How will you photograph your handcrafted jewelry so it captures a buyer’s eyes?  Your photographs need to look professional and they need to grab the viewer’s attention and interest.

Improving your jewelry photographs first requires you to assess your photographic skills.  Do you need to take a photography class in order to understand the elements of photography or do you already possess good photography skills?

If you sell you jewelry and plan to take your own photographs, then a photography class is a good investment for your company.   Use the Internet, or go ‘old school’ and use the telephone book to look for photography classes in your area.  In addition to learning about how to use your camera, you will learn about composition.   Photography teachers in your area can assess your skills and help you improve your technique.  Local classes not only help the local economy, but it gives you the specialized attention that you need to see your jewelry.

A good photographer will be able to capture the best photographs no matter what type of camera is used.  So do not feel that you have to spend a thousand dollars on a camera when a simple ‘point and shoot’ camera can do the job.  You need to know the camera’s limitations so that you can get the most capability from your camera.  For example, if your camera does not take crisp photographs in low light, you will want to make sure to photograph your jewelry in areas of good lighting. 

 Once you have learned the basics of photography, you are ready to plan your jewelry photo shoot.  Think about what you will photograph, where you will photograph it and how you will display your jewelry.

Gather all your jewelry pieces and study them.   What is the most important part of that jewelry piece?  That will be the focal point of your photograph.

Whenever possible, photograph your jewelry in natural light.  Set up your photograph near a window or glass door.  Artificial lighting, such as a camera’s flash, often comes across as harsh, which can produce dark shadows.  Therefore, unless you are experienced with lighting, avoid artificial light whenever possible. If you have better light outdoors, then plan your photo shoot for outdoors in natural light.

Jewelry looks its best when worn, so see if you can find a friend who can serve as your model.  Get in close to focus on the jewelry piece being worn.  If possible, have your model apply foundation and powder makeup to the areas of the skin you will be photographing.  The makeup will give a softer look to the skin.

What happens if you do not have a model?  This is where your imagination and creativity come into play.  Look at your jewelry piece.  The style of your piece and the look you wish to portray will determine your display set up.

The simplest method is to display a jewelry piece on a necklace or wrist display form, which can be found in the jewelry section of craft stores.   You can also download patterns to construct your own necklace display form.  When I use this method, I use a large sheet of watercolor paper as my backdrop, so there is a plain-white background.   Because this set up is very simple, I will look for ways to add interest to the photograph.  The easiest way to add interest is to shoot the jewelry piece photograph from different angles.

You can also hang your jewelry pieces from shutters, vases, cups, rocks or trees.  Look around your house and see what you have around that can be used to create a little vignette in which to photograph your jewelry.  You can place your jewelry on open books, handmade paper, music sheets and other types of paper.  I used a white frame and a lace skirt to photograph Veronica’s necklace.  Go outdoors and see where you can place your jewelry for interesting backgrounds in your photographs.

Remember, your photographs need to be clear and creative to display your jewelry to showcase it as the jewelry deserves.

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When at the 2016 MEGA Show, make sure to visit the CHA Designer in Action area!