Wednesday, February 18, 2009

workin'

I'm totally absorbed in making jewelry lately and I haven't really been doing much else. I've been getting some really great feedback from customers and it seems as though as soon as I make a piece (whether it be a necklace, bracelet, earrings, etc.) and put it in the display case, it sells right out from under me. I'm thrilled! I'm also really excited to have that anxious and eager feeling to make stuff again. I realize now that creativity was what was missing from my life. I wasn't making anything that interested me. It feels good to make things that I like, and things that my customers like, too!

I'm struggling with taking pictures of my work, though, and I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions on set-up. Do you use a lightbox? Are there magical picture-taking clues out there that would help me take stellar photos of jewelry? I need help because the photos in this post are a perfect example of what I'm dealing with now. They're just not cutting it. Any pointers you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Gracias!

9 comments:

Modernsnap ! said...

WEIRD! I am posting my new "jewelry" shop through Etsy on my blog today at 2:00 and then I read that you are a jewelry master! Sweet! I think your photo's look pretty darn good. I'm constantly trying to figure out better ways to shoot my pictures too, especially close-ups. I think it has mostly to do with lighting. I don't have any fancy box or light either so I just keep trying to perfect it. Perhaps a google search could find you a tutorial, me too for that matter! Your stuff is rockin' Kate...

Mare said...

Those necklaces are Just Beautiful Kate...and you know i have no suggestions for your photos...they are WAY better than my camera takes!

Good Girls Studio said...

Use macro on your camera setting, no flash, I bought a pretty inexpensive light box & my pics have gotten much better. Try different angles. Love the color combinations you're using :) Kate is Great!

Kate said...

Dang, ladies! Thanks! I'm working on some more pieces as I type this...I'm a multi-tasker like that.

Thanks, Jo! I think I might have to invest in the lightbox. I've been using my macro and super macro lenses and it's just not cutting it. I think the weird lighting at the shop could have something to do with that. I may have to just plunk down the money and fix myself up with something spiffy.

Kim said...

Hmm, not sure where my post disappeared to? Cyber space maybe. My boyfriend's blog has a post about photographing jewelry with a homemade lightbox. Oh, and GREAT looking jewelry, Kate! :)

http://www.larsphotography.blogspot.com/

Kim

Kate said...

Holy crap, Kim, that's fantastic! Thank you SO much for this! You've totally made my day!!!!!!

Kim said...

hi kate, congrats on all the new jewelry you're making! i cant wait to see it in person.

my advice for your photo troubles would be to first find some images of jewelry you really like/ones you think look nice and then try to recreate them. the first thing i would recommend is getting yourself to a place where there is absolutely nothing in the background or create a monochromatic/white background using a sheet or something so that there is nothing in the background. just doing this alone will make a huge difference. good luck!

example:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=21160263

amy turn sharp said...

holy pretty! I love yr work. All I know is flash is bad. Rock it. xo

Kim said...

Great stuff Kate! I did the homemade light box but I still take mine by my window on a plain colored piece of fabric. If it is nice outside I take it outdoors.

Your pics are very very nice but maybe try putting a piece of plain fabric or posterboard behind them to keep the backround simple. The light is really good and they are nice and clear!