Essential Photography Equipment For Photographers

It can be overwhelming for inexperienced photographers when choosing the right photography equipment for jewellery photography. Various overpriced equipment may not produce the results you want available on the online market. In addition, it can be challenging to find the equipment that suits your photography skills the best and delivers the results you need.

If you’re a photographer or even a jeweller starting to get into jewellery photography, we are here to assist. This blog has created a list of the equipment, tools, props, and accessories you need to take the best shots.

Camera – Essential Photography Equipment

Cameras are the mandatory piece of photography equipment. Photographers often ask, “What’s the best camera for photographing jewellery for websites and professional product images?” This question can provide a wide range of different answers. Unfortunately, this can leave some confused and overwhelm about the most appropriate choice.

However, most, if not all, DSLR cameras available are acceptable for the job. One of the significant concerns photographers have when deciding on jewellery photography equipment is the lighting equipment and the lens you’ll use on the camera body.

A recommended entry-level DSLR camera for jewellery photographers is the Canon EOS 70D DSLR Camera is. The camera has Wi-Fi, a 20-megapixel crop sensor, and live picture processing channels. In addition, the screen is a touch screen with the capacity to auto-focus when contacting your finger, as it does on current phones. Also, with the camera’s touch screen, it is straightforward to change the settings, which is very beneficial for novices in jewellery product photography.

Smartphones such as the iPhone 13 can also provide exceptional jewellery photography results near-professional level and are good photography equipment alternatives. Most smartphone cameras come with some Portrait or Aperture mode and different lenses. As a result, you can use the phone’s camera settings to recreate the DSLR or mirrorless cameras’ effect to separate your subject from their background.

Macro Lens

Macro lenses are essential jewellery photography equipment as they are the preferred lens for close-up photography. These lenses can take photos of small subjects at up to 1.0x or 1:1 magnification at the closest focusing distance. When deciding which macro lens to buy, don’t forget to consider the following factors in your purchase:

Focal Length – the angle of view and the magnification that is available. For example, focal Length determines how wide or narrow a scene is to capture, and the subject’s size appears in the frame. The shorter the focal length (mm), the wider the angle of view is produced, resulting in the subject appearing smaller in the camera frame.
Image stabilisation – This useful feature prevents blurry images and reduces any vibration commonly caused by handheld photography.

Lighting System/sources

Lighting being used as photography equipment

Lighting System/sources

Natural lighting isn’t necessarily photography equipment but is one of the most accessible lighting sources available. It provides light distribution in outdoor or indoor settings to illuminate your subject ideally. The main downside to using natural lighting is how you can’t always control the lighting. For example, avoid photographing jewellery when the sun is at its fullest as there may be too much light for the subject leading to undesired results.

Artificial lighting is the preferred lighting system for professional photographers. You can control artificial lighting to your liking; as a result, it’s one of the most recommended Jewellery photography equipment. Commonly used artificial lighting systems in jewellery photography include single light bulbs, LED fixtures, or multiple LEDs. When using multiple lighting systems, ensure that all light sources are of the same colour temperature. This consistency will help create beautiful reflections on glossy surfaces and is easy to control.

Table, Jewellery Stand & Other Props

jewellery photography by using photography equipment — By MO STUDIOS

A table is perfect for placing jewellery on an equal level.

Each type of jewellery should use appropriate jewellery stands and holders. For example, stands that complement your background should be used when photographing necklaces. In addition, ensure that the jewellery is at the appropriate length for your subject. Use museum putty and other jewellery holding wax when you want to hold rings, including Elmer’s putty. Putty and wax are easy to apply and remove without leaving any residue behind. When using putty/wax, make sure to apply as little as possible so the putty is not visible in your images.

These props are essential for achieving professional-quality jewellery images. However, it would help if you only used props that best represent your jewellery. Also, avoid cluttering props and accessories in your jewellery shots, as it may take your customer’s attention away from the subject.

White paper & Foam boards

White background photography is most famous for online retail as it creates professionalism, sophistication, and neatness. As a result, it makes your online visual display relaxing and pleasing to the eyes. Furthermore, white background photography’s primary use is the cover photo for an item listing, and lifestyle photography supports it, so it is essential photography equipment.

Creating a white background for your jewellery images doesn’t have to be expensive either. Using white paper rolls, white foam boards, or fabric is a good solution for white background photography. In addition, using white backgrounds can serve as a reflector or light diffuser.

A photo lightbox is a box with a white backdrop and translucent sides. You place a piece of jewellery inside the box, letting you take a photo of your jewellery. You can expect results with professional-quality lighting, with no shadows disrupting the plain, even background. Lightboxes provide a convenient, consistent, and simple method of taking jewellery photography.

Shopping practices have become more digital and visual for many people in the past few years, thanks to current trends and COIVD-19. However, customers are said to have a shorter attention span in the digital age. As a result, the competition for attention begins with the quality of your jewellery product image.

What other jewellery photography equipment and accessories do you use and recommend? Feel free to share in the comment section below.

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