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Etsy Labs – Photographing Jewelry

I just wanted to start out by giving a big thank you to Rhonda at Prolifiquejewelry for hosting this lab and sharing her secrets for getting her absolutely gorgeous photos (it doesn't hurt that she has some beautiful things to photograph either). This is just a quick recap for those of you who missed it, or maybe just need a refresher.

Smile Handprinted Letterpress Poster by rollandtumblepress on Etsy

Now, Lets get to the good stuff…

What kind of Camera do you use?

Lately I have been blaming my slightly blurry photos on the fact that all I have is this little point and shoot, and this is probably the best it can do, right? Wrong! I found out that Prolifiquejewelry uses the exact same camera as I do! So, no more excuses I need to shape those photos up!

The camera is a Cannon Powershot A540. She also found a macro lense that will fit this camera and help get those extra crisp, close up shots. It is an Opteka lense and I found them here. (Just make sure they work with your camera).

White Balance –

Rhonda had some great tips on this. First she sets her white balance by using a white piece of cardstock that she places in the lightbox. She also uses this same piece of card stock to reduce the reflection of the camera in the shot by cutting a hole in the center of the paper, and fitting it over her lense so that the lense fits through and the camera is hidden by the paper.

If you are asking… sure great tip but… what is white balance? I read a little more about it here.

Backgrounds –

We also talked about backgrounds in your photos during the lab. Here are some of the things she brought up as things to think about when choosing your backgrounds.

  • Find cardstock from the craft store that has colors that match the feeling and look of your shop. It is an inexpensive way to change up the photos but keeps a cohesive look.
  • If you use props, simple ones work well. You don't want your item getting less attention than the prop.
  • While there are endless items you could use here are some ideas for props: Box tops, Books, placemats, driftwood, cups, votives ect.
  • Look at thrift shops or dollar stores for interesting items that would go with the feel of your shop and showcase your item well.

Photos/Slots –

  • Do 1 or 2 with a plain background, no props.
  • Take different angles to create interest. Draw the viewer in with interesting photo angles.
  • Use all 5 slots!
  • If you have nice packaging use the 5th slot to showcase your packaging.
  • Set the timer on your camera so you can take your hand off the camera when it is taking the shot. This will reduce blurryness.
  • Use a tripod. Or if you are in a pinch use a stack of books, or any item that is sturdy and won't wobble.
  • Mix up the style you use for your first photo. Have some with a model, some with an artsy photo, some with a plain background, some with the prop. As long as you are making the shop cohesive this can create interest in your items.

Lighting –

  • Use diffused natural light, or a light box.
  • Want to make your own lightbox? Here are a few links for DIYers to take a look at: Ikea hamper lightbox and DIY Lightbox  Not quite what you wanted? Keep looking on the web, there are many tutorials on how to make your own.
  • Do you need expensive lightbulbs? Nope! Rhonda has bought the expensive ones and thinks that the GE daylight bulb 20w or 16w works just as well. You can usually find those at your local hardware store.

Tips –

  • Edit your photos in a photo editing software. You can improve levels and curves to enhance your photo. I have an example of what I do to improve my Etsy photos as well as a quick tutoral of using Gimp to improve my Etsy photos on my blog.
  • Use the sharpening Brush to sharpen only parts of the photo that need it.
  • Blurr things in the background to bring focus to the item.

Resources:

PHOTOGRAPHY:

PHOTO EDITING SOFTWARE:

GENERAL: