Surfaces for Photographing Jewelry

Published Date: November 17th, 2006
Category: How To, Photo Techniques

There is a recent discussion on Jewel Collect, attempting to figure out what surfaces are best to photograph on.  At AJ Raefields, we have discovered some great ways to get awesome colors and details in our photographs.  We use a great Fujifilm digital camera, which allows us to get up close to capture the detail.  We use different colored backgrounds, which allows us to see the colors much better.  We have found that by using a photo cube, the light is concentrated in one place.  The lights are covered with a thin, sheer fabric, which prevents the lighting from being too harsh and too direct.  Too much light can cause the item to be washed out and the color may not be accurate.  If you look at some of the images below, you can see how using a colored background, can help bring out the variety of colors that may be in an item you may be selling.  Often, rhinestones are difficult to photograph.  We have found that a darker blue background helps capture the truer colors in a rhinestone pin or earring.  See below.  However, not all rhinestone items look best on this color.  Many people like using white backgrounds for their jewelry, however, white can often create a darker image, if there is not enough light.  It takes some trial and error to find the right background.  It’s best not to rush.  You want your customers to be able to see the true colors and details in your items. 

In the photos above, you can see how gold items look great on the blue background, and how each choice in the colored backgrounds, help bring out the colors and details in each item.

www.ajraefields.com

This entry was posted on Friday, November 17th, 2006 at 10:09 pm and is filed under How To, Photo Techniques. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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