Unseemly Reflections in Your Item Photos - By: blog.RubyLane.com

Supplying images that are blurry or too distant from an item can definitely affect a shop’s sales. But so can offering unseemly views of an uncomplimentary pose or portion of the picture taker’s anatomy that reflect from the polished surface of an item. Sometimes very clear, up-close graphic images can be accidentally included in reflections.

We frequently advise being sure to include a few extreme close-ups that capture the detail of an object, since shoppers cannot hold the item in their hand to examine it. But when an item has a highly reflective surface taking close-up shots of its details may require a bit more care and some manipulation in order to keep from also including unintended mirrored images that can ‘reflect’ badly on the shop’s owner.

For instance, in the recent past we have noted individual item listings on which reflected images of such things as an overflowing trash can and piles of stained boxes or the north end of a southbound pet could be seen. Another commonly seen effect that is less likely to be disturbing to personal sensibilities but which can be very distracting to the eye is ‘camera face.’

That is to say a reflection of the camera user’s head with the camera in front of their face. We understand sometimes it can be hard to prevent reflected images from occurring when taking close-ups, but we encourage shop owners to make the effort to eliminate them whenever possible.

On occasion, the unmistakable reflections of adult nudity are added to a listing, too. Yes, when taking photos of items under hot lights in the comfort of their own home it apparently is not all that unusual for the picture taker to conduct this activity sans clothing, or only partially clothed. If you are not taking pictures of your items for yourself, but have asked a friend or family member to do this for you, then you might want to keep this in mind.

We’d like to believe when a nude reflection appears semi-hidden in an item photo this has always been an unexpected result that occurred inadvertently, but in some cases these may have been created intentionally. Should there be any doubt about their acceptability, we expect that shop owners will always use good common sense and show consideration for all possible visitors to their listings, including viewers who may be below the age of consent, when adding items to their shop.

Whether purposefully added just as a joke, or in an effort to draw to a listing as many prurient interest ‘hits’ as possible as word gets passed around about the reflection it contains, unseemly images can suggest disrespect for Ruby Lane visitors. Some may actually find suddenly viewing such images while shopping to be distressing.

No one should want their item pictures to reflect badly on them in the eyes (and minds) of shoppers, whether intentional or not. Poor imaging may have unintended consequences, not the least of which could be the effect of experiencing poor sales as buyers mark your shop as one they will want to avoid visiting again in the future.

Supplying images that are blurry or too distant from an item can definitely affect a shop’s sales. But so can offering unseemly views of an uncomplimentary pose or portion of the picture taker’s anatomy that reflect from the polished surface of an item. Sometimes very clear, up-close graphic images can be accidentally included in reflections.

Source: Notes from the Lane - Your complete resource for online sales success - http://blog.rubylane.com
Submitted by: RubyLane.com - http://www.rubylane.com
Ruby Lane is home to over 1900 online shops from around the world offering Antiques and Art, Vintage Collectibles and Jewelry in 2,000 categories