In
my last blog I discussed the basic setup of light, camera, white
balance, and camera stand. What’s next? Sometimes the area around the
table where you are taking photos can be a drain on the lighting or
cause shadows. Here is what can be done to give a more even light on
your jewelry. Use three number-4 USPS boxes taped shut and placed in a
"U" shape on top of the cutting board. Then put a white piece of mat
board against the back box.
By
putting these boxes around three sides, and with them being white, they
reflect the light back to the center area. If you want, cover the blue
label with white paper. The white mat board acts as a backdrop when
taking photos of earrings or anything vertical.
Photo Problem 1
The
first problem piece of jewelry is a pendant with a hidden bail. It
won’t lay flat and tends to fall to the left or the right.
My
fix for this problem is a simple foam earplug. No, it’s not used! I cut
it in half and, if needed, take that half and cut into two pieces.
Wedge the two pieces under the pendant. Problem solved.
Problem 2
I
want to take a photo of a ring standing up, but I don’t want to have it
propped against anything. Glue dots are your friend! Use the extra
strong dots found at Hobby Lobby.
There
are two sizes, 2mm and larger. I use both depending on what I am trying
to hold. In this case, I want to hold a simple ring on its end. I use a
small dot. If its a heavy ring I use the large one.
Next time, I’ll discuss some other tips for photographing "trouble" jewelry.
