show projects on models?

In another post, someone mentioned how our photos of finished jewelry do not always show how a pieces looks when it is worn. The point is well taken and recognized. We show the photos as we do to make it easy to see how to make the piece--that's why everything is styled and spread out. 

And, using models can be tricky--will a certain age or type of model be off-putting to anyone?

Solution idea: Show pieces on a jewelry display form that simulates a neckline, in a small photo solely meant for showing the real deal in real life.

I look forward to hearing replies to this!

 Leslie, editor in chief, Step by Step Beads, Creative Jewelry and Bead Star

I think putting them on a display in a small photo is the best idea as I agree that the model used could be off-putting. I also like being able to see the entire necklace which isn't possible when it's being worn or on a display. For the BeadStar contest I found the items that were on simple white backgrounds with no other distractions were the easiest to view and most appealing for judging purposes.

 Hi Sandi--

I smiled at your comment for backgrounds used in photos for Bead Star. You just saw the finalists. Some of the backgrounds we saw were really quite... puzzling choices.

Thanks for your reply about using display forms instead of models. stay tuned to SBSB and see what we may come up with down the road when a new issue begins production (that would be Nov Dec.)

LR

 I think if it is in a magazine, I don't mind seeing it modeled. However, if it is a piece that I am looking to purchase, I don't want it "used" so to speak. I do understand about the concern for a model type to be off putting, however, if you are just showing the wrist for the bracelet for example, it would have to be really bad to off put me. Same idea with a necklace, just show the neckline. I really don't have to see the whole head. I don't like to see the mannequin parts, especially the hands with the pinky sticking up...weird! Hate those!

Anyway, I like seeing it modeled on a person as it does give me a better perspective. Although I have seen some cute simple props on Artfire.com . Some use the white bust displays and those are okay, but some use plates, vases, bowls, etc to drape the jewelry and that is a cute idea. Although you probably won't see the whole piece.

I don't mind seeing jewelry on a model, but I think a jewelry bust is fine too.  I do like the idea of seeing a small pic of a necklace displayed this way to give an idea how it will look.  Bracelets and earrings don't matter as much to me.

 I like seeing a finished piece on either a model or display since it gives me an idea of the dimensions of the piece. I have a hard time visualizing dimensions, so being able to see how it looks on a neck, wrist, finger or ear is helpful!!

~B

I find I am often surprised (and sometimes not in a good way) by how a finished necklace looks when I put it on, vs what it looked like laid out on the bead board. When I lay it out all artistically to be photographed, I can disguise flaws you notice when you're actually wearing it--like when you place a large bead too high on the strand, and they end up looking like frankenstein bolts sticking out on your neck, or you made one strand slightly too long and it doesn't drape as well as the other side, etc.

I have often wondered if the editors of beading magazines actually try on the pieces they get for submission to see how they look on a real person, and if it makes any difference in what they choose for publication.

Erin