03.12.06
A Note about Finished Object Photos
So, every time I post photos of finished objects to my blog, I wind up feeling conflicted about it. On the one hand, I want the FO to look great and to be shown off to its best effect. Since photography is a minor hobby of mine, with Matt also having a good eye behind the lens, I like doing “photo shoots” with my FOs to see if I can get some fun pictures that make the thing I knit look good. I do this partly for myself, because I like to have a pleasing record of what I knit (especially if it’s going to be given away) and partly for others, because I really love seeing great-quality photos of others’ knitting on their blogs. (I fault no one for taking self-in-the-mirror FO pictures, because some people want to spend their time knitting, not documenting their knitting, and I get that.) Anyway, photographing (or making Matt photograph) my knitting is a part of the process that I really enjoy. I don’t consider something “finished” until I’ve taken several pictures and blogged them.
On the other hand, I always agonize over the possibility that others might see different motives in my blog pictures. Given the nature of the things I knit, and the fact that gift recipients typically reside mailing-distance away, the job of “modeling” the knitting typically falls to me (Matt is a sport about taking the pictures, but he draws the line at flitting around in lace shawls while I snap away with the camera). My first priority in choosing which photos go on the blog is finding ones that make the knitting look good; secondary considerations include a) is it a cool photo, and b) do I not look like a goon? But even eliminating pictures based on those criteria usually leaves me with more than I need, so I always wind up posting more pictures than is probably strictly necessary. I’m afraid people will come to my blog and look at, say, my previous post about the RRS and think, “Wow, that girl really loves pictures of herself.” They might think I started this blog in the hopes that people will think I look good, not just my knitting. (This is why, whenever someone very kindly says something nice about how I look, as opposed sticking strictly to the topic of my knitting, I cringe a little inside.) To lessen this impression I often post photos of me without my face showing, but sometimes a picture just looks better when it’s not cut off at the neck.
I’m really a very modest person, and I don’t like to dress to show off or make people look at me. If a shirt exposes my collarbone I think it’s too provocative. If a dress provides any hint at the shape of my body, I worry that people at whatever party we’re attending will think I am the hired stripper. Seriously, ask Matt. So it bugs me to think that blog readers might think I’m all about me me me lookit me closeup on my prettiness (major prize to anyone who can identify that incredibly obscure reference). I will continue to try to get good photos of my knitting, and I will continue to model them as appropriate, but I just wanted to clarify for my readers that I have no motives aside from getting you to think that my knitting is pretty.
Disclaimer over. Expect me to provide a link to this in every FO post from now on.
P.S. I did not post this so everyone would say, “I never thought that!” or “Wow, you haven’t done a very good job of weeding out the photos where you look like goon,” or whatever, so don’t feel the need to comment. This is an informational post only.
Areli said,
March 12, 2006 at 2:49 pm
Well, I still think you looked lovely modeling it. I can understand wanting to keep the focus on the knitting. I struggle with that as the grandparents want my blog to be about my kids, while I want to keep it about knitting. You did an excellent job showing the shawl at its best, and I really appreciate well done pictures on blogs, it is so very helpful, plus just fun to look at. I never thought of you were trying to keep the focus on yourself or how you look in the shawl. Your mom is getting a gift to treasure.
NessieNoodle said,
March 12, 2006 at 3:11 pm
don’t be silly! the photos you have up here are great! they show that you are not only a great knitter but have an eye for photography too- I love seeing the pictures of the items, and what better way to do so then on a person?
PS that shawl in the last post is FABULOUS and I LOVe Love love the last pic~
Mary Ann said,
March 12, 2006 at 4:19 pm
Absolutely! I agree with NessieNoodle.
Laura said,
March 12, 2006 at 6:44 pm
One of the reasons why I like reading your blog is because you have such great photos on it. Kudos to Matt for being such a wonderful photographer. I couldn’t talk Peter into following me around while I prance about in knitted garments. A couple of photos and he’s done for the day.
I seriously doubt people will think that you are narcissistic because of all the photos of yourself that you post. If anything, I hope they see that modeled photos look much better than throwing the object on the floor and taking a picture. (Something that I often have to resort to.)
Shelley said,
March 12, 2006 at 6:47 pm
I enjoy seeing the pictures on peoples blogs of themselves and their knitted items. However, I hate to post pics of myself on my blog or anywhere for that matter. I don’t want to scare anyone away, especially since I don’t think I get that many visitors to my blog…or at least if they visit they don’t comment…lol
I think the shawl looks so soft and beautiful. You did a great job on it and I’m sure your mom is going to love it!
Matt said,
March 12, 2006 at 9:52 pm
I don’t get points for recognizing the obscure reference, do I? Hmph.
And it’s true, people. If she could, she’d wear a burlap sweatshirt every day. Too bad, because, as you can see, she’s beee-yootiful.
(No one thinks you’re a narcissist, sweetie.)
Matt said,
March 12, 2006 at 9:52 pm
(P.S.: Goon.)
Wonderland Knitter said,
March 12, 2006 at 11:02 pm
Rachel, you worry too much!
Never once have I thought you were pushing yourself over your knitting. You do beautiful work and your pictures reflect that.
Shelagh said,
March 12, 2006 at 11:15 pm
You’re genuine. And high-larious. And a d*mn talented knitter.
As Matt said: Goon.
:)
Theresa said,
March 13, 2006 at 7:38 am
Personally, I think the solution is obvious – Matt would look lovely in a lace shawl.
Thoughtful, worthwhile post, though. The fact that you are concerned, however, negates the rest of your concerns.
Allison said,
March 13, 2006 at 11:13 am
I’m in the camp who never, never thought that! I enjoy the photos on your blog–they always show off the FO wonderfully. I’m a bit jealous–I’m too lazy to do much beyond “hey, look my FO is on a hanger” or point and shoot at the mirror.
Sachi said,
March 13, 2006 at 11:26 am
Yes, I’m a lurker come out of hiding. You always post gorgeous photos. But I have to thank you for sharing the goon photo. 1) For comedic value and 2) reminding me that I can take goofy pictures too. I’m shy about posting pics of myself but, if I do goofy ones, I’ll feel better about it.
Cheers!
Emily said,
March 13, 2006 at 11:37 am
Heh. I was going to say, that shawl looks great! I love the ones with your arms out and the sun coming through. I am a fan of Matt’s photography (a good skill for a Blogger’s Honey to have). Knitting that was made to be worn should be shown being worn, knitting magazines don’t just show stuff in a heap on the floor! Plus, I think it’s fun to see pictures of the bloggers themselves, since we are all “imaginary friends” it’s nice to put a face (and an arm and a blue-jeaned leg) with the name.
Katie said,
March 13, 2006 at 8:14 pm
It really looks good on you! Don’t worry–pix do look better when you can see the whole body. :) Great job on the shawl!
And I enjoyed the “goon” picture. lololol
Martha said,
March 14, 2006 at 8:52 am
I’m gonna take a stab at that obscure reference in your last post: is it from that movie that the kid made about his mother’s mental illness that includes all those home videos from his cross-dressing youth? (Obviously, the name escapes me) And if it’s not, please know that it’s every bit as strange as it sounds and I can only half-heartedly recommend it.
SM from the Dot said,
March 15, 2006 at 1:46 pm
I think your pictures are gorgeous! I have you bookmarked on my favorites because yours is one of the first blogs I read in a day. That was very sweet of Matt to say you are beautiful. I concur! :)
Uccellina said,
March 16, 2006 at 1:50 pm
I think I like the goon photo best.
Emily said,
March 19, 2006 at 12:33 am
Yeah, that goon photo really cracked me up. And the cool photo is awesome! And you shouldn’t ever feel worried about what people think about modeled fo pictures. It does look so much better than if you just throw it on the floor.
NessieNoodle said,
March 22, 2006 at 9:26 am
you are a crack up- I love the links to the pictures of the penguin… and such a cute sweater, I am thinking about that pattern for a few babies that are on the way and I am glad to hear it is easy to do.
Happy blog-day to you~
Lickety Knit » Finished Object: Cable Down Raglan said,
November 18, 2007 at 1:16 am
[...] willing to post. In the end I compromised and just decided to go mostly with headless shots. I have talked before about how uncomfortable it makes me to put pictures of myself on the blog because I feel as though [...]