Jewelry Photography: What I've Learned
Jewelry Photography:
What I've Learned
I have learned so much about photographing my jewelry since beginning this journey with Chadds Ford Jewelry! Jewelry photography really can be a challenging task, but with the right tools, techniques, and settings, my team and I have learned how to capture stunning images that showcase the beauty and details of my pieces. In this article, I wanted to tell you a little bit more about some of the photography secrets I've learned while creating the beautiful images we use for our product photos.
Use the Right Equipment
Before I went official with Chadds Ford Jewelry, I used to take photos of my jewelry on my iPhone! While this worked informally, I quickly realized that we would need to transition to proper equipment if we wanted high-quality images for the website. I invested in a few essential items that have made all the difference in our latest approach to photography:
Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a macro lens is ideal for jewelry photography. A macro lens allows us to capture close-up shots of jewelry with sharp details.
Tripod: A sturdy tripod is essential for jewelry photography, as it helps keep the camera steady and avoids blur.
Lighting: We have learned that good lighting is crucial for capturing sharp, well-lit photos of my pieces. We use a combination of lightboxes, softboxes, and ring lights to even lighting and help eliminate shadows.
Reflectors: Reflectors help us control the lighting and add highlights.
Choose the right setting
When it comes to jewelry photography, my team and I have discovered that the setting can make a big difference in the final image. My photographers and I have done quite a bit of trial and error to find both natural and in-studio backgrounds that work for our shoots. Here are the principles we use:
Keep it simple: We avoid cluttered backgrounds or busy settings that may detract from my jewelry. We go for clean, crisp backgrounds and natural backdrops that bring out the best in each keepsake!
Show the details: If the jewelry we're photographing contains intricate details or unique features, we often take close-up shots to showcase them.
Consider the style: The setting we choose for each image has to match the style of the piece in the photograph. For example, if we are photographing something more bohemian in style, a natural setting with foliage could be appropriate.
Some of My Favorite Photographs
Set Up LIghting
Lighting is one of the most important factors in jewelry photography. Here are some things my photography team and I regularly prioritize when establishing the perfect lighting for every photoshoot:
Use diffused lighting: Diffused lighting, such as a lightbox or softbox, helps eliminate shadows and provide even lighting.
Avoid harsh light: Harsh lighting can create unwanted shadows and reflections on the jewelry. A ring light can provide soft, even lighting that's perfect for jewelry photography.
Use reflectors: As I mentioned earlier, reflectors help control lighting and add highlights. White or silver reflectors add light, while black reflectors help to reduce reflections.
Consider the angle and composition
My photographers and I have learned that the angle and composition of each photo has a big impact on the success of a product's image. Here are some tricks we use to get the perfect shot every time:
Use a tripod: Using a tripod helps our photographers keep the camera steady and ensure every photo is sharp and in focus.
Experiment with angles: Typically, we try shooting my jewelry from different angles to find the most flattering shot. A straight-on shot can be effective for showcasing the details of some pieces, while a side angle helps to show the depth and dimension of more complex keepsakes.
Use the rule of thirds: The rule of thirds is essential for creating any well-composed image. We typically place the jewelry at one of the intersecting points of a rule of thirds grid to create a visually pleasing composition.
Showcase your natural style.
capturing Nature's beauty
Overall, I have learned that photographing jewelry requires patience, practice, and attention to detail. With the right equipment, settings, lighting, and composition, my team and I are able to capture stunning images that really showcase intricacy of every piece. I am really proud of our work! If you would like to see more of our jewelry photography, head on over to our collection to see our carefully curated selection of hand-crafted, nature-inspired jewelry available today.