Photographing Spectacles - which looks best?

retro ruth

retro ruth

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Staff member
Hello

I'm finally getting around to selling my stock of vintage spectacles, and am trying out how best to photograph them. I'd love a second opinion. Do they look better using the polystyrene head, or without?

I'm know I'm not the world's best photographer, and I will try and improve the lighting as well.

Thanks!

Ruth
 
Personally, I think they look better without the head, but the head does give an idea of size (and importantly, how they're going to look when you're wearing them). Perhaps both?

Nicole
 
I agree without the head, but isn't the styrofoam head slightly smaller than the average human head? because I don't want people thinking they are bigger than they are.

Perhaps its time to do the hair and put a little makeup on, I think vintage glasses deserve a real face :-) Most buyers have no imagination you have to show them what it can look like lol.

Just an opinion but if you don't do photos on you (or a model) I definitely think one photo with the head somewhere in the middle of your pictures is a good idea.
 
Thanks so much for the feedback everyone! Really really helpful. I have to admit, it hadn't occurred to me to use both!

I am planning to do three angles (face on, 3/4 and side) so I'll do those without the head and then one with. I have about 40 to photograph so I wanted to come up with a plan before I start.

@Deborah: thanks for compliment on pix - i looked at them on my work computer after posting, and they look much better than on my home, so I'm now quite pleased with them.

@jluthye: you are right the polystyrene head is smaller, but I always give detailed measurements (front edge to edge, hinge to hinge, arm to bend, arm to end, width of lens), so I think that'll be okay. I'm not sure I want my face on ebay, but a live model is a good idea, though I think I probably won't manage to organise it.

As I'm typing this it occurs to me I also have a mannequin with a painted face - D'oh! perhaps I'll try them on her too.

Thanks again everyone

Ruth
 
No they are taken with daylight, indoors by my window, lots of white surfaces around to reflect, against a large sheet of white card curved up behind. Then in iPhoto using the 'Enhance' button, which I've discovered is a pretty good one-click repair to make your whites whiter and your brights brighter - while keeping colours true. It doesn't always work but when it does saves a lot of fiddling around in photoshop.

I'm so pleased you like them - I'm working on a photographic lighting set up to avoid having to digitally alter them, but the vital thingamyjig I just bought doesn't work, so I'm back to daylight for now.
 
I am going to agree that the 2nd photo is stunning. I agree that the head should be a shot but later down in the line just to show scale along with the measurements...
 
Many thanks Marty. I haven't used frames as a KW - only glasses and spectacles, so that's good advice. I am aiming at those looking to reglaze with prescription - I even give advice about it in listings. Mainly selling on ebay - so far the only online selling outlet I have - though I sold a couple of pairs at a market today. I've also one private buyer who's bought from me before, so she may well take a few - I'm going to send her the pix before I list. They are all NOS too which helps!

Glad you like my typist lady! I think she's pretty funny. I was researching old-fashioned secretary images for a business idea, and found her.

Ruth
 
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