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Too Good to be Threw, The Premiere Web Site for Consignment, Resale & Thrift shop owners

 

 

How to photograph the exterior of your shop.  
Whether you want a shot for your web site, as a full-color glossy postcard or business card, or just a simple black-and-white for letterhead, handouts, and fliers, there are some Dos and Don'ts.

 

Do

Make your shop colorful with bold window displays.
Show people coming in and out, dressed in bright solid-color attire.
Accessorize your models. Hand the children a balloon, the women glossy shopping bags. 
Will your husband carry a pile of "gifts" or 2 colorful lamps he's just "purchased"?
 Perfect time of day for this photo! Click to see Tracy's web site
Jazz it up, if applicable to your shop, with merchandise out front. Remember: color! The navy-blue stroller might be the best one you have, but the red one will photograph better.
Choose your time of day carefully. Early morning or late afternoon give the warmest light.

 

Don't

Don't allow extraneous items in your shot. You might need to use traffic cones to keep people from parking while you're shooting, but don't let them sneak into the frame. 
Don't line up sidewalk merchandise in a row. Vary the depth, cluster 3 pieces together, leave some space.
 I've deleted the shop's sign from its soffit.
     
Don't let the interior of your shop look like a black hole. All lights on; if necessary, add more.
Don't forget to consider the sun. Will there be distracting shadows?

 

Some tricks of the trade:

Wet down the sidewalk in front to make nice reflections, and to provide contrast with your colorful window displays. Or try twilight, as in our Do example.
Make sure your "customer" models represent the variety of people you want as shoppers. Kidswear shop? Add a grandparent-looking couple. If you carry plus sizes, use a plus-size customer.
Your exterior is dull? Add a bright park bench, wind-socks, flower planters. You might be tempted to leave them there forever!

 

Thanks Kate for all this FREE info & fun. I'd like to donate to keep TGtbT SUBSCRIPTION-FREE, ON-LINE and BANNER-FREE. Send me to the place i can contribute!

Kate's advice on taking photos of your shop interior.