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Capturing pottery for online sales requires a deliberate, repeatable approach that translates the craft’s texture, form, and glaze into a digital image. Start by establishing a simple, controlled environment: a steady tripod, a fixed backdrop, and a consistent light source. The goal is to minimize variables that distort color and shape from shot to shot. Set your camera to manual mode so exposure, white balance, and focus stay constant. Use a neutral background that doesn’t compete with the piece, ideally a seamless paper or fabric in a soft gray or ivory. With practice, you’ll remove guesswork and create a reliable catalogue of images.

Color accuracy hinges on lighting and white balance, so invest time calibrating both before shooting. Begin with two or three daylight-balanced bulbs or a high-quality LED panel that renders colors faithfully. Position lights at 45-degree angles from the pottery, ensuring even illumination without harsh shadows. Use a neutral gray card to gauge exposure and calibrate white balance in your camera. Take a quick test shot and compare to a color swatch; adjust shutter speed, ISO, and aperture to avoid blown highlights while preserving subtle glaze hues. A repeatable setup ensures consistent results across multiple sessions.

Consistency extends beyond the setup to how you present each piece. Decide on a uniform composition for all shots—three angles per item: front, side, and detail. Keep these angles aligned using a fixed height and distance, so the viewer experiences a cohesive gallery rather than a patchwork of perspectives. Avoid clutter by surrounding the piece with a minimal, non-distracting environment and a consistent angle that reveals glaze texture. If you photograph multiple pieces, maintain identical spacing and framing to reinforce a professional, cohesive look. This consistency helps buyers compare items confidently and reduces post-processing illusions about size or color.

When backgrounds matter, choose a color and texture that complements the pottery without overpowering it. A light, neutral backdrop makes glazes pop, while a mid-tone background often reduces glare on glossy surfaces. For porcelain and high-fire ware, a pure white background can be tricky unless lighting is perfectly balanced; subtle off-white or light gray may deliver more accurate color. Test several background materials—paper, fabric, or vinyl—and select the one that renders glaze tones most faithfully under your lighting. Record the exact background you use for each shoot so you can reproduce results reliably in future sessions.

Post-processing is the final guardian of color accuracy and consistency. Shoot in RAW so you have maximal latitude to correct exposure without degrading image quality. Begin by adjusting white balance with the calibrated gray card as a reference, then fine-tune exposure and contrast to reflect the piece’s true depth. Keep saturation modest to preserve glaze nuances; over-sharpening can introduce artifacts that misrepresent texture. Systematize your edits by creating a standard preset for all pottery images, applying it uniformly to maintain a cohesive catalog. Finally, review images on calibrated screens and, if possible, on a second device to ensure colors hold across viewing environments.

For texture, resolution matters, and you should aim for clarity that communicates weight and surface finish. Use a moderate aperture to keep the full form in focus while maintaining a soft background separation. When detailing patterns or brushwork, consider a macro shot that highlights the glaze’s micro-dimples and brush strokes without exaggerating them. Keep lens distortion in check by shooting at eye level with the wheel-thrown form, rather than from oblique angles that warp proportions. A thoughtful blend of broad and close-up images will help customers understand the piece’s quality and craftsmanship.

Lighting angles influence how glaze transitions read on camera. Employ a three-point lighting approach: key light at 45 degrees, fill from the opposite side to soften shadows, and a subtle backlight to separate the piece from the backdrop. Use diffusion to prevent hot spots on glossy surfaces. If glare appears, reposition lights or add diffusion cloth to reduce reflections. Remember that glaze color shifts under different angles, so capture at multiple points to represent the piece accurately. Maintaining a uniform lighting profile across shoots ensures your catalog looks intentional and professional, giving buyers confidence in what they will receive.

A meticulous cropping strategy supports consistency across your listings. Establish a standard framing that features a comfortable amount of negative space and shows the entire object with a predictable margin. Avoid placing the item exactly in the center; a slight offset can feel more natural and visually engaging. Use consistent aspect ratios so images align neatly in your shop template. If you sell multiple sizes or orientations, create versioned templates that preserve the same spacing and background color. Subtle, repeatable edits reduce buyer confusion and increase perceived reliability of your brand.

When photographing different firing ranges or glaze families, maintain a consistent color baseline. If your glazes vary widely, you can still normalize color portrayal by referencing a color standard in the frame alongside the piece. This method gives you a tangible reference point for color consistency across items. Document lighting conditions, backdrops, and camera settings for each shoot so you can reproduce results in future batches. Buyers appreciate predictable color representation because it minimizes the risk of returns due to misinterpretation. A transparent, methodical workflow builds trust and strengthens your online reputation.

Consider the impact of ambient reflections and material integrity on color perception. Matte glazes behave differently from glossy ones under the same light, so adapt your approach to each surface. For reflective finishes, angle the piece to minimize mirror-like reflections while still displaying full glaze depth. If necessary, use cross-polarizing or diffusion techniques to control glare without dulling the color. Capturing a faithful representation requires attentiveness to these subtleties, coupled with a consistent framework you apply across every listing.

Accessibility and searchability can be improved alongside color accuracy with consistent naming and metadata. Tag each image with the same product name, size, weight, material, glaze family, and firing information. This metadata helps customers filter options and enables search engines to index your catalog accurately. Maintain a predictable sequence of photos per item so shoppers learn where to look for each detail, such as form, texture, and color. Regularly audit your gallery to ensure all listings conform to your established workflow. A well-documented process saves time and reduces errors during busy posting periods.

In the end, evergreen photography for pottery blends craft, science, and storytelling. Your background, lighting, and post-processing choices should reinforce the viewer’s understanding of the piece while staying faithful to its real appearance. Build a repeatable system and stick to it across all items and sessions. Seek feedback from peers and buyers to refine your methods, especially around color precision and glare management. With disciplined habits, your online shop will display pottery that feels tangible, inviting, and trustworthy—an authentic mirror of your handmade practice.