Photographing jewelry...

I am not a photographer, but I think I've learned a lot in the last year or so when it comes to taking photos of my jewelry. I started experimenting in earnest last summer. On the back deck under an awning, I rigged up a white backdrop suspended on two inexpensive (but rather flimsy) tripods and covered my table with a similar white cloth. I thought it might be a nice touch to bring an element of nature to the pictures, so suspended my earrings and other items from small tree branches. Unfortunately, it became truly annoying to deal with unexpected breezes that flipped up the fabric and sometimes knocked down my tripods, and it was beastly hot outside! In addition, any slight puff would create a gentle sway of my jewelry items, and I'd have to wait. until the motion subsided. 

Next, I thought I'd build a light-box. I had read everywhere on the internet that THE way to photograph jewelry was with a light box. I constructed several, using cardboard boxes with their sides and tops cut out. I taped artist's tracing paper over the cardboard frame, and hung a branch inside to hang the jewelry on. Here's an idea of what the inside of the light box looked like. I was never particularly happy with the results. I had purchased three metal reflectors and daylight fluorescent bulbs, but it never seemed like enough light. One day when I was particularly frustrated with the setup and my results, I SMASHED the box and whisked it into the trash!

Somewhere along the line, I decided I needed a better camera. I did some research, and finally bought a Canon SX 20 IS. It has an incredible number of features, many which after a year I have never used. But I'm happy with the improvement in quality of my pictures. This camera has a super-macro setting which allows one to get in very very close to the subject. I love this feature! I also started learning how to use Photoshop Elements to adjust white balance, color, sharpening, etc. What a difference. Check out the two shots below. The first one is the before, and the second one is after the levels and color cast adjusted. Still perhaps not a perfect photo, but vastly improved.

I've learned that light is of particular importance. Some of my best shots have been early morning, when the sun is just peeking out over the horizon, preferably near an east window. I have a north window that for a few weeks proved to be an ideal spot for early morning pictures. That lasted until the tree nearby filled out with new growth blocking the perfect morning rays. Ahhh me. The challenges of a photographer!

But I keep at it because it is a challenge, and it's fun, and creative, and fulfilling. I hope to take some professional classes some day (in my "free" time.)