Taunton's Threads - For people who love to sew
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An Online Extra to Threads magazine Taking Great Photos of Garments For juried exhibitions and contests, it's important to submit clear, uncluttered pictures of your garments Sewing for competition or exhibition can be exhilarating and very satisfying. Even if they don’t expect to win awards, sewers of all skill levels can enjoy setting themselves the challenge of making a special garment that’s more detailed or complex than their usual projects, just for the fun of participating in a style show or contest. But having your work accepted at these events can seem like a challenge in itself. Many juried events base their early rounds of judging on photos, so if you want to make that first cut, it’s worth the effort to submit high-quality pictures of your work. After all, the judges need to be able to see your garment clearly to understand what went into making it. Below are some tips for obtaining the best possible photographs of your garment. And remember: sewing for competition is one of the best ways to stretch your skills -- so you’ll be a winner just for entering. 1. Be sure the garment is clean and well pressed. Ripples and wrinkles, no matter the cause, can be interpreted as inferior sewing, so be sure the item looks as smooth as possible. 2. Find a neutral, plain background. A fabric-covered, pinnable design board works well for garments that can be photographed flat, but a solid-colored wall makes a good backdrop for a piece displayed on a dress form. Choose a color (black, white, gray, or an off-white shade are best) that contrasts strongly with the overall color of the garment. Avoid busy backgrounds, which will only distract from the garment. 3. Arrange the garment attractively, in a simple way so the important details aren’t concealed. Very few garments look their best when hanging from a hanger or draped over a chair, and showing clothes on a person is more of a distraction than an advantage. 4. Eliminate props and accessories, unless they are actually part of the garment, for example, a fabric flower pin on a blouse, or a coordinating belt. 5. Aim for even, balanced, and adequate lighting. Underexposed and overexposed pictures hide details, as do harsh shadows. Try a variety of exposures if necessary, both with and without a flash, and move away room lights that create strong shadows. 6. Use either a moderate film speed (ISO 100-400) or set a digital camera to the highest resolution. This will enable you to make enlargements if necessary, without sacrificing image quality. 7. Shoot at least one full-length picture of the front and back of the garment. Try head-on views as well as three-quarter views -- you’ll then have the option to select the image that best conveys the look of the piece. 8. Take detail photographs as well. Judges will appreciate seeing close-up views of distinctive elements of your work, such as fancy stitching, interesting closures, or surface embellishment techniques. 9. When in doubt, hire a professional. If you don’t own a good camera, or don’t like the results of your photography, consider taking your garment to a professional photographer. A quick trip to the local department store or mall photographer will do the trick -- just request a neutral background, and be prepared to style the garment as you want it. Bring along a dress form if you have one; if not, consider bringing a large design board (foamcore or insulation foam) covered with fabric. If you plan to use the photographs for more than entering the contest, be sure to inquire about the copyright.
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