Jewellery photos - ideas for shots

[Colin RedGriff]

Hi
I need to produce some product shots for my college course. The subject is product photography and I am going to be photographing jewellery.

The jewellery is like this http://www.flickr.com/photos/chaycock/sets/7215762... Although I do have access to some other more sparkly items as well

I'm looking for ideas on how to stage the jewellery or ideas for things I could photograph the jewellery with.

Any ideas or examples of shots I could try would be great as I'm struggling to come up with enough different ideas.


Thanks

[GetCarter]

I did some for a mate last month - his is REALLY small, so it was a challenge. I'd consider hanging earings, Don't always centre shot, and mess about with narrow depth of field...

[jimmy156]

I've tried this before and its bloody tricky! I ended up with lots of blown highlights and some very average looking shots. What kit are you using? I think ideally you'll want to use a light tent and macro lens.

As for idea's for shots, as Steve said, dont put everything in the centre of the frame and play around with shallow DOF. Cant really be of much more help to be honest 'cos I was rubbish as it

[Simpo Two]

Small shiny things are hard to do!

I'm no expert on jewellery but enjoyed doing a collection of 'ethnic' cufflinks in silver and gold. Lighting and DOF control is crucial - sometimes you have to light not just the subject but the room it's reflecting as well.



It is time to take a break when you start wanting a light that projects darkness

[Colin RedGriff]

Thanks

Yes I know it's tricky but think I've got a basic grasp of the techniques kit wise I've got a Canon 50d with a good selection of lens' and some extension tubes for macro work. I've got a 300w daylight continuous light softbox and a couple of off camera flashes plus various reflectors and stuff.

I'm really looking for ideas to bring in a bit of variety. I've done one as a a triptych with 3 close up shots of details on one item. I've done various shots with reflections on mirrors and black perspex.