youre going with the white background, you have to eliminate the shadows.

I would be less inclined to buy something that was photographed on a colored background. Using white lets me imagine how it would look on me, in my home, etc etc. It helps me see it for what it is.

AlasMyDear said...

i struggle with that very often, too! personally i like coloured backgrounds in a shop...makes it look more interesting overall. i do have the occasional white background one though, just to keep my hopes of appearing on the FP alive!

LazyTcrochet said...

I like the varied backgrounds. It can be difficult to get a cohesive look in your shop overall, but I like it much better than plain white.

Anonymous said...

I prefer the 'after' shot, and your banner is great there too. It definitely is a tough subject though.

Grizzly Mountain Arts said...

I also prefer a colored background. I found some really nice off-white with a slightly darker pattern scrapbooking paper that works well. I love photos taken on open books. The only reason I stopped doing it in our shop was to give it a more cohesive look--I buckled to forum peer pressure! LOL That may change in the future if sales don't increase. If it's only the critics in the forums telling you what you "should" do but they aren't your buyers, why listen to them? :)

Melissa said...

I like the colored ones. :) I am still struggeling along with getting good pictures myself.

Oh Mandie said...

Everyone has white backgrounds nowadays... I say go against the grain! I love the colored ones, adds a certain life and vibrance to your shop :-)

Jean said...

I personally like the white because it looks more professional =s I actually usually like variety and colored backgrounds 'cuz it adds interest. I guess I'm torn between the two options, maybe it really doesn't matter that much.