How to stage jewelry for photography
If you are selling jewelry online or in a catalogue, it is important to have great product images. This means that you want to make sure the entire piece is in focus, without any distracting reflections or flashes.
If possible, use natural light to achieve this. If you can't, choose a location that is well-lit but not in direct sunlight.
Lighting
Lighting is a key factor when taking photos of jewelry. Avoid harsh shadows, as they can detract from the item or make it look unprofessional. Diffused light will soften shadows and create an attractive image.
You can also use a professional product photography tool, such as a lightbox, to achieve the desired result. A light box will eliminate unwanted reflections, and ensure that the product is well-lit on all sides.
If you're using natural light to photograph your jewellery, make sure it is near a window away from direct sunlight. Bright sunlight can create unflattering reflexions and be too bright for small photographs. To diffuse the light from the sun and minimize reflections, a white sheet of paper or a piece of cardboard can be used. Smudges, dust and other imperfections can also be a problem. These can be removed in post-production by wiping the jewelry.
Props
Props are a great way of highlighting the beauty and details of your jewelry. Props can help you frame your jewelry more naturally, creating an authentic-looking photo.
When looking for props, choose materials and designs that match your brand identity. Stick to a few basic props that complement your jewelry.
Mirrors and acrylic surfaces are great jewelry photography props. They add a touch of sparkle to your photos. Marble, plants, flowers and other reflective objects can be used to enhance the shine on your jewelry. Consider adding dried leaves or florals to your photos to give them a rustic feel.
Backgrounds
The best way to show off jewelry is to position it correctly. It is important to remove any shadows that are not flattering. This can be done by using natural lighting to soften shadows, or a lighting table with a diffuser for an even glow.
When taking jewelry photos, one of the most common mistakes is to use your camera's flash. This can create harsh and distracting shades. Use a professional reflector instead to bounce more light towards your subject, and avoid unwanted shadows in flat lay photos.
White backgrounds are ideal for jewelry photography as they prevent the jewellery from absorbing other colours or light. It helps the piece to look as real as possible, which can be important for ecommerce. Try using jewelry display busests for a more bespoke appearance. You can also DIY with cardboard to create a budget-friendly option.
Post-production
Lighting is a major challenge in product photography. Jewelry is highly reflective and requires a high-quality studio with specialized light. We recommend using either a continuous softbox (ring light) or a continuous softbox to minimize shadows while accurately portraying the color of jewelry. The second challenge is to capture the jewelry at the correct focus point. This is usually achieved by taking multiple photos of the jewelry, each with a different focus point. Then combining them post-production. This is a time-consuming process that requires a lot of skill to achieve quality results.
Props can be useful for jewelry as well, but should only be used sparingly. Props that are commonly used include mannequins, cardboard flats to hold necklaces and earrings and clear plastic watch holders. It is also important to use standard lens instead of distortion lenses such as wide-angles or telephotos. These lenses can blur the edges and make your jewelry look secondary or out of focus.
If you are selling jewelry online or in a catalogue, it is important to have great product images. This means that you want to make sure the entire piece is in focus, without any distracting reflections or flashes. If possible, use natural light to achieve this. If you can't, choose a location that is well-lit…