Photography is a medium of expression and raw art through which time can be stilled, and emotions can be encapsulated. Most people think that photography is just the clicking of the camera – well, it is, but what counts as the process is the work put in before and after the click. The post-editing process and adjusting the camera settings to take a perfect picture – the lighting that works with the framing and the lens that compliments the subject while doing justice to the background – comes before the "click." To top this off, the post-editing process is strenuous and time-consuming as anything!
Yet, looking at the final picture and the emotions and moments portrayed by the final pictures is worth it. Jewelry photography is no stranger to these processes and these ideals. The jewelry photographer's job is to adequately depict each piece's individuality through the pictures they take. Even if jewelry photography is directed towards commercial purposes, it still follows all the basic photography rules. The fundamental being that – you have to make your pictures make the onlookers feel something.
Following this unspoken fundamental is the only way to up your jewelry photography game and attract the most customers.
Here are a few tips and tricks that will help you take your jewelry photography from the “good” and the “best” to the very best and excellent.
In jewelry photography, the background counts for half of the image. Though it is strategically designed and selected to not draw attention towards itself, the background's minuteness is what makes for a strong, focused image. Keeping your background clean will help you redefine your jewelry photography game. The air should be canned, and the tabling wiped down of dust and other impurities.
Coming on to the equipment, this includes positioning your camera, lights, and filters in a way that will allow you to get the most flattering angle and create shadows that will improve your in-camera picture. For instance, in the case of most earrings, taking a shot from the bottom-right, often with the light coming from the upper left, will let you achieve angling that draws you. These subtle yet important details will make the photo becomes more interesting.
For your convenience, we’ve put together a few tips for you;
Plus, adding props and other textured backgrounds demands that you choose the lighting, which complements them. Start with the basics and then move to the props.
Now, the lens you use, the camera, the post-editing software, and the associated tools; depends entirely on your level of expertise and preference.
Jewelry photography is directly related to digital marketing. At the same time, each photographer has their style. Looking into trends that rule the digital media can give you a lot of ideas (suck as jewelry retouching for example)
We hope you liked our tips and tricks to level-up your jewelry photography. Give us your feedback down below!
Yet, looking at the final picture and the emotions and moments portrayed by the final pictures is worth it. Jewelry photography is no stranger to these processes and these ideals. The jewelry photographer's job is to adequately depict each piece's individuality through the pictures they take. Even if jewelry photography is directed towards commercial purposes, it still follows all the basic photography rules. The fundamental being that – you have to make your pictures make the onlookers feel something.
Following this unspoken fundamental is the only way to up your jewelry photography game and attract the most customers.
Here are a few tips and tricks that will help you take your jewelry photography from the “good” and the “best” to the very best and excellent.
Photograph your pieces in a small room
The key here is to control the lighting. A perfect shot has perfect lighting. Being in a small, compact space allows you to control the light you will capture in your camera. This is only applicable to certain working conditions. However, if you work remotely and don't have your original set-up with you, we suggest that you invest in a "light tent." It will help you diffuse the light and help soften the image. Plus, it is consistent in its performance.A tripod
Yes, using a tripod to take pictures isn't as cool as it used to be with the "vintage" theme coming back in style, beginners, and most amateurs like the edgy, vibrant process using different types of framings and inculcating a variety of angles. However, jewelry photography demands professionalism as it is branded to a large audience having different tastes in aesthetics. The goal is to show the product and not let your expression overpower it. Using a tripod will help you with this. A sturdy tripod and camera support will alleviate your jewelry photography. You'll get sharper and more controlled results.Cleanliness that inspires
Before taking pictures, make sure that the photographed pieces have no scratches, dirt, fingerprints, debris, and smudges on it. To be on the safe side, always keep a lint-free microfiber cloth with you and wipe down the articles before photographing them.In jewelry photography, the background counts for half of the image. Though it is strategically designed and selected to not draw attention towards itself, the background's minuteness is what makes for a strong, focused image. Keeping your background clean will help you redefine your jewelry photography game. The air should be canned, and the tabling wiped down of dust and other impurities.
Positioning your equipment and the product
If you're photographing earrings, keeping both of them in the frame in equal ratios won't allow you to get a close-up, while staggering them will allow you to show the details of the product very closely. Similarly, a particular placement will help you capture different jewelry items adequately.Coming on to the equipment, this includes positioning your camera, lights, and filters in a way that will allow you to get the most flattering angle and create shadows that will improve your in-camera picture. For instance, in the case of most earrings, taking a shot from the bottom-right, often with the light coming from the upper left, will let you achieve angling that draws you. These subtle yet important details will make the photo becomes more interesting.
Lighting
The most common problem which can arise in jewelry photography is not knowing how to utilize your lighting. Knowing your lights will help you improve your photography with a great deal. Usually, soft, diffused lighting works best for jewelry, but there is no hard and fast rule. You need to understand the product before you go to the lighting.For your convenience, we’ve put together a few tips for you;
- A camera flash isn’t flattering on shiny metals.
- Continuous lighting is preferable in most cases.
- Bulbs with natural-colored light that produce very little heat are recommended.
- Using light tents will help you reduce glares and control the shadows.
- Two strategically placed lights can give more enhanced results.
- A more powerful light can be used to add dimension to the jewelry item.
Adding the bling
Jewelry photography is centered around the bling. Here’s how you can get it;- Use a sparkler light, commonly the third light in your set up. Position this light in a way that makes your gemstones shine.
- You can use the viewfinder to position the sparkler light.
- Clear frosted acrylic provides a soft reflection of the jewelry placed on top.
- Photograph your jewelry from different angles to get the most pleasing photo.
Simplicity is key
Jewelry photography is all about making your pieces be the center of attention. Start simply; place the jewelry on wood, metal, or glass blocks, and see what compliments it. While props can make your pictures look interesting, they take away from the main showpiece if not strategically placed. Add props only when you're sure that they would work with your product and not against it.Plus, adding props and other textured backgrounds demands that you choose the lighting, which complements them. Start with the basics and then move to the props.
Now, the lens you use, the camera, the post-editing software, and the associated tools; depends entirely on your level of expertise and preference.
Jewelry photography is directly related to digital marketing. At the same time, each photographer has their style. Looking into trends that rule the digital media can give you a lot of ideas (suck as jewelry retouching for example)
We hope you liked our tips and tricks to level-up your jewelry photography. Give us your feedback down below!
