Why Photography Works

In the world of online branding and shopping, visuals are key.  Since you can't see or try on the product, we the customers are placing a lot of faith in the descriptions and how the products are visually presented.  So we need good clear imagery and multiple views.

But don't forget the romance.

What's going to catch my eye first is a gorgeous shot.  Let's use these two images of the Freya Rose "Ennis" gold rose peep-toe heel as an example.

I saw this shot from Naomi Kenton on I Heart Wedding Dresses and was instantly entranced...

The shoe practically glows. Who wouldn't want these molten gold heels on their feet.

But then I went to the Freya Rose site to order them.  And then I saw the site's images.

What happened???  Where did my lovely dreamy feeling go?

I was no longer entranced.  In fact, I was a bit turned off by them.  It could be the different view of the shape or the harsh lighting but now I'm not as smitten.  I still love the rose element but now I wish it was on a different shoe.

If the brand's site had used the first image above, I would have bought them.  Now, my money will probably stay in my pocket.  Sure, it's good to get a straightforward view of the shoes but don't forget to romance the customer a little bit too.

Instant Access - 4/4 - 4/10

I've been called out for loving Instagram (I'm @Poochie, if you don't already follow along) and I have to admit, I do.  It's all in the details, right?

I started out my week with music and florals.

And Essie's Midnight Cami navy polish.

The Furla Candy Bags are super sweet. 

Take it from me, I love the tri-toned I got but the Acai blue is where it's at.

You'll see it here soon.

Power shoes a la Via Spiga

Out to lunch.

Did you know that the original Reynold's building in Winston-Salem

is the daddy of the Empire State Building?

It even gets a card on Father's Day.

Of course, most of my week is with the animals.

Badger, above, had a corneal ulcer this week.  Poor baby.

Agni is looking for some sun.

Oona face.

Talus want's to get in on the action.

And sunshiney Clarence.

I work from a small white writing desk at home that has pops of color.

Japanese colored masking tape...

An Irish porcelain pony, moleskines and colored pencils.

The flowers mean Spring is really here. I love my favorite grape hyacynths and the lilacs smell like SweeTarts. I think I need some lilac perfume.

Meet my new crush, Dr. Tony Hill.  We spent most of Saturday together.

Ending the weekend on a high note.  Lemonade Converse,

a lunch/movie date and grilling dinner.

What will next week have in store for us?

Instant Access - 3/28 - 4/3

I'm loooooving Instagram.  Sure, one more thing to "follow" but I like getting the little peeks into everyone's world.  Mine is @Poochie so make sure to let me know if you are on there.  I want to follow along and how you do too.

Here's some of how my last week went down...

Argyle and Polka dots

Needing lucky stars (and shiny Miu Mius)

More polish! Watermelon, baby blue and navy for Spring

Pamper time with my new Clarasonic Mia

Lazy Sunday morning in bed with the pets

Introducing my Little Sister to Japanese food.

Photo Advice Needed

I've been struggling with doing the posting I want to do lately because I've been more and more frustrated with my camera equipment. I have a great DSLR, but it's too big to carry around with me every day to shoot on the fly. I have a craptastic point and shoot that I hate. No remote so I can do pics on my own with the DSLR. And I want a macro lens too.

So I need your help and advice. What recommendations do you have for me???

Here is what I'm looking at right now.

For my point-and-shoot replacement, I was thinking about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. It gets good reviews on Amazon, has a large back screen and quite a few features. But I'd love to know what other cameras are out there that have worked well for folks and may be a bit less pricey.


I have a tripod, does this remote seem okay. I didn't realize they were so inexpensive. What have I been waiting for!?!?! Does this seem in line with the remotes you may use? Do they focus okay?




I've also been dying for a macro lens to take detail pictures of clothes, food and the pets. I found this neat little option that may be a good first step before a dedicated lens. The reviews and samples seem very positive and the price is low. For $30, I'll give it shot.




I am open to more ideas. If you have them, please send them my way.

- Poochie