Check out my Vintage Marketing Article

that is a GREAT article, Sandra, you write so its easy to understand, and flows well, not too long, not too short. Excellent job!

congratulations on a job well done, and best of luck on your ongoing contributions!!
 
Fantastic job, Sandra! :)

As someone who is about to jump back in to the online selling community (*sigh* soon. I hope!), it's timely information for me to digest.
Back in the day, my pictures set a pretty good standard - however, they'd be horribly SUB-standard, now! I need to seriously start thinking about my lighting/camera/backgrounds, etc.
Thanks!
 
As I am starting to sell on a more frequent basis online, I am struggling with a proper work space to take pictures. I like taking advantage of sunlight, but would prefer to have a dedicated space for lit shots.

Thanks for the compliment Kristine. I know if you guys approve, it must be good.

Sandra
 
Weardrobe\'s vintage closet

Great job with the article! It's very informative.

I just wanted to reach out and see if anyone would be interested in joining a really cool project we're doing here at weardrobe. We're basically amassing a closet full of cool clothes (both vintage and designer) that we send to our users (who are mostly fashion bloggers) to borrow, style, and photograph. It's a great way to get expoure to a community of really fashion-conscious girls who are style influencers.

Let me know what you think!
Lauren
http://www.weardrobe.com
 
Dang. I don't know how in the world I missed this in late May, but just now when I went to the site (knowing the article is just what I need), the link brought me to a page that's temporarily offline and under maintenance. I'll be checking back! Sounds like a well-written and helpful article, Sandra. I'm really looking forward to reading it.
 
great article,well written and nice!
I have faced that problem as well and I take 100 pictures of an item until I finally find the 'it' look (that one picture that will sell my item for sure)

I've had another problem,which I'd like to discuss with you...what sort of mannequin should a vintage trader use? I have both a tailoring one(bust+ hips) and a modern one,with wig,facial features and everything else.

I have noticed that items photographed on the modern one tend not to sell so well....even though they give a clearer picture of how the item looks on a real person.I even added accessories and created whole looks

Example here: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y-BuWGwPwyo/Sc-kE81R9AI/AAAAAAAAC4g/U-Iw4bXeTcM/s1600-h/photo+219.jpg

What do you advice me in this matter? Thanks

Lizzie
 
I don't think it really matters what you use as long as the clothing are well styled. However, some will say that live models REALLY sell clothing. It's been an discussion in the past. Have you ever tried testing the same outfit on a dress form and the mannequin to see if there really is a difference?
 
If you mean like,posting the same items 2 times,no,I haven't.

I like the model you're using,by the way..

A client told me that when she buys vintage she loves that feeling of buying a museum item,and everything looks older and more valuable if photographed on such a mannequin like the one you have(no head)

I mean sites like AntiqueDress.com,TheFrock.com or VintageTextile.com(some of the most expensive on the net) dont use live models and I dont think its because they can't afford one...
 
Congratulations Sandra! You're very eloquent. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article. It's really well written and I look forward to reading more. Well done! :drinkingtoast:
 
Lizzie - I agree with the sentiment of trying to recreate a museum quality image. My personal opinion is that it looks more important. Some sellers that sell more modern vintage (most not even really vintage) use live models because they are catering to a much younger, very fashion/trend driven audience. It's lucrative I'm sure. It just depends who your ideal client is. I am going through this whole marketing/psychographics reevaluation right now myself.

But rather than buy a whole new mannequin, just crop the head off. Many sellers here do that. I prefer a white mannequin because I like getting away from the "real human" look. The more abstract or surreal, the better, for my taste. I still use a dress form. But for smaller sizes (my mannequin is a size 4) and things with sleeves or long skirts, I use the mannequin.

Louise - thank you so much. I would love to write more of these. I love the marketing part. Hate the photography part though LOL.
 
I've been thinking about buying a full mannequin for some time. I always think that museum styled photos look the best. My own mannequin has done me well but as she's no arms or legs! (poor dear) and it's difficult showing clothing with lots of detail in the sleeves or even trousers. I avoid buying vintage trousers for that exact reason. The other thing that puts me off is having to re-take all my photos although if it makes my stock look more professional, it might be worth the time. I make a point of using a really good camera and use a white background always. I don't like clutter of any kind in the background - it's too distracting.

I think I'm going to start looking around for a nice mannequin - I agree that white looks good and I also love the silver coloured ones. Not sure why but I always think they look classy. Are they very expensive to buy in the States? I'll have to look UK side but I'd be interested to know what you'd pay for a full mannequin (without a head)?

BTW - I do think the young models look great but you're right, they're better modelling the 60's and 70's clothing and also they can make a rather plain outfit look appealing - meaning the buyer might be disappointed when they realise they don't look the same as the 6ft, (8 stone when wet) model :wacko:
 
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