Updates and Outtakes

In my latest push to clean out my hoard of used tack and riding apparel, I decided to use the opportunity to practice my e-commerce and catalog marketing skills by utilizing my website, kcorneliusimagesandmarketing.com.
I wanted the page to be visually appealing as well as being easy-to-shop and I want visitors to have a great experience. On the back-end I have utilized PayPal as a shopping cart tool, and I have even created "Sold Out" and "Thank You" landing pages. 
On the front-end I have tried to take and use good, clear photographs that show the items as honestly as possible. Most of the items photograph just fine laying flat on a clean surface. But some items, like bridles and other horse equipment simply look better on a horse; and so yesterday I subjected one of my horses to a brief modeling assignment.  
On the bright side of the session, Polo (my horse) was a champ. He stood quietly while a young lady from the barn held a lead, showing off a colorful racing headstall set and his former set of protective boots. Other good things from the session: Polo was clean, the tack was clean and fitted properly and I did think to stand him up against the plain backdrop of the indoor arena.
It wasn't until I got home and began looking at the photos that I realized I wasn't looking with both of my eyes when I began shooting. I have some lovely pictures that are unusable due to things such as twisted reins and/or my angle, which captured other things in the background that are distracting to the eye. Then there are the fabulous  faces made by Polo - probably his attempt to tell me I was "doing it wrong." Fortunately this was my personal photo shoot and one that I could re-do as necessary. Had it been for a client, I might not be so lucky.
Lessons learned: Slow down. Keep both eyes open. Review the shot or shots in the camera's viewing screen before moving on to the next set. Enjoy the outtakes!

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