I’ve been trying to figure out how best to photograph my masks. Generally speaking, I prefer mask pictures *without* a model as I feel they’re distracting (my eye is always drawn to the person’s face, and the mask becomes less of a focus). However, I’m not sure this glass head is doing me any favors. It is not quite true to size — or shape — so the mask does not fit exactly as it does on a real person. In addition, the glass gets all kind of flashes and glare, which makes photographing it rather challenging.
What do you think? Is the mask better showcased with or without a model?
And for what it’s worth, I realize that there are other facets of my photography that could stand improvement … hopefully, some of those issues will be addressed in the photography class that I’m starting this week!
Between the two, I like the model better — but in general, I don’t like faux people as display props. I think if the model is as consistent as possible, both the same person and the same look, that’s better than the glass head.
Is there some way you can suspend the mask against a white background when taking photographs, Andrea?
I feel as if both methods you have shown in this post detract from the mask. My eye tends to take in either the model or that awesome glass head. We have recently gotten a photo cube to take my jewelry photos and it does allow one to hang things in it.
Kathy V in NM
Thanks for the input, guys — it helps more than you know!
Kathy, I do shoot the masks against a plain background as well. The only downside with that is that some of my masks look quite different when they’re worn.
Since Etsy allows you to include multiple photos, I thought it’d be good to include a pic that shows how they look on.
Hmm…I really, really like the model, but then my perspective is somewhat thwarted since the model is so dear to me. So…on a more factual basis, yes, the model does detract from the mask’s separate beauty. mob