Jewelry photography is pretty tough for everyone, especially a beginner. Jewelry’s smooth, glowing appearance creates reflections, making it an object tough to photograph. When photographing stones and gems like diamonds become almost too problematic. Many beginners have difficulties in managing the photographic elements and in capturing the jewelry in its beauty.
But it can be made a lot easier with some tricks. A perfect studio setup and good props can make it much simpler to manage to photograph jewelry. With a boom in the online marketplace, many eCommerce stores need excellent jewelry photography, and people who photograph jewelry are in high demand. Even if you are not a pro in the area, you can be professional with some tricks and tips.
Choose the right camera and lens
You can use any camera, with a manual adjustment of shutter speed and aperture of the camera, to shoot the jewelry. Even you can use phone cameras for this purpose. But using a DSLR can make your jewelry photograph look professional. A macro lens is a very vital device you need to have for photographing jewelry. Lenses with a short focal length can help you in getting close-up images of the object. The short focal length will also help to present small jewelry like a ring as appearing big in the frame. Using lenses in the range of f/1.8 to f/4 is very much suggested for good results.
Proper settings and background
Placing the jewelry on a suitable surface will have a significant effect on the photograph. In jewelry photography, a simple setting with light colors can add elegance to the object. Complementary colors can make the jewelry photograph look nice. Using a plain white background will help to restrict the fluctuations of the jewelry’s color. As a beginner, this trick can be very much useful for you. The color will also reflect light making the process easy. Since jewelry can be a small object, plain white paper can use as background!
Also, you can use a mannequin for keeping the jewelry can be thoughtful. Jewelry images shot like this give a professional look. The trick will also assist you in providing a realistic touch to the product. If you don’t have one, making a mannequin with paper may be worthwhile.
Usage of a sturdy tripod can also add glamour to the jewelry photograph you take. As a beginner in photography, you may find yourself troubled with holding a camera without shaking. The camera shake can result in blurred images too. To avoid this, you can go for a tripod while photographing jewelry.
Use of natural sources for photography light
Using your camera flash to photograph jewelry is a suicidal attempt. The reflections from the jewelry will affect the photograph. The white light spots will damage all your effort. Beginners can use natural light sources such as the sun to get the jewelry photographed. When getting professional, you can shift to a studio setup with artificial lights for photography.
Placing the object near a window can help in maximizing the usage of natural light sources. But when using this method, cover the window with a sheet to avoid reflections from the bright daylight. Also, make sure all other lights in the room are off so that your photograph won’t get mixed with different light colors. If it is mixed, this single element can ruin your jewelry photograph.
Artificial photography light settings
Diamonds and other gemstones need extra lighting for perfect pictures. Illuminating them using artificial light sources will get you better results. You can use special studio bulbs available in the market for this exercise. When using it, make sure the color of your jewelry matches with the light to avoid horrible results. Reflective umbrellas help eliminate the reflections of the camera.
Sharp focus with perfect white balance
Good jewelry photographs demand sharp focus. Spot focus can be a good option for crisp focus, which can give you control over the focusing area of the camera. Also, many are unaware of the importance of perfect white balance in jewelry photography. Manually adjusting the white balance can save a lot of time while editing the photographs and will increase the originality of jewelry images. Make sure you have winning shots that focus entirely on the jewelry before wrapping up the shooting.
Try different angles for a perfect jewelry image
As a beginner, take the image from various angles to finalize the best photograph. In creative jewelry photography, experiments are crucial. Trying the possibilities of different angles for the best images can do wonders. Take snaps from every angle of the jewelry and find out the best position. Also, many eCommerce sites prefer having jewelry photographs from multiple angles to have more customer engagement.
Clean the jewelry before taking photographs
Cleaning the jewelry can be a lot of help in the post-shoot stage of editing. Also, it can increase the charm of the object, which can end in extraordinary photographs. The dust particles, which we cannot see with naked eyes, can be very evident with good cameras and highly jewelry photographs. Clear and polished items are the perfect subject for jewelry photographs. You can use a simple cotton cloth to remove the dust from the jewelry before the shoot.
Collaborating with models
Incorporating models into your jewelry photography adds scale, context, and a sense of lifestyle to your images. Models can showcase how the jewelry looks when worn, helping potential buyers visualize themselves wearing the piece. When collaborating with models, ensure the jewelry remains the focal point of the photograph while capturing its interaction with the model’s attire and features. This approach not only highlights the jewelry’s design but also enhances its appeal and desirability to your target audience.
Retouching Jewelry Photographs
Post-production is a crucial element in jewelry photography. You can touch up the photograph using tools like adobe photoshop. The software is a big help in making the best results out of your jewelry photographs. Effective use of photoshop can transform your images into professional ones, even with various issues your jewelry images have. Jewelry photography is incomplete without the use of these editing tools.
Photography jewelry is never an easy task. It needs patience, practice, and the use of some tricks to make your photographs look good. As a beginner, you can start photographing jewelry for Instagram using creative ideas. You can even use a smartphone with quality cameras for this purpose. Creative product photography is in high demand in the market, especially jewelry photography.
We hope this beginner’s guide to jewelry photography will help you start your own jewelry photography studio. If you need any of the retouching services for your products to sell online, make sure you check out.
MyPixeler
Enhance your jewelry photos further with professional retouching services like those offered by Mypixeler. Services may include color correction, background removal, and polishing to ensure each image meets industry standards and enhances the jewelry’s visual appeal. Mypixeler provides affordable solutions with quick turnaround times, ensuring your jewelry photos stand out.
Website: www.Mypixeler.com
Additional Tips for Excellence:
- Understanding Jewelry Types: Tailor your photography techniques for different jewelry types (rings, necklaces, earrings) to highlight their unique features effectively.
- Using Props and Styling: Incorporate props and accessories that complement the jewelry’s design, enhancing its appeal and storytelling.
- Marketing and Presentation: Consider the intended use of your photos—whether for e-commerce, social media, or print—and optimize your photography style accordingly.
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated with new techniques, equipment, and industry trends to continually refine and improve your jewelry photography skills.
Conclusion:
Mastering jewelry photography requires dedication, practice, and a keen eye for detail. By following these comprehensive guidelines and incorporating professional editing services, you can capture stunning jewelry images that effectively showcase the beauty, craftsmanship, and allure of each piece. Whether you’re photographing jewelry for personal enjoyment or professional purposes, these techniques will help you create compelling and visually appealing photographs that resonate with your audience and highlight the uniqueness of each jewelry piece. With persistence and refinement of your skills, your jewelry photography can achieve professional standards that meet the demands of clients and customers alike.
