advice on photographing jewelry with digital camera

[Mrs. MC]

I can't seem to get it so that you can see my rings clearly in the pics that I take. I wanted to post on TPF but also photograph a ring I want to sell and the glare is making it a big mushy mess of light and shadows. I adjusted the "shutter" speed to 50 and photo in front of light and that seemed to help but still can't get a clear shot. Any suggestions would be helpful, thanks !

 

[sinniebunnie]

there should be a close up "flower" icon that lets you take pictures of small things. try that if not focus at a farther view and then bring the camera closer to the object (while still holding onto the focus). that works most of the time.

 

[Mrs. MC]

there should be a close up "flower" icon that lets you take pictures of small things. try that if not focus at a farther view and then bring the camera closer to the object (while still holding onto the focus). that works most of the time.

thank you ! When I zoom in it looks very clear but then when I release my finger it is all blurry again. I will try that icon thanks !

 

[bagsforme]

Don't use the flash. Use the macro setting (usually a flower symbol). Take the photo outside.

 

[Junkenpo]

i looooooove the macro setting.

hold your breath while taking the photo, don't release the breath until after.... i find my hands & body more still (resulting in less blurry photos) if i am holding my breath while pressing the button.

if you're hand shakes, get a tripod or put the camera on something stable that can't be jostled around.

i don't have a tripod, so if it's a still shot, i take my photos on the table with the camera on the table & bring said photo subject to the camera's range.

 

[Swanky]

some macro's are funny, try backing up or moving forward just an inch, you'll be surprised

 

[Charlie]

I try following the tips. Swanky, I really want my pictures to come out like yours, i love the ones you have with the black background and they are all shiny but I keep failing, in fact it was an epic fail!!!! I told DH, If I want to succeed I need a bigger stone and a better camera, he just gave me the "look"

Here are my first attempts:


BTW, I have not cleaned my ring for about 8 weeks now, shame on me poor thing looks all crusty.

BRB with better pics.

 

[Swanky]

you did a beautiful job! Tell me more about your rings!

Thanks, mine were on my piano bench :shame:

 

[smurfet]

I'm glad I stumbled into the Jewelry Box and came across this thread. I can never take good pix of my jewelry. They are always so blurry. I'll try the macro function next time!

 

[LVcubster]

metal traditionally to look its best traditionally needs to be photographed in even light or you get harsh highlights and uneven details, you can photograph it at dawn or dusk outside where you get even illumination but then you get photos of stuff at dawn or dusk..lol... You can also make a make shift light tent if you are photographing alot by literally making a tent with a white sheet and a chair and bouncing the light off the sheet to uniformly illuminate the space. I would also really recommend a tripod. I suppose that too much work for just casual photos...but its info I guess ever notice that car photos are usually at dawn or dusk if not then they usually use a light tent......

 

[Charlie]

you did a beautiful job! Tell me more about your rings!

Thanks, mine were on my piano bench :shame:

Thank you Swanky

Engagement ring:
Carat Weight: 1.262 cts.
Cut Grade: AGS Ideal 0
Color Grade: AGS 1.5 G
Clarity Grade: AGS 5 (SI1)
Shape and style: Round brilliant
Platinum band.

Wedding band;
Carat weight: 1.00 cts (31 tinny stones)
Platinum band.
Dont know the specifications

I took more pictures after I cleaned it, they came out a bit better.

 

[Charlie]

OP, sorry for hijacking your thread

 

[sinniebunnie]

i normally zoom far away and bring it closer until the preview becomes blurred then take it.. but i keep the zoom / focus on