Jewelry Photography

[JSimonian]

I hope this is the correct forum for this... If not, MODS feel free to move me or let me know!

My Brother has asked me to take photos of his various collections of jewelry for his web-site. This link is only one of many, but I thought I would ask if anyone that is familiar with this type of photography and what they think of my first attempt. IE: let me know what I'm doing wrong and how it could be better. :)

I am currently using a Cannon 30D w/ 430EX and a "Studio-In-A-Box", supplied by my Brother. It consists of a square "light tent: and two lights, as well as a reversable background of blue (chromatic) and gray. I used sheets of paper as a background, as he wants the jewelry on a white background. I imagine for more of a high-key effect

This is my first attempt at using a "host-site" to link photos from, so hopefully I'll get at least the one picture to show up!

Using a light tent, I'm not sure what the best way is to light or get "sparkles" from the Pave Diamonds in the right hand image. Any help on this would be appreciated.

Here is a link to the rest of the pics, if you would like to view them.
http://simonian.smugmug.com/gallery/2082921/1/107361556

Any and all input will be appreciated!

[nrellas]

You have to remeber what you are shooting, and what you are shooting for. This shot works. It very simply explains to anyone looking at it what the rings are, the texture, and the coloring of it. That is what he wants, for a website atleast. These arnt going to be ads that are supposed to be catchy, no, these have to do just what these do. Tell the person visiting the website what the jewelry is all about.
From personal experiance, a lightbox is also a good source.
Great job,
Nick

[Athena]

Not sure if it's what you want, but your whites are a bit grey.

You might want to try putting a piece of glass or plexi under the rings.

For sparkle on those stones you'll need a 3rd (small) light on them.

[JSimonian]

Thank you for your comments, Nick. I appreciate them!

Athena: Yes I saw that the background was more gray than white. I tried using photopaper as the background but it was too reflective (showing hot spots on it.) So I used plain paper from my inkjet. I tried lightening it in the RAW converter (Photoshop) but then the jewelry was too blown out. There are quite a few pieces and I don't want to have to mask each one individually to keep the exposure on the rings, but blow out the background. Any suggestions?

Also, as for the Pave diamonds getting sparkle... Do you have any suggestions on a light source for this? I tried a mini-mag light, but the light was too broad and cast shadows on the background from the jewelry. If I could find a more narrow beam of fairly intense light I think I would be okay. Do you know of anything that might work for that?

Thanks again for looking and any help you can share would be great.

J.Simonian

[Athena]

You could try pulling your jewelry forward a bit and lighting the background seperately with other lights. Without seeing your setup, I don't know if you have space for this. Or try slightly over-exposing the image either in Manual Mode or with Exposure Comp.

Here's a link for a special light that is sold for adding sparkle to faceted gems. I haven't used it myself, but it certainly looks interesting. Sparkler Light (http://store.tabletopstudio-store.com/sparklerlight.html)

[strmrdr]

leds make diamonds sparkle better than anything.
some diamonds wont sparkle no matter what ya hit em with.

[moshe3242]

HI There.
Jewelery imaging is a very hard subject (we do this proffesionaly in my office).
the only way for you to get thje background white is to do as was earlier suggested, put them on a clear plexiglass and light up the background.
your diamonds are not of good quality and thats why they give no sparkle.
my best advice will be to use a black plexiglass inside a light box.
this will give you goos contrast and great reflections.
you can also stick a small piece of wax under the ring and make it stand up so you can shoot it from the top and side kinda in 45 degrees angle to the top.
if you wish you can PM me and i will give you our address in down town los angeles and you are welcome to come and see how we do it in the office.
But all in all yor pictures are good.