HOW TO GUIDE - PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY

Good product photography is essential for any business and especially for a small, independent business looking to stand out. It is a process of trial and error, as I have learnt, but worth the stress and hours in the end. 

I take the majority of my product photos on my Samsung Galaxy S5. I do have a camera but prefer to use my phone because it is so much easier and, because everything is in one place, also quicker when it comes to editing the photos. The phone has a 16 mega-pixel camera which provides good quality photos but enhance my photos I invested in a set of lenses to attach to the camera on the phone. 

I have Macro, Fish Eye and Wide Angle lenses and use the Macro the most by far. Many of my products, especially those with watch parts, contain very small parts. The Macro lens is designed for clear close up photography so it is perfect for me. When comparing images, I have found the although the different in quality is subtle it does nevertheless make a different (in my opinion anyway). 

In the above picture the top image was taken using the Macro lens where as the bottom one was taken without. The crystals in the top image appear much clearer and the overall photo is much sharper than that taken without the lens. 

Next weeks "Behind the Scenes" blog will continue with the photography theme and will focus on the importance of image editing and how much of a difference it can make to you product photography. 

THURSDAY FEATURE - NOBIAS ART

My first feature is of the wonderful and quirky Etsy shop Nobias Art. This shop is run by Orsi and I have been totally inspired by her work with old buttons.

I have had a growing collection of buttons for some time now and have had no idea what to do with them. Nobias Art is stocked with a variety of unique button jewellery, as well as every day items like button magnets.

As well as working with buttons, the shop has a variety of bright and colourful wire wrap jewellery, cute felt brooches and unusual bead work jewellery.

Find out more about Orsi and check out her shop here.

NEW OBSESSION

I have recently become obsessed with raw brass and gold jewellery and so, as Spring approaches, expect a lot of new lines to be introduced. I'll be using this post to show off some of my favourite new stock. 
Firstly the top image is of my new gold plated watch cog necklaces which I absolutely love. There are five variations available and they all come on an 18 inch gold plated chain. These aren't yet available in the shop but depending on how popular they are I may also be bringing a silver version to the shop.

Next up is this gorgeous gold plated anchor necklace; nautical is currently a popular theme in the shop. These little anchors come on an 18 inch gold plated chain and are just £6.50! Find them here. 

And finally is this Vintage 1970s raw brass triple star necklace. This necklace again comes in an 18 inch gold plated chain, and I think it is a really interesting piece. I adore the contrast between the stars and love the fact that the charm is over 40 years old. You can find other vintage pieces in my Etsy shop.

WELCOME

Welcome to Cogs and Curiosities!

Cogs and Curiosities specialise in genuine vintage, steampunk, nautical and crystal jewellery. Many of the pieces are made using upcycled materials such as old watches, broken jewellery and other treasures found on the way. 

This blog has been created as a way of interacting better with customers and will feature behind the scenes, new products, guest features and "how to" guides.

You can find us on Etsy, Facebook and Instagram using the links below.

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