|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Digital Photography |
|
|
|
|
|
Taking good shots of my jewelry
has been quite a challenge. You name it, and I've tried it. Inside,
outside, lights on, lights off, filters, no filters..... after
a year of experimentation, I finally arrived at a system that
works nicely. This part of the Studio Tour is for all of you
who are struggling to take digital shots of jewelry without hotspots,
shadows and distortions. |
|
|
|
|
The setup you see above is
relatively inexpensive (not counting the cost of the digital
camera, of course). The clamp-on lights (only one is shown) were
purchased at Home Depot and the lamp at the left was a real bargain.
Another nice feature to using this system is that the results
are repeatable and predictable any time day or night. I
hope the following information is useful to you.
1) In the photo above, first
of all there is no camera - it is in my hands taking this shot.
So, you have to use your imagination that there is a Sony Digital
Mavica, hanging lens down from the tripod, focused on the bottom
platform of the "lampshade". |
|
|
|
|
|
2) The "lampshade" is
made from an opaque paper, two layers thick, that allows light
to filter through it. The paper creates diffused light
and prevents shadows and hot spots. The shooting surface is removable
and is covered with dark gray photographic background paper.
The jewelry rests on the platform and slips in under the shade.
The "lampshade" and it's platform are resting on top
of a lovely laundry soap container seen in the first photo. |
|
|
|
|
3) In the top photo I use one
more clamp-on light than is shown and position it in front of
the "lampshade". Guess why it's not seen above? You're
right, I needed the light stand to take the photo. I position
the three lights in a triangular formation around the "lampshade".
You can move the stands further or closer to create varying highlights
and soft shadow effects in your photograph.
4) Ordinary light bulbs are used.
I am currently using a 100 watt, 120 watt, and a 60 watt bulb
in the lamps.
5) I always white balance before
shooting, never use the flash, and find using the "steady
shot" feature unnecessary.
6) The digital shots are processed
via Adobe Photoshop. |
|
|
|
Next Page |
|
|
|
|
|
