Jewellery photography requires expertise, creativity, props, and equipment to capture its intricate designs and details. However, with the right tools and techniques, jewellery products can be photographed in stunning detail, highlighting their beauty and allure. High-quality product images are crucial for successful marketing and selling, so jewellery photographers need extensive knowledge and experience to capture the jewellery in its best light. Here, we will look at the various steps you must take when photographing jewellery products, the equipment you will need, and the mistakes you should avoid.
What Jewellery Product Photography Equipment Will You Need?
- Tripod Stand.
A tripod is essential for taking product photos because it reduces vibration and noise. A tripod is required because not all photographers can eliminate vibration and noise with their hands. It contributes to the camera’s stability and ability to capture clear images. The tripod allows you to take pictures from a variety of angles, giving you more options for achieving consistency.
- A Simple Table.
When photographing your jewellery product, a table can help it appear uniform. A flat table is acceptable. The ideal folding table is a standard design. Choose one with a width of 25–30 inches.
- Foam Boards
Natural light is ideal for photography, with both bright and dark aspects. To enhance shadows, use white foam boards for brightening and black foam boards for darker ones. For white products against a white background, add black foam boards outside the frame. For a more upscale lighting setup, use black bounce cards behind the product and white bounce cards in front, but use white paper instead.
- A good-quality camera.
Product images can be professionally enhanced without relying on a single camera. By using the right lighting and styling, you can create images similar to those from a professional jewellery photography Studio. Investing in a high-quality camera, such as a DSLR with a macro lens, is essential for high-resolution jewellery images.
- Lighting
Proper lighting is essential for jewellery photography. It helps to eliminate shadows and provides even lighting throughout the jewellery piece. Natural light or a photography lighting kit can be used to create the desired effect. Jewellery is made of highly reflective materials that require a sophisticated lighting setup. To become a jewellery photography expert, you must first understand the fundamentals of light.
- A Solid Background
Avoid using busy backgrounds that could detract from the jewellery. A clean and simple background helps to keep the piece in focus. A white background makes the product stand out and is easy to create. If you want a well-lit, perfectly contrasted image, use a solid-colour background.
- Tape or clamps.
When shooting on a table, use tape or clamps to keep your foam boards and sweeps in place.
How do I photograph jewellery products step by step?
Once you’ve assembled all of your jewellery photography Montreal equipment, you must properly set it up. Let’s go over how to photograph jewellery and prepare it for your e-commerce store.
- Setting up the table
To capture high-quality product photos, position your table close to the window and adjust the window to 90 degrees. Turn off the lights and rotate the window for optimal light. Store equipment in an open garage door, similar to a window but without glass, to allow light in. Avoid direct sunlight to maintain the set’s allure and product appearance. Store equipment in an open garage door for optimal lighting.
- Suitable Lighting for Jewellery Product Photography
You can achieve the best lighting for your jewellery products by positioning the light correctly. Place a single light source, a softbox, or an umbrella 45 degrees in front of the jewellery. This ensures even and gentle lighting. Keep your camera pointed directly at the jewellery item. If your product is located near the back of your sweep, you may notice some shadows. Bring the product closer to you to ensure a completely white background.
- You can also use a lighting kit to improve consistency.
Three common lighting kits for Ecommerce jewellery photography include continuous lighting, speedlights, and moonlight. Continuous lighting allows previewing of light before shooting, with popular bulb types like fluorescent, tungsten, and LED. Speedlights are quick and easy to set up, while spotlights are effective for product and action photography. Moonlight is versatile and portable.
- Style Jewellery Products for Photography
Customers prefer jewellery products against various backgrounds and props, and new jewellery photographers may start with a white background. However, you can use jewellery as a prop to add interest to your photographs. While starting with a white background is acceptable, you can also use it the other way around for more creative jewellery photography possibilities. This approach allows for a variety of perspectives and styles in your photography.
- Reducing Reflection on Jewellery Photos
Jewellery is highly reflective, allowing you to catch a glimpse of yourself while wearing it. To remove reflections, use paper under and around your camera’s lens; there is no need for an expensive jewellery photography Setup. Use a tripod to shoot down at the product, and use a diffused overhead light on each side for adequate lighting without producing excessively reflective spots.
What Are the Top Jewellery Product Photography Mistakes to Avoid?
Effective jewellery product photography necessitates careful planning and attention to detail. To improve the appeal of your jewellery images and avoid common mistakes, consider the following:
- Do not use busy backgrounds.
To achieve a timeless look, use clear and uncluttered backgrounds, such as white or grey. Consistency in background style across your product images is essential for a professional and distraction-free presentation.
- Avoid reflection.
The gleaming surface of jewellery can reflect light. Experiment with different angles and lighting to reduce or eliminate unwanted reflections. Zoom in to inspect and make sure the product is free of distracting reflections.
- Lack of preparation.
To achieve a timeless look, use clear and uncluttered backgrounds, such as white or grey. Consistency in background style across your product images is essential for a professional and distraction-free presentation.
- Do not use inappropriate props.
While props can help with product photography, for small items like jewellery, the focus should be on the product itself. If you use props, make sure they complement the jewellery rather than overshadow it.
- Light Consistency
Maintain consistent lighting to avoid inconsistencies in jewellery product images. To avoid harsh lighting, use soft, natural sunlight or studio lighting. Familiarize yourself with your camera’s manual mode to gain more control over lighting during photography.
Wrapping Up
All of the top online jewellery retailers share the same feature: beautiful product photos. You can create images that sell and help you establish your brand by following the steps in this guide. As you gain experience with jewellery photography, you can incorporate more elements and use your imagination to create your images. Investing in high-quality photos and properly showcasing your jewellery will pay off quickly in terms of increased sales and income.
If you are searching for the best product photography studio to make your products stand out, then look no further than Impression Photography. Based in Montreal, we specialize in capturing exceptional product photography at the best jewellery photography Prices.
