On taking shawl pictures

[alias]

I've knit a few shawls from the 'Victorian Lace Today' book (which I love) - but I have a problem.








I can't seem to take photos of them which show off both the patterns and the colours in the yarn as well as they deserve. Any suggestions for taking better pictures?

Comments

[apis_mellifera]

I generally take close-up pictures while the items are blocking in addition to pictures of the item after it's done blocking and free of pins & wires. Natural light is a bonus, definitely.

[alias]

Unfortunately, my blocking board is a very brightly coloured playmat! Not very flattering to the shawls.

[apis_mellifera]

That's when you put a contrasting sheet between the mat and your work. It shouldn't impede the drying or blocking much--I block on a bed and don't have problems in that department.

[alias]

Hmm, maybe I'll try that next time. I've always been antsy of blocking things on absorbent surfaces, for some reason.

[labellementeuse]

I read a massive discussion on ravelry about this recently - I think it was one of the big forums, maybe remnants or techniques & tips - and consensus was that blocking with absorbent substances, especially things like towelling which are specifically designed to dry shit, is better because moisture can be absorbed out of your FO and into the towel. I am not a really experienced blocker (and I block my shawls on my bed, so no choice about the absorbent thing) but a few people who were weighed in - try searching maybe!

Blocking photos do often seem to be great ways to show off lace.

[alias]

I will have a look around, thank you.