Jewelry Picture Ordeal is Ova!
January 14, 2006 by Tammy Powley
Filed under Jewelry Design Careers
I just have to say, first, that I have such a respect for models and actors who can deal with being in front of a camera – not only deal with it but look great. How do they do it?
Second – a big THANK YOU to my baby sister for putting up with me and for her husband for taking care of my nephews while I invaded their home.
Now, here are a few pictures that I think turned out okay – not going to be giving Tyra Banks a run for her money any time soon but….
I also learned some good photo-taking tips:
1) Black is good, especially for jewelry. Just about any necklace I put on seemed to look okay with black.
2) Bright colors also work well – bring a few shirts and do some test runs with the digital before you take too much time with the pictures.
3) Turtle necks are good. Now I know why so many writers get their photos take in them – they cover the neck – which doesn’t look so hot after age 30!
4) Get help with hair and make up and have someone help you fix your own hair and stuff before taking the picture. It’s difficult to know what you look like without directly looking in a mirror.
5) Take a little of everything – serious portraits, you working, being silly. You never know what might come in handy.
As a jewelry designer, you need to think about the fact that you represent your jewelry, your business. I recently wrote an article about this very thing: “You Are Your Jewelry.”
Yes, it’s amazing what different colours and shapes can do to our faces, etc. I think your photos look great. I *finally* picked up your Bead and Wire Jewelry book from my local library yesterday. It’s terrific. I particularly enjoyed the instructions on how to make your own ear wires. Great stuff.
You look very cute Tammy! Any tips for photographing jewelry by itself?
Thanks, Heather. My sis is a master with the make up!
Nikki – I confess that I love to use my flatbed scanner for jewelry. I am not the best photographer, but I will say that after talking with a lot of people about this, light is the key with jewelry – lots and lots.