How to take good pics of your diamonds

[diamondjunkie]

Okay girls.  I thought this would be a great thread to help all our fellow diamond addicts get the best pics of their pieces.  After all, we will be enjoying the pics too!  So without further ado, here is how I get good pics of my diamonds - please all you talented girls, post your tips!

1.  Use a tripod - this is very important to prevent blurring.

2.  Don't use the flash at all:  take your pics in natural light of varying degrees to let your pieces show you their different personalities.

3.  Get as close as you can while still maintaining focus - just crop the image down small later.

4.  Find some great props!  I have a mirrored vanity tray that works wonders and everyone loves pics of rings in flowers.  Use your imagination!

5.  Be prepared to take LOTS of pics.  You might choose just a couple for every 50 you take - that's normal.

Some of the girls here swear by the macro function.  Some get great pictures outside.  I am sure they will all be happy to share their personal recipe for success!  Now go take some awesome pics!   

[CaratHead]

Excellent tips, DJ. 

My two biggest tips are...macro function, and natural sunlight.  If you don't have much sunlight, the lightbulbs that mimic daylight are also excellent.

[Diamondluvr]

Great info, I have been jewelry picture challenged for some time now.  I have been using the flash and I always seem to get black spots were the 'sparkle' was on the stones, maybe this is my problem--must go practice! Thanks Again

I also second the 'DH leaving' during your photo sessions-mines thinks I am nuts when he sees me do it!

[annie1]

I can't seem to work up the ambition to take that many pictures, but for me not having the 'men folk' around really helps.  I tend to get weird looks.

What I really need is a tripod. DJ's right - it's way too hard to hold your hand still.

[Piglette]

mskerryk -- I nearly spit up my Diet Coke, I laughed so hard at your post!

So true, so true.... 

[patty4711]

HI this is KFive--but I accidentally logged in on my laptop when I joined so I have to figure out how to rejoin under my real name so anywhoooo. I have a suggestion---does anyone use a whitebox to take pictures? I really like mine. It is just a box that is pretty white inside and then it has a hole in the top that blast2 lamps into and then I have some mirrors inside and then I take my pics from the front and of course the front is open. Sorry I have been soooo slow getting on to this forum. Thanks for doing this David--Very cool!! PS I hate my day job. So busy no time for this fun fun stuff

[luvnjewelry]

Hi Kfive...so glad to see you here.  Those are great suggestion.  Another thing you can do is fold a white piece of paper in half and set it upright next to your props/image.   This allows some white light to come into the point of view and really brightens the object that you are trying to take a pic of.   I have yet to try this................but I have seen my husband do it quite often when he would take pictures as a "commercial" photographer.    Now make sure that the white piece of paper/cardboard is not IN the picture you are taking ~Ronda

[Rubymu]

Now gals, i've got a photography query.....it seems to me the sunlight I'm getting over here is that bright that I get major reflections off the metal. 

Not that i've got honker diamonds to photograph....but i've got a couple of little things (watch, gemstone ring, my speccy earrings via Snooper).....and i'm just feeling frustrated......maybe the Australian sun is too bright? 

The traditional phographer in me wants to turn the f-stop up and let in less light...but of course, digitals just don't work like that. 

Any hints?

[diamondjunkie]

Find a way to mute the light, Ruby.  The best pics I have taken were inside when it was sunny outside, near our large windows.  It was enough light to bring out the best in the jewelry but not enough to overwhelm.

[FoxyandSexy]

I've never heard of a whitebox Kfive, but I'm not much of a photographer either. Ronda, your white paper idea sounds like a great idea.....and easy. Definitely something I could try!

Thanks.

Amy

[DiamondLady]

Diffused sunlight is great (like inside the house but with the sun coming in through a window).

Also, I'm sure that most will not own a tripod, so here's a little trick... Get a glass or cup or whatever and turn it upside down to rest the camera on to hold it steady.

[DiamondLady]

I forgot one more tip for LOOSE stones..
( I did not come up with this, but remember someone else doing it)

Place the stone (culet side down) between the tines of a metal fork.
The tines will hold the stone face up without it falling over to one side.

[BigRed]

OMG that pig is hilarious! Great tips ladies! Maybe some day when I get a camera I could put these tips to use!

[Snooper]

Jessica, I LOVE that particular pic!! I still envision that w/ a 3 stone halo, with white side stones

[FoxyandSexy]

Ahhhh Jessica, that's adorable!!!! 

Amy

[webmistress]

Love it.

[Piglette]

Piglette approves highly of the adorable pink pig!  (But Piglette's husband would only see it as confirmation that Piglette is mentally un-balanced.)

Really --  a great photo!

[Kati]

I love that picture!

 

[diamondjunkie]

Have to tell you AZ, that's the most expensive toy pig I've ever seen.........

[joia]

I have always wondered how you made your rings stand up and pose for your photos.   Now I know, icecream, pigs and what else.  I have been trying to find one of those little stands made of plastic that they have in jewellery stores.  Hand shots! Not on my hands.  I did take one with my palm upwards - looked much better than the other way.  I have a little tripod so starting tomorrow (everything starts tomorrow with me) I will be practising.  Thanks for the tips.
Joia

[luvnjewelry]

I bet your  hands are fine!  Looking forward to seeing those pics..."tomorrow"....hehehe!~Ronda

[DiamondLady]

joia, try ebay to find lots of jewelry "stands" and other display items. They even have ones that will rotate so you can do movies. 

[diamondjunkie]

Great tip Rhonda - I'm going to check that out!