An Inside Look at my Jewelry Photo Shoots (Sharma Designs - Behind the Scenes of a Handmade Jewelry Business)

Before you start reading I have to warn you that this may be a bit like seeing the little man behind the curtain who plays the wizard . The end shot is definitely more glamorous than the process. If you are okay with that then please read on...

There are a few key components to my photo shoots. The first is a nice sunny day. If I shot outdoors I would probably prefer a slightly overcast day but because my location of choice is my work table next to a window I need lots of natural light.

Next I need a good neutral background. I have experienced with a few different backgrounds but I am currently using scrapbook paper. I have a wide variety of shapes and colors but I usually stick with my favorite gray color. It is gray with a little bit of noise to it.

I actually found my favorite gray paper by accident. I was browsing Polyvore collections and someone was using it as a background. I found the scrapbook paper site and ordered a few of their papers. It was exactly what I had been looking for at the local Michaels and Scrapbook stores but couldn't find.

Now my one and only prop. I don't always use it but it really helps to stand the jewelry up sometimes to add a little interest to the photo. It may not be the prettiest rock but it blends into the paper fabulously and has an organic feel that I like. My five year old actually gave it to me one day after we had a discussion about how I needed one for my shoots. She beams with pride whenever she sees me using it.

I also like that I get a very natural color straight out of the camera. It is like using a gray card without using a gray card. The shot below has zero adjustment in Photoshop and is the exact colors of both the rock and the paper.

And after everything is set up here is what the area looks like:

I use the white paper on the side to reflect the light from the window back into the shadows. At least that is what it does in theory. I don't know if it makes or breaks the picture but it makes me feel better.

The last step is to set my camera to macro and start shooting. The pictures are a work in progress and always have been. Every few months I try something new and come up with a better picture. I personally think my next move is to have my husband buy me the macro lens I am drooling over for my birthday. My current lens has a macro feature but is not a dedicated macro lens. I need it!

And in case you were wondering....

what that stunning jewelry was in the background. My mini diva daughter insists I keep her jewelry displayed on this bust so she can keep it safe. A fine starter collection isn't it?

And yes that is a new "still in packaging" bead bin just waiting to be filled. Not to worry...I have the beads to fill it just not the time.

4 Comments

I forgot to say something I have always thought..I loved..LOVED the way you used to do the WHITE background. I could never duplicate that..it made the colors POP off the screen!

Posted by: Leslie Hahn | April 30, 2010 at 05:20 AM

Tha most timing consuming but most important part~! Love seeing behind the scenes!

Posted by: Leslie Hahn | April 29, 2010 at 09:05 PM