Handmade

[Whippeticious]

I am a beginner at photography and would appreciate some constructive critique.
I took this photo of my leatherwork to email to the client and then thought maybe I could keep something like this to use as an advert for my leathercraft. I included some of the tools I use. Is it OK or can you suggest how I can make it better.
thanks
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/3096181219_ea2594c19a_b.jpg

[Nathan]

I'd say not too bad, except there's some visual clutter. I understand that you may want to include the tools of the trade as part of the photo. If that's the case, I'd move the string somewhere into the background because it is drawing my attention because part of it is in the same depth of field as the leather pieces.

I might rearrange the pointy tool and knife somehow and I'm a little ambivalent about how much in focus those two items should be... they can add to the photo, but I'm not sure how unless I get to move some of the objects around myself. Otherwise, just be generally aware of how much visual clutter you have and if you must have them, then be deliberate where you put them.

If I were you, I'd frame it so that there is more space above the leather pieces... there's an awful lot of dead space at the bottom of the frame.

[chique]

Just my own thoughts, but the knife and sealer look too modern and are too close to the leather (specially the sealer). I agree with Reign about the string. Also, there's some distracting white on the right.
By the way, your leather work looks good.

[SwingBopper]

I would concentrate more on your leatherwork than your tools. Put some more samples in the frame. If you want tools, put them OOF in the BG.

[TrishaW]

Beautiful work! :D

[Whippeticious]

OK thanks, this really was a spur of the moment pic, I just made a gap in the clutter on my work table and plonked the collars there. It was only once I took it that I thought something like this might be good as advertising. I will have a play around and keep in mind what you've all said. I know what you mean about the tools looking modern but, well, they're what I use. I'd love to have some well used rustic antiquey looking things, come to think of it, that stanley knife is quite old, it was my fathers and he's been dead since '82 but those things dont change alot.
Oh and thanks for the comments on my collars. They are made from kangaroo hide and these two are for whippets in Norway! I hope she likes them.

[Nathan]

what's kangaroo hide like? do you have a website of your products?

[puadxe]

There's too much stuff. Leather making has an oldfashioned flare to it but some of the tools in the pic muddy that idea. I'd get rid of anything with a label on it, the exacto knife, and the tape measure, maybe keep the string but take the packaging off. What everything is sitting on is kind of dirty too, maybe a bare wooden table would be better.

I like the pic though, the texture and color of that belt is gorgeous, I wouldn't change a thing about that.

[Whippeticious]

what's kangaroo hide like? do you have a website of your products?

Nope, no website and I dont think I ever will. I wouldn't be able to keep up with the orders if I advertised. I am actually having a bit of a rest from leather work for a while, I had to finish this order and that will be it for a couple of months.
Kangaroo hide is extremely strong but very soft. the items pictured are actually dog collars not belts. Whippets have long slender necks with fine skin so need something that wont rub but has to be strong. these collars are designed to tighten if they pull so they cant slip them with their little pin heads.

[Nathan]

what i might change about the photo is the color of the light source... the white/blue light doesn't go well with the belt... i'd like to see a warmer light source.

i'm not totally opposed to modern elements. as long as it's done right, it'll work. you don't have to play into the "leatherwork is oldfashioned" cliche. feel free to bring it into the modern era. it's not like the knife and the tool in your photo are high tech. i'm just not convinced that you have to feign an old fashioned photo.

are kangaroo gloves soft? =)