A visually appealing photo is a MUST when selling hats. Your photo needs to be clear, bright, vibrant and detailed.
Often when you take a photo (unless you are using a proper photography set up) it can appear dull and a bit dark. A brighter photo can help to show details on the hat that may otherwise be missed. Luckily there’s a quick and easy way to brighten your photos.
Before we start, it’s important to note that when brightening photos of products you are selling, the end result should still give a true representation of what the product looks like. Don’t saturate your colours too much so that they look unrealistic or even completely different. This is so important when selling hats, as customers are relying on the photos shown to see what the product will look like and will often match specific colours in their outfits.
Below are seven easy steps to enhance your photos.
1.Download Adobe Lightroom App
I use an App called ‘Adobe Lightroom Photo Editor’ which is free to download from the App store.
Once you have downloaded this app, here’s how to quickly and easily brighten up your photos.
2. Select Your Photos
Open the App, tap on ‘Photos’.
Then tap on ‘Add’.
Tap on ‘From Camera Roll’. This will open your photo albums from your phone. Select the photo you wish to edit. It will open up your photo, ready for you to edit.
The first thing I do is tap on ‘Auto’. This is an automatic setting that edits the photo for you, but I often find even then, this can make the photo too dark still. It is good however to use as a base, which you can edit on top of.
Next tap on ‘Light’. The top line is ‘Exposure’, this is what will make your photo brighter.
Slide the bar to the right to make the photo brighter.
Sliding the bar to the right just a small amount will make it just a little bit brighter, and sliding it further across will make it much brighter. Having a brighter photo is great, but making it too bright can also change the colour of your hat. This hat above is a vintage gold, but upon brightening it (to +1.50 exposure), it can make the hat appear more of a yellow gold, which is not true to colour and will confuse customers who are trying to colour match.
I like to keep my exposure anywhere up to +0.44.
4. Enhance Your Colours
When taking a photo, sometimes a hat’s colours can get lost and dulled down. Enhancing your colours is a great way to edit the photo so it looks more true to colour with your actual hat.
The next edit I will do, is to the colour. Tap on ‘Color’. This makes your photos more vibrant.
I like to move the ‘Saturation’ bar to the right until I am happy with how vibrant it looks. Usually I will move it up to around +10. You can play around with the ‘vibrance’ too.
Saturation is used to adjust the colour intensity of all the colours in the photos. ‘Vibrance’ is used to focus on enhancing duller colours.
5. Make Your Image Sharper
The last step is to ‘detail’ your images. This makes the image sharper and therefore easier to see the details on the hat.
Tap on ‘Detail’ and move the top line ‘Sharpening’ to the right to around 34.
The sharpening tool sharpens your image which is great if you have intricate detail on your hat as it will show these more clearly.
You can have a play around with the other settings to see what they do, and to see if there are any you’d also like to use. Try and make the photo as close to what your hat colour looks like in natural sunlight.
6. Create a Preset
Once you are happy with your photo, there is a little hack to use here. Making a ‘Preset’ will save all the edits you have just made to your photo and make it into a ‘preset filter’ so next time you want to edit a photo, you can use that and it will automatically edit your photo.
To do this, tap the three dots in the top right hand corner.
Tap on ‘Create Preset’.
Name your filter whatever you like- something like ‘Hat Filter’ will do.
Tap the top right tick and it will be saved.
The next time you want to edit a photo using your preset filter, on the bottom of the screen, scroll to the right till you get to ‘Presets’.
Tap on it and your saved filters will be shown. Tap on the filter you want to use and it will automatically edit your photo accordingly.
7. Save Your Photo
Lastly, to save your new edited photo, tap on the top button that looks like a square with an arrow, then tap on ‘Export to Camera Roll’.
This will have your photo saved to your camera roll in your phone ready to use.
And there you have it, a quick and easy guide to brightening up your photos. This isn’t just useful for hats but for all photos!
Do you have any tips for editing your millinery photos? What software or apps do you use? Share them in the comments below!
This parisisal facehugger has been hand dyed to the perfect sage green color. It features a crinoline swirl and beautiful vine winding its way around the headpiece. A double wound elastic secures this piece to the head.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/555387
Mrs Orchid fascinator will always stand out in the crowd. She features a fuchsia pink signature crest (with silver back) with hand made bubblegum pink and red orchids cascading down the right side of the face.
You can gently squeeze or stretch the headband to adjust to the tightness at which you would like to wear it. The small teeth at the front will hold it in place for all day wear.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/555192
A beautiful black pleated satin rear facing pillbox. Handcrafted red and green velvet flowers and leaves. Easy to wear with elastic and comb. Autumn/Winter millinery Essential.❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/555240
A stunning bright red lace wide brim hat. Designed to perch on the head to one side, making it a one size fits all piece. The hat measures 52cm in diameter.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/555202
Ivory sinamay saucer hat, 16 inch. Ivory statement feathers, with beautiful vintage inspired statement silk flowers. Attaches to the head via hairband.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/555255
Circular beret percher hat of colorful grosgrain ribbons, hand embroidered cross-stitches. This fascinator looks simple but was technically quite challenging to create. I made the fabric by interlacing ribbons, carefully measuring to the millimeter and then stitching to secure. Featured on the cover of Hatlines hat magazine, Winter 2021!
Measurements: 7.5 in diameter (19 cm)
Hat Box: 12 in
How to Wear: Worn on right side of forehead. Secures with custom headband and metal comb.
Hand cut iridescent feathers fitted to a tulle covered narrow headband.
Designed to be worn on the right hand side of the head. Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/555172 . . . #millinery #hats #hathire #millinerysale #hatrental #hatsforsale #millinerylove #millinerydesign #hatlover #headwear #springracing #melbournecup #springcarnival #racedaystyle #fascinators #headpieces #hatsofinstagram #fashionheadwear #millinerytrends #hatobsession #hat #millinerymarket #millineryhire #derbyday #oaksday #fascinator #fascinatorhire #boaterhat #flowercrown
The Claudia Boater features a tall square crown with short flat traditional style make from a patterned straw with petershame ribbon hat band.
This style is best made to order with your headfit and is helped to stay on the head with an elastic.
This piece is part of the Collins Spring Collection and is perfect for many occasions, select your Claudia Boater today.
The headpiece comes in other colours or can be custom-made in various colours. Contact us to find out more about customising this style. Please allow 2-4 weeks lead time for a custom order.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554040
Sylvie - Green Halo Headpiece with Statement Flower 💚$339
Part of the SS23 Collection, this statement headpiece features a blocked straw crown with statement foam flower and two tulle wrapped halos, fastened by an elastic.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554929
Taino - Fuchsia Button Base with Raspberry feather flower £220
A stunning Fuchsia sinamay button base sits under a delicate Raspberry handmade feather flower with a green ostrich quill for the stem and green diamond cut feathers for the leaves attached to a hat elastic so you can position anywhere on your head.. The fascinator does come supplied with a hat elastic NOT an Alice band.
Part of the SS23 Collection, this one-off design features a rear-sitting hand-blocked vintage raffia pillbox with handmade silk abaca bow, fastened by an elastic.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554935
Black & White Houndstooth Pillbox Hat with Large Bow - Fleur $320
A black & white Houndstooth patterned Pillbox hat with a large bow. The classic pillbox shape is complemented by the striking Houndstooth pattern, adding a touch of sophistication and refinement. The large wired bow on top adds a glamorous touch, making this hat a statement piece.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Fleur hat is designed to provide a secure and comfortable fit. It is attached with hat elastic, ensuring it stays in place throughout the day. The one-size-fits-all design offers convenience and versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of head sizes.
Complete with a complimentary hat box, the Fleur hat is perfect for special occasions.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554712
A rambling rose gracefully winds itself around this blush tinalak headband. The sparkling stem adds a beautiful eye-catching effect. Dramatic and elegant, this versatile piece is ready for your next event!
Hot Pink Mini Boater 💗 $275 Pale Pink Mini Boater 💗 $275
This hot pink mini boater is fun to wear.
Constructed from hot pink sinamay, it is trimmed with pink Swiss braid and hot pink wild crinoline.
Measuring approximately 25cm across, this mini boater is positioned on the head with hat elastic. If preferred, the hat elastic can be replaced with a velvet ribbon trimmed headband.
Light and very comfortable to wear, this is ideal for spring racing or elegant wedding guests.
This pale pink mini boater is fun to wear.
Constructed from pale baby pink sinamay, it is trimmed with Swiss braid and pale pink wild crinoline.
Measuring approximately 25cm across, this mini boater is positioned on the head with hat elastic. If preferred, the hat elastic can be replaced with a velvet ribbon trimmed headband.
Light and very comfortable to wear, this is ideal for spring racing or elegant wedding guests.
Monique Saucer in Textured Straw Silk Poppy Flower Trim in Yellow $620
The Monique Sauver is a gently curved saucer shape finished with matching patent braid on the under edge leaving a smooth top and rich silk poppies that are hand-painted in-house. This style is one size fits all and is secured to the head with a shaped wire headband, elastic and comb.
This piece is part of the Manchester Spring Collection design for a Raceday but is perfect for many occasions.
Each hat and headpiece can be made in other colours to match your Spring Racing outfit. Contact Lauren to find out more about customising this style. Please allow 2-4 weeks lead time for a custom order.
Pieces are handcrafted in the Lauren J Ritchie studio in the Manchester Unity Building in the heart of Melbourne on Collins Street. Hats and headpieces for race days and special occasions can be shipped across the globe.
Photoshoot Credits Millinery by Lauren J Ritchie Millinery Dress supplied by Veronika Maine Model Molly Richardson Photographer James Christie Media Stylist Joel Parkinson Videographer Ben Christie Films Jewellery JMS Diamonds
Hand dyed ombre organdy roses sit atop this lavender boater. A touch of sparkle edges the crinoline trim, giving a glam touch to this monochromatic look. A double wound elastic and hair comb secure this one size fits most piece.
Matilda - Blue Hugger Headpiece with Feathers $259
Part of the SS23 Collection Part II, this statement piece features a hand-blocked knotted straw hugger base with a twisted feather branch, fastened by an elastic.
Part of the SS23 Collection Part II, this statement piece features a sparkle fabric covered hugger base with a twisted feather branch, fastened by an elastic.
Our Melody fascinator will always stand out in the crowd. She features two metallic wire halos dotted with purple beads and exclusive glass blown beads that loop around our classic lilac crest.
You can gently squeeze or stretch the headband to adjust to the tightness at which you would like to wear it. The small teeth at the front will hold it in place for all day wear.
Our Mrs Gabriella fascinator is exquisite and superior in every way. She features exclusively designed dahlia like metallic wine and bubblegum pink flowers on a pastel pink stem. They are carefully perched one of our iconic golden crest crowns.
You can gently squeeze or stretch the headband to adjust to the tightness at which you would like to wear it. The small teeth at the front will hold it in place for all day wear.
Our Mrs Simay fascinator is exquisite and superior in every way. She features exclusively designed silver flowers that blossom over a silver crest. Her spirally floral stem is scattered with hand wired metallic beads that are perfectly perched giving her depth and charm. Her name means `silver moon`. She is a real showstopping headpiece.
You can gently squeeze or stretch the headband to adjust to the tightness at which you would like to wear it. The small teeth at the front will hold it in place for all day wear.
PINK LEATHER HEADPIECE WITH HANDCRAFTED FLOWERS 🌸 $425
Look stunning with this beautiful Pink all Leather Teardrop headpiece with flowers and feather quill! Handcrafted using a wooden hat block to create this teardrop headpiece, it is crafted from leather using Paris Net in a striking Pink leather flowers and features a feather quill to compliment the headpiece even more!
With a petersham bow as an insert, a black hat elastic to secure on your head comfortably and a beautiful cotton liner.
The headpiece arrives packaged in a hat box with acid free tissue paper and hat box shipper for extra protection.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554954
Part of the SS23 Collection Part II, this unique piece features a handmade lilac straw hugger base with embellished floral and leaf embroidered lace, fastened by an elastic. Very light and comfortable to wear.
Its so fine because of the shine.....Front facing percher with the most amazing sparkle from the black braid. Black and white flowers just add to the drama.
Available at www.millinerymarket.com/en/listings/554950
Part of the SS23 Collection, this statement headpiece features a blocked vintage straw crown with statement wired leaves and three feather flowers, fastened by an elastic.
This gorgeous high shine navy velvet fascinator is topped with shimmering silver flowers and a crinoline trim. These perfectly complimented colors are an elegant statement perfect for your next event. A double wound elastic secures this one size fits most piece.
Beautiful buttery soft tan Nappa leather beret sprinkled with white pearls. This versatile color is easy to wear and the double wound elastic secures it snugly to the head.
Liberty, a one-of-a-kind handmade coral pink parisisal pillbox hat. This piece features a large, delicate complimentary bow. Designed to fit all head sizes comfortably, `Liberty` comes with a complimentary storage box to preserve its beauty.
Introducing `Sabela,` a one of a kind Dior style brimmed parisisal hat in the most exquisite cobalt blue shade is the epitome of sophistication. The hat is skillfully complemented with navy accents, creating a striking visual contrast.
The true showstopper of Sabela is the stunning handmade metallic cobalt blue flower trim. Each delicate petal is adorned with preciosa crystal centres, sparkling and shimmering beautifully when they catch the light.
Sabela is designed to fit all head sizes comfortably, featuring a fitted hat elastic for a secure and effortless fit. It ensures you can wear this luxurious hat with confidence, knowing it will stay in place all day long.
To add to the luxurious experience, Sabela includes a complimentary hat box, providing a safe and stylish storage solution for your treasured hat.
Perfect for weddings, garden parties, or any event where you want to make a stylish statement.