Jewellery Lighting

Bolt

Bolt

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Stu
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Hi All

I need help please?

My girlfriend is just in the process of start her own little jewellery business and I have been voted (only one vote but apparently that's enough for a majority!) to create the website and for this I need to take pictures of the jewellery that she has made.

This is turning out to be a nightmare, daylight is OK but it varies so much. I have been out and brought a proper white cloth cube to put the items in but now I am struggling get the right light, everything seems vary pink in the pictures and not really bright enough.

Any lighting help for this type of thing is greatly appreciated.

Cheers Stu
 
To tell you the truth, jewellery is one of the hardest genres to photograph in terms of lighting. If she wants to have a successful business, dull photos of the products will not make it prosper. And from your post, I assume you are still quite new to photography, and don't think you understand subject orientated lighting. Sorry if that's not the case. But going on that assumption, while I encourage you to study photography and lighting, for her business' sake, tell her that that hiring her boyfriend who doesn't understand product photography at a commercial level would be a poor marketing decision on her part, so she should hire someone experienced in this genre in the short term. You could always stand in on the shoot, and try to learn a trick or 2 from him.

I don't want to sound negative. If you want an actual shooting advise, I can give you a few pointers, but I feel that you have a very, very steep learning curve, and I remain unconvinced that you should take up the job which could contribute in your GF's business failing.
 
Hey

Thanks for your honest replies and yes you are correct I am new to this type of photography, outside pictures only normally.

A steep learning curve is always good so any pointers at all is much appreciated.

Cheers Stu.
 
If you're used to doing outdoor photography then perhaps photographing it out of doors might be a more interesting idea? It would certainly be different from the usual jewellery on plain white background or velvet neck you normally see.
 
Srichards - being creative, and what is commercially accepted are 2 very different things. Outdoor shots of products might make for interesting photos to look at, and when used in lifestyle manner, can be used to sell, but not to actually showcase the products. They need to be shown for what it is, and less distraction, the better. This is why every jeweller will use white or black background.

As a hobbyist, I agree, outdoor shots with a model wearing the jewellery would make for a lovely shoot, but that alone won't be enough for a commercial advertising.
 
OK, Stu, just a quick few basic pointers.

You will need a bare minimum of the following go get started

- 3 flash kit - they don't need to be powerful. Even 200ws cheap studio kit will do. More would help.
- 1 boom stand
- 2 or more normal light stands
- a choice of modifiers - I tend to use 1 large softbox overhead, and 2 softboxes for side lighting, and some grid/snoot for accents.
- better lens than your kit lens. I'd suggest a Sigma 105mm f2.8 macro. Optically, most macro lenses are similar. AF is rubbish on this lens, but you want to focus manually anyway for small products, so no worries there
- tripod - don't skimp on it too much. Get one that will DEFINITELY100% support the weight. If it creeps even 1mm under weight, that tripod belongs in the bin.
- remote shutter
- choice of white/black seamless paper
- white and black cards that can be used as fill light/blocker

Lighting is all subjective, but the goal is to light it so that it sculpts the products. So it has varying degree of light from different angles. Reflections are something that you can embrace, but only when controlled. To see some nasty reflection of a softbox is a no no. Take care in positioning and angling the lights.

The most basic set up is to have 1 big light over head pointing down. That's your base exposure. Get that set up to your liking. Then you start building the light around the product to suit. Often, I get 1 softbox to each side to start off with to get the basic shape and feel for the look. You will then need to utilise quite a few fill/block cards here and there. This is where your studio light with modelling lamp will help big time, as you can see how the light will fall and reflect off your products.

From there, it's a matter of adjusting and re-adjusting, and re-adjusting, and re-adjusting, and re-adjusting. You get the idea. It's perfection in the details you are looking for.

There aren't any secrets in doing this sort of shoots. You just have to practice and learn.
Techniques are difficult, but more so is having the eye to detect faults, and knowing how to correct them when needed. Good luck.
 
What is it?
Gold, silver, jewells, necklaces, earrings ... etc

Where are they to be shown?
Online shopping cart or leaflets/flyers - ie what style of shots does she need?

What's your style and experience?
 
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