Feature


Photography. Time to get image conscious.


OK. So you’ve made the jewellery that’s going to create the right image for your customers. So, job done, right?


Not exactly. Because what you need now is the image that will create the right image of the thing that’s going to create that image, if you see what we mean.


The jewellery that you make is very much what you make of it. After all, it’s not much use creating that sparkling masterpiece of the jewellery-maker’s art if the shot you take of it makes it look flat, dull and lifeless. The fact is, if you want to create the right impression with potential customers, you won’t always have the real thing there in all its glittering glory to pop under their noses. Very often it’ll be a photograph. So that photograph needs to be a creation every bit as artistic as the jewellery itself.


And, of course, jewellery is by its very nature so delicate and fiddly that there really is an art to photographing it. Especially in the light of, well, the light. If jewellery is about one thing, it’s about reflecting back the light with dazzling colours and it will be your job to capture the effect perfectly with the right depth of field and beautiful detail.


So whether you’re creating your own website or blog or producing postcards or mini brochures to showcase your work, professional-looking images will make you and your jewellery look professional too.


No pressure there then. 14 telephone orders: 0845 100 1122


But don’t give up just yet. Because you won’t actually need to be a Rankin weighed down with top rank equipment to create the right image and the right effect. In fact, all you’ll need is your trusty digital camera, a tripod, some simple photo editing software and our handy tips to create some real gems of the photographer’s art!


Ready, set, go! One thing many jewellery makers forget when photographing their pieces is the importance of the set. Sometimes, it’s true, you’ll just want a plain background, or a ‘limbo’ set as photographers call it, especially if you’re trying to capture a piece that’s particularly complex and involved. However, it’s also worth considering the ways in which a prop or a background can enhance a piece, evoking a particular mood, period or style. Perhaps, for example, your piece has a hint of Art Deco angularity and a bold jazz age use of colour or a swinging Sixties Biba vibe. You’ll want to bring that out with props that perfectly complement the look and conjure up the place and time. Background colour is important too. You’ll want to choose your colour very carefully to make sure that you’re creating a subtle harmony with the myriad of reflections in the piece.


Then, when you’ve made a firm decision about the look you want, make an even firmer one. Secure your piece firmly in place using holding wax or even Blu Tac or double-sided tape.


Making light work of it. Ever tried to take a photograph of something in a shop window? If you have, you’ll have ended up with a


lovely portrait of yourself, yes, taking a photograph of something in a shop window! Now multiply the problem by a thousand and you’ll have some idea of one of the biggest issues facing anyone when photographing jewellery. It reflects just about everything, including your surroundings, your camera and you.


The answer is to try to work in a white enclosed space using natural light or LED bulbs and to make sure you get your angles right. And look carefully at the image before declaring ‘it’s a wrap’ to make sure that those dazzling gemstones are reflecting the light and nothing more. Also try to avoid using a built-in flash which will produce glare, dull down your colours and create shadow. Lighting should be as soft as possible to avoid harsh shadows. You can always add more contrast on your computer when editing.


You can make your own simple, cheap light box from cardboard lined with tissue paper to help diffuse the light. You could also use a large cake container. Cover the outside of the box with black velvet to prevent unwanted light getting in. If you prefer to take photographs at night or when natural light is not available, you can use desk lamps fitted with LED light bulbs on either side of the light box. Use extra pieces of white card or foam board to help reflect the light around the piece.


A three-legged friend. Whether you’re still a little nervous about taking the shots or not (and you shouldn’t be with all the tips we’ve given you!) the slightest movement or tremble in your hands will be multiplied


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