Consignment, resale and thrift shops have ever-changing selection, and that’s a strong selling point visually, in the photos we use on our web sites and blogs.
Alas, sometimes though, when we’re taking photos of our shop, we bore the sox off our customers.
Just taking a quick shot of your shoe area to use in your blog or on your site often makes for photos which are unappealing, boring…and less than motivating. I’d think twice before using photos like the following.
Seriously, do these photos make you want to drop everything and go shopping for shoes?
(click each to see larger)
Is this your fashion footwear...or a filing system?
Sure, lots of selection...but what about flair and style?
Oh dear. At least tie the shoelaces.
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Not me. I see these in a blog or on a web site and so what? is what goes through my head. Such boring shots don’t engage my shopping hot button.
Ah, but here’s some enticing ways to present shoes photographically, and still show the range of styles and selection we are justly proud of.
Just a little angle and some spare napkins make this shot great.
If you don't want to rearrange your shop for a photo, do a close-up of a well-lit representative sample. Viewers will get the idea that your shop's got it all!
Sometimes, your "shoe department" is nowhere in sight. But doesn't this photo get the idea of selection and style across? Bonus: people in shots are always eye-catching.
Auntie Kate The Resale Expert 
[…] and some more shoe-shots here. Love the couch […]
Thanks for always showing us a different angle for promoting our businesses Kate. YOU ROCK!
Oh yes, Martha, strive for people in ALL your pix. More on this at https://auntiekate.wordpress.com/2010/06/30/neutron-bomb-has-fallen/
The “models” can be family or friends, they don’t have to be shoppers who just stopped in at that moment. As you’ll see on that posting…the “people” can even be mannequins!
I would, however, refrain from using pets as models…
Love the idea of putting people in the pic….it always draws me to that pic verses other ones……another great one. Thanks Kate
Hi Jenni! Best wishes with your new web site. You may find that our articles on TGtbT.com about photographing the exterior and interior of your shop will help (start at http://tgtbt.com/photo.htm which leads to the other page).
And of course, no web site is complete without shots of the people who will be greeting the customer. Smile for the Camera! is a collection of suggestions for that. It’s a TGtbT mini-Product for the Professional Resaler on our “Lunch with Kate” page at http://tgtbt.com/luncheonette.htm
This is so timely for me. We’re designing a web site and taking pictures. I’ll be sure to remember the excitement factor!