How to Stage Jewelry for Photography
If you're selling jewelry on your website or in a catalog, it's important that you have winning product images. This means that the entire piece of jewelry is in focus and without distracting reflections or glares.
To achieve this, start by using natural light if possible. Otherwise, find a spot that's well lit but not directly in sunlight.
Lighting
When taking product photographs of jewelry, the lighting is one of the most important factors. It is important to avoid harsh shadows as these can distract from the item and appear unprofessional. Using diffused light will help to soften the shadows and create a more flattering image.
Alternatively, you can use a light box or other professional product photography tools to achieve the desired results. Using a light box will eliminate any unwanted reflections and also ensure that the item is well-lit from all sides.
If you are shooting with natural light, be sure to position your jewellery near a window that is not in direct sunlight. Bright sunlight will create unflattering reflections and can be too bright for a small photograph. A white sheet or piece of paper can be used to diffuse the sun's light and minimize reflections. Smudges and dust can also be problematic, but can be eliminated in post-production with a quick wipe of the jewelry.
Props
Using props in your jewelry photos is a great way to show off their beauty and detail. Props can also help you frame your jewelry in a more natural way, creating a more authentic-looking image.
When shopping for props, look for materials and designs that are consistent with your brand identity. Too many props can distract or confuse visitors, so stick to a few basic styles that are complementary to your jewelry.
Acrylic surfaces and mirrors are excellent jewelry photography props, adding a hint of brilliance to your images. You can also use marble, plants, flowers, and other reflective props to enhance the shine of your jewelry. For a more rustic touch, consider using dried florals or leaves to add an element of feminism or seasonality to your photos.
Backgrounds
Jewelry needs to be positioned properly in order to showcase its best features. The most important thing to remember is to eliminate any unflattering shadows. This can be achieved by using natural light to soften the shadows or a lighting stand with a diffuser to create an even glow around the product.
One of the most common mistakes when taking jewelry photos is to use the camera's flash, which can cause harsh and distracting shadows. Instead, use a professional reflector to bounce more light back towards your subject and avoid unwanted shadows on flat lay shots.
A white background is a good choice for jewelry photography, as it prevents the jewellery from absorbing any other colours or lights. It also helps to make the piece look as close to reality as possible, which is crucial for e-commerce. For a more bespoke look, try using jewelry display busts, or you can DIY with cardboard for a budget-friendly alternative.
Post-production
As with most product photography, lighting is one of the biggest challenges. Jewelry is very reflective and needs a high-quality photo studio with specialized lighting. We recommend using a continuous softbox or ring light to minimize shadows and accurately portray the color of the jewelry. The other challenge is capturing the jewelry at the right focus point. This is usually accomplished by taking several photos of the jewelry with different focus points, and then combining them in post-production. This process is time-consuming and requires a great deal of skill to get quality results.
Props are also useful for jewelry, but they should be used sparingly and with a purpose. Common go-to props include mannequins (full or partial), cardboard flats for necklaces and earrings, and clear plastic watch holders. Also, it is important to use standard lenses instead of distortion lenses like wide-angles and telephotos. These can blur the edges of your jewelry and make it look out of focus or secondary.
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If you're selling jewelry on your website or in a catalog, it's important that you have winning product images. This means that the entire piece of jewelry is in focus and without distracting reflections or glares. To achieve this, start by using natural light if possible. Otherwise, find a spot that's well lit but not…