Najia |
|
how to shoot jewelry
I am a jewelry artist working with natural stones and crystals. I have a desktop studio cube and lighting but I am getting nowhere with my Kodak easyshare dx7590. I bought a telephoto lens for it (only option) which is not what I need, I guess I need a macro lens which means I need a whole new camera. What reasonably priced digital camera and macro lens would you recommend for use soley in photographing jewelry? How would the set up change if I am shooting a crystal bracelet versus a nonreflective piece (like a turquoise bracelt for example)?
September 25, 2008
|
|
|
John H. Siskin |
|
|
|
|
|
Opal and Diamond Pendant on Quartz
John H. Siskin
|
|
|
|
Hi Najia,
There are a wide variety of cameras from Nikon and Canon, all the dSLRs that will do this if you buy a macro lens. Don’t buy a full frame cameras, and get about a 60mm lens and you will be ok on the camera. Then you will discover that your real problem is lighting. Jewelry is very difficult to light because the metal does best with a large light source like your cube, while faceted stones do well with hard light sources. You will need several lighting tools, particularly diffusers reflecting cards and very small snoots or grid spots. Keep in mind that jewelry is a difficult photographic specialty, expect it to take some time to get good at this. Musician practice, photographers should practice too. Thanks, John Siskin
September 26, 2008
|
|
|
Najia |
|
Thanks John. I don't know what a full frame camera is, but I guess it will be in the description. I am looking at the nikon 70 or 100 per the guide on this website. As to lighting, I do have a "diamond sparkler" that is meant to focus bright light on a spot. I have no idea what a snoot is either (is it fattening?) Any way, I am trying to get the right camera then plan to take courses to learn some basics. Your lighting course or the e-bay class or should I start with fundamentals? For now I have no interest in learning photography other than for purposes of my website, do I don't want a course on landscape, portraits, etc. To see really awful jewelry pictures, go to www.dreamstonz.com. See, I really do need help.
September 26, 2008
|
|
|
Oliver Anderson |
|
I'd buy the 60mm Macro lens, Tripod, shutter release switch....you can even do OK with natural sunlight with some types of jewelry.
September 26, 2008
|
|
|
John H. Siskin |
|
Hi Najia,
If your only goal is to shoot your own jewelry you should really consider hiring someone to do it. You will spend a lot of money either way, but if you hire someone who specializes in jewelry you will have images done by an expert. Jewelry is tricky and you are going to have to spend a lot of your time learning to do it well, if you want to compete with websites that use professionals. I did check out your site, and the site is very professionally done. If jewelry were my talent I would stick to that, as it is I stick to photography.
Thanks, John Siskin
September 26, 2008
|
|
|
Oliver Anderson |
|
I agree with John and he's smart....(you owe me $20 John) I've shot jewelry 3 times and its VERY difficult. I had to shoot some in natural light, some in a light tent and other stuff with a flash with a filter and most of the light covered....and it depends on the type of jewelry. W.Smith has found some cool little sparkle affects but its just hard to shoot properly. Someone gifted in photoshop can make a huge difference as well.
September 27, 2008
|
|
|
John H. Siskin |
|
Oliver, when did your raise your prices? I have had a few jewelry jobs, they require great patience. A small movement in a stone can ruin an image. I do a lot of work with a microscope and some times that is easier than jewelry. Thanks, John Siskin
September 27, 2008
|
|
|
Oliver Anderson |
|
Had to raise my prices since I had an account at WAMU.jk
I know maglites with gels sometimes are used...there are sooooo many trade secrets.
I'd really try to find a good photographer that will partner with you. If you make quality jewelry and the photos are crap it'll make your product look cheap. Marketing is 50% of the formula to success.
September 27, 2008
|
|
|
Najia |
|
I agree and actually tried working with a professional photographer....who does weddings and portraits. He clearly did not have the experience in jewelry and even did things like shoot clasps face down. Problem is finding the right person at the right price for continuous work. Add to that the cost of double shipping if the photographer is not local. Ideas, anyone?
September 29, 2008
|
|
|
Oliver Anderson |
|
One thing you can do is ask other jewelers that have photographers. I'm a schmoozer and approach then in a way that isn't competitive. Thats what I'd do...where do you live now Najia?
September 29, 2008
|
|
|
Najia |
|
I live in Phoenix, Arizona. All of the artisan jewelers I know shoot their own web photos, and that is true for the glass artists I buy focals from as well. lorigreenberg.com, for example, constructed her own photo tent,etc. I am sure to the trained eye,her photos do not rate, but to the consumer, they do as she does well in her glass bead sales. That being said, if I can avoid the hassle of trying to shoot photos myself and still make a profit selling my art, that would be great. Otherwise I am back to figuring out the best simple camera for the job and taking a course in either basics, eBay photo, or lighting.
September 29, 2008
|
|
|
Oliver Anderson |
|
I know another jewelry designer in Scottsdale. Must be a lot of them there, anyways Lori's photos are fine...can't find anything wrong with her images.
September 29, 2008
|
|
|
Najia |
|
Ok, so given that I have lights including a 'dazzler', a tent, a tripod, what camera would you recommend. I remember you said I need a 60mm macro lens and a shutter release switch, which I assume does not come with the camera typically. I was considering the Nikon d70 or d100. Do you know of a better option? Which class do you suggest?
September 29, 2008
|
|
|
Oliver Anderson |
|
Email John Siskin about which class, I use Canon so I have very little idea about Nikon Cameras...he'll fill you in with the equipment.
September 29, 2008
|
|
|
John H. Siskin |
|
Hi Najia,
There are a couple of websites you may want to check out: www.getafreelancer.com and www.guru.com. They function to help businesses find photographers and graphics people. I think you can find a good supplier. I think you can find a supplier who will be a creative partner for you. If you want to take classes I have one called An Introduction to Photographic Lighting that would give you a good start. Nikon makes several good cameras, perhaps either the D80 or the D200 would work for you.
Thanks, John Siskin
Ps. My site is www.siskinphoto.com
October 01, 2008
|
|
|
|
Log in to respond or ask your own question.
|
