How to Photograph Jewellery

Using a compact digital camera to take photos of jewellery can be made easy, if a few simple guidelines are followed. There are a number of reasons people need to take photos of their valuables. Some require a record for insurance purposes, such as in case of loss or theft. Others simply want a photo as a memory of something they once owned, that they can share with others. And, there are those that need photos because they wish to sell their valuables on an auction website, or in the classifieds ads, or a related medium.

Selling one's valuables and keepsakes has become very common these days. With the unfortunate reality of a struggling economy, and challenges within the job market, more and more people are looking for ways to make some extra money. For anyone who has ever considered jewellery photography in the past, now is the time to take advantage of that desire. So whether for fun or profit, jewellery photography can put extra money in the pockets of everyday people.

Use a Tripod for Stability

Tripods provide compact digital cameras excellent stability and support. If a person will be taking a lot of photos, then a tripod is a valuable accessory to have. A tripod steady's the camera and averts any unwanted movement or motion. This is especially helpful in low light situations, or where one does not have a steady hand. If a crisp clean photo is essentially, a tripod is the way to go. If a tripod is not possible, consider propping the camera against something solid while snapping the photo, to avoid movement.

Use Lighting Effectively

Most people have a number of different types of lighting sources or locations within their home. Lightning can make a world of difference on the way an object looks. Take a sample photo using each lighting source or location, and compare them to determine source provides the best source of illumination. This is what many professional photographers do to get the best shot.

Keep the Shot Simple and Focused

The best photograph focuses on the item(s) of jewellery. It's not difficult to be able to spot an amateur photographer's pictures. They are often taken with "clutter" or with a mixture of items in the background and the foreground. This can often results in confusion for the viewer of a photograph. Keep photos "clean" except for necessary items or props.

Props Can Help

Although having clutter is a bad thing, using a prop can allow the object to have further character by adding depth and a sense of flair to a piece of jewellery. This is also helpful in the case of a piece of jewellery that may not be very ostentatious or "photographic" by itself. Use props to help "add" to the piece, however, do not add too much which could lead to a "messy" photo.

Pick a Good Background

When it comes to jewellery photography, black is often a good background choice, because it contrasts so well with so many jewellery color variations. Of course, if the item is dark, then a lighter shade will be preferred. Remember, regardless of how a piece of jewellery is arranged, it will only show up as "one dimensional" in the final photograph, so color can provide a sense of depth that the object needs.

Crop Your Photo for the Best Effect

Always crop photos regardless of whether or not the camera affords the option. Of course, if the picture is perfect in the sense of the size of the item as compared to the background, cropping may be unnecessary. A "free" photo program can be used for editing as it is such a basic task, programs that are elaborate in nature are not necessary. Even a program such as "MS Paint" can be used to crop photos. Cropping photos can make the difference between a piece of jewellery that is so small it simply gets lost in the background, and one that is made large enough to stand out and capture the eye. Remember, a visitor's interest must be captured within moments, or they will likely go on to the next ad or item for sale.

A picture says a thousand words, and a compact digital camera can allow a photographer to speak to the viewer.