Would this image convince you to buy...?

My fellow photographers please let me know what you like and dislike about the image below. Would this image in any way affect your decision to buy if you are in the market for a similar watch?

The photo was taken under overcast sky @ 6:30 PM.

Shooting Mode Aperture-Priority AE
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/25
Av( Aperture Value ) 9.0
Metering Mode Spot Metering
ISO Speed 100
Lens EF28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
Focal Length 135.0mm
Image Size 3888x2592
Image Quality MRAW

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

At first quick look, I don't think the mat that the watch is on does not do it any justice. There is a green tint or reflection on the band, and there is a glare or reflection on the watch face. All not very appealing.

The glare is the deal killer for me. Maybe move to a different angle so the light changes, maybe try a polarizer for the glare if you can't control the light.

I agree with the above comments. A black background with a reflection might be sweet

Would not be interested.

The green reflection makes it look like fake gold, like really fake gold.
The white glare on the front is making it look worn down.
The inside of the band looks scratched.
And it looks like it was plopped down on a car seat and photographed.

Sorry to be blunt/harsh, but that's what stood out to me right away.

I'm not sure what you are asking -- do you mean like on ebay, or are you trying your hand at retail product photography?

Thanks for the frank, blunt and constructive criticism. I did notice the greenish tint later on.

Someone apparently wanted to sell product (like jewelry) online so I hurriedly showed her how it can be done.

I simply placed the watch on a flat surface outdoor and use the overcast conditions to take the photograph.

I would have used a black clean level surface if I had one so I grabbed something else.

That's one really ugly watch. I don't think the photo would matter...

The shadows look to harsh.. Did you use the pop-up flash?

I don't like the watch. But photographically the textured background and the blown out areas on the watch are not good.

SimplyShane wrote in post #12483032
That's one really ugly watch. I don't think the photo would matter...

+1 - but that's just personal taste.

But on the photo - are you using a UV filter on the lens? If so don't. The lighting and composition could be much better. Laying the watch flat on its side isn't that attractive. Higher contrast, sharper image, better background.

Check the lights in a high end jewelry store. They are bright and focused on the jewelry to elicit proper highlights that draw the eye.

The green makes me thing that it's the color your wrist will turn when you wear it.

Everyone should have 30" X 40" art board in white, gray, & black. They aren't expensive & come in handy for a lot of uses.

i work in the jewelry industry so my opinion is based half in photography and half in the world of jewelry and jewelry advertising.

Generally you won't see a watch on its side in an image. There are several positions that are common, and quite flattering to watches. Remember, the face is the key.

1. Straight up and down with the face fully facing the camera
2. Straight up and down with the face slightly tilted away from the camera. This shows off the band a little bit as well.
3. The face of the watch is facing the camera directly, but the whole watch is tilted several degrees so that its off kilter a bit.

With regards to background and jewelry shots, you'll want to almost always go with a white background. The other part of jewelry photography that can be incredibly difficult is reducing the glare and blown highlights that can come from objects that have so many angled surfaces and reflective parts. Jewelry photography can be TOUGH to get right. Even in advertisements in my own industry, we see failures all the time. Don't be surprised if it takes you a while to capture an image that truly captures the design and beauty of the watch or jewelry you're shooting.

+1 on the above comments. Also, aren't a lot of watches shot with the time set at 10:10 or something?

Thanks EVERYONE for the input. Thanks Melody, Dave, FrankC and Dirk for your valuable insight.

I will go to the art store this weekend and get a few art boards and I will attempt the photo again and again until I get it PERFECT!