As you know, I started a new finished jewelry and crafts store, CraftaGems earlier this year.  Like everyone else, I try to take good photos. However, I did have some concern with some of the items. Do my photos really show how shiny or sparkly some of the designs really are? After all, we want that little wow factor to turn a visit into a sale. 

Lo and behold, Etsy launched their beta video function for listings - only 1 video per listing is allowed.  So I gave it a go and added short video clips (5-15 seconds) to some of the listings I felt needed it.    You can see the actual video as an image option when you click on any of the design links below. 

Uploading is straightforward when getting a listing ready. I shot the videos using my iPhone mounted on a small tripod using the native camera app's video option. I clicked on EDIT to crop and reorientate the video.  Lighting conditions should be as for photos.  But the editing function will allow you to correct exposure etc if necessary. 

One thing I learned is to focus and keep one's hands in that focal range during the shoot. This is something I had to consciously remember! Need more practice. 



This black laser cut acrylic earrings is bold but looked less than exciting in its static representation :


But the video clip I took did show its shine and a bit of movement : 


The TierraCast crystal studs and gold glitter acrylic of this glamorous pair showed a bit of sparkle in the photo :

But the video shows much more sparkle and movement : 


I don't think people would notice the glass like appearance of clear resin for this real flower resin pendant of mine teamed with a gorgeous TierraCast botanical bail : 


But the sparkly from the super shiny jewelry grade resin from Little Windows really shows up in the video clip.  You might be able to hear the sound of the chain in the embedded video below but uploaded videos on Etsy itself is without sound. 


These are my real 24 K gold foil resin tear drop earrings. The photo turned out well enough but I stll added a video to the listing. 




What could possibly go wrong with short video clips?  Well - here is a blooper!


I haven't done the next option but other Etsy sellers have also shown how handmade crafts are used, or in the case of jewelry, worn.  This lovely handmade tassel earrings modeled example is by Texas based  designer, Kali Moxley of Symposium Co


I don't think Etsy sellers will upload videos for every item they sell. But I suspect they will choose the ones which will benefit most from video clips.  I could see tutorial designers also using this new function to showcase some of their lessons. 

What do you think? Would you as a seller, use this function?  Or if you were a buyer, would a video be helpful?  Please share your thoughts in the comments!

Photography 
I used  my iPhone 8+ for final product photography in natural light. I used  the Orangemonkie studio which comes equipped with LED lights - for artificial light photography in my windowless basement studio. The Foldio2 Plus is excellent . I use the Foldio3 because I need the room for tutorial photography. 

My online class Easy Guide to Smartphone Jewelry Photography is now available. Read more about it here.  

Before You Go:

Disclosure 

This blog may contain affiliate links. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. This goes towards the support of this blog and to provide resource information to readers. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation. 
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM