Friday, July 17, 2009

Jewelry Photos: Before & After

When I started making jewelry, friends and family wanted to see it. So I took some photos with my cheap little point and shoot camera. It didn't take me long to realize that there is a real art to photographing small shiny objects close up. One of these days I may know enough about it to write a tutorial, but for now I thought I'd show how I've improved over the last two years and share a few things I've learned. NOTE: I'm still using the exact same camera. Thanks to Gary for the photography tips!

BEFORE


This is actually a lovely set with a carved carnelian dragon pendant and green lace agate and carnelian beads. It's very hard to tell from this photo! I heard that natural light was best so I took this on my balcony when we lived in South Korea and yet it's still dark and fuzzy, the angle doesn't let you appreciate the piece and the composition is static.

AFTER


This is a new set that uses the same type of carnelian dragon bead in the pendant. I've learned to adjust the camera for better light and crispness, to photograph from a low angle, get really close-up and then crop the shot afterwards, to use an intriguing background and props to style the shots, and that I don't need to show the entire set in the first product shot on my website.

BEFORE


Believe it or not, this was a beautiful set using a black lip shell pendant that had Japanese wildflowers decoupaged on it's surface and garnet beads with black pearls. This was my attempt at a detail photo.

AFTER


My new attempt at a detail photo of a different set with a beautiful red jasper pendant--much better results!

BEFORE


This was a beautiful set. It even looks pretty good in this dreary photo. I wish I had gotten a better shot of it.

AFTER


This shot has none of the darkness and cast shadows of the previous shot, you can see every detail so that it looks like you can reach right out an touch it--a necessity when selling on-line where people cannot touch or try things on. Styling the shot outdoors in a natural setting with a touch of greenery makes it more appealing.

I'm searching for a new camera and hope my shots continue to improve.

4 comments:

  1. Wow!!! What a difference a photo makes! Your jewelry is incredible, and I love the props and foregrounds you use....it isn't the photo selling your work, but it sure does make it easier to see the beauty of your work over the web!

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  2. Beautiful improvements!

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  3. What a wonderful world a difference that time, skill, and photos make right? I can see a massive difference in the quality of my photos over time, and as I learn more about photography. Your product photos are absolutely amazing!

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  4. Sue, your new pictures are amazing and inspiring! Great job! ~Lucy

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