If you’re looking to take stunning photos of your jewelry with just your phone, you’re in the right place. Jewelry photography can seem tricky, especially when you’re working with small items that have fine details. But don’t worry—getting great shots without a fancy camera setup is totally possible. I’ll walk you through some simple tips that will help you take professional-looking jewelry photos right at home.
1. Lighting is Everything
The right lighting can make or break your jewelry photos. Natural light is your best friend. Set your jewelry by a window where it can catch soft, diffused light. Avoid direct sunlight—it can cause harsh shadows and reflections that hide the beauty of your jewelry.
If you’re shooting indoors without a lot of natural light, use lamps with LED bulbs. Position them carefully around your jewelry to create even, soft lighting. If your light is too harsh, you can diffuse it by placing a thin cloth or tissue paper in front of it. This helps soften the light and reduces shadows, which is crucial for jewelry photography.
2. Minimize Shadows
Jewelry often has shiny surfaces that can pick up shadows, making the piece look flat or distorted. To get rid of these shadows, place your lights at an angle. Ideally, your lights should be coming from the side at a 45-degree angle. This helps reduce harsh shadows and gives your jewelry a more natural, three-dimensional look.
If you’re using multiple light sources, balance the brightness of each light to prevent uneven lighting or harsh contrasts. Reflecting light from the other side of the jewelry using a white card or a piece of foam board can also help fill in any unwanted shadows.
3. Use a Simple Background
For jewelry photos, the background should be clean and minimal. A white or black background works great for most jewelry styles. You can use a piece of velvet, foam board, or even a simple cloth to create a nice backdrop.
The goal is for the background to complement, not compete with, the jewelry. Avoid using busy patterns or textured backgrounds unless it matches the aesthetic of the jewelry. For a sleek, modern look, you can even shoot on glass to create a reflection beneath the jewelry, adding depth to the image.
4. Stabilize Your Phone
Since you’re using your phone for photography, it’s essential to keep it steady to avoid blurry images. Use a tripod or prop your phone against something stable. If you don’t have a tripod, try using household items, like a stack of books, to steady your phone.
Make sure your phone is in focus before taking the shot. Phones these days have great cameras, but it’s still crucial to focus on the jewelry to capture its fine details.
5. Use the Right Angles
When photographing jewelry, different angles will highlight different features. For rings, you’ll want to shoot from the top to show off the stone and band. For necklaces or bracelets, side angles can showcase the chain and clasp, while a close-up shot focuses on the details.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with angles! Capture both wide shots and close-ups to give your customers a full view of the jewelry.
6. Get Creative with Props
Props can add some flair to your photos without overshadowing the jewelry itself. Use simple props like flowers, leaves, or marble dishes to enhance the overall look. Just make sure the props don’t distract from the jewelry; they should complement it.
For example, a ring can look great on a velvet cushion, while earrings can be photographed next to a soft, neutral background like tissue paper to highlight their shape and shine.
7. Focus on Details
Jewelry is all about the details, so make sure your photos capture every little feature. Macro shots are essential for showing off intricate designs, gemstones, and textures. Use your phone’s macro mode or a clip-on macro lens attachment if you have one. This will allow you to focus on the tiny details that make the piece special.
8. Editing Your Photos
Even with the perfect lighting and setup, a little editing can go a long way in improving your jewelry photos. Use apps like Snapseed, VSCO, or Adobe Lightroom Mobile to adjust brightness, contrast, and sharpness. Don’t over-edit; keep the colors and details true to life.
One thing to watch for is color accuracy—make sure your jewelry looks like it does in person, especially if you’re selling online. If the colors look off, adjust them to make the jewelry appear as true to the actual item as possible.
9. Avoid Reflections
Jewelry is reflective, so it can pick up unwanted reflections from your camera or surroundings. To minimize this, try to shoot in a dark room or use a dark background. If you’re using glass or mirrors in your setup, make sure the reflections don’t show up in the shot. You can adjust the angle or position of your lights to avoid these pesky reflections.
10. Experiment and Have Fun
Photography is an art, and there’s no one right way to do it. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different setups, angles, and lighting arrangements. The more you practice, the better your photos will become.
Jewelry photography at home with just your phone is totally achievable with a little creativity and the right techniques. Focus on getting good lighting, using a simple background, and highlighting the details of your jewelry. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to create professional-looking photos that will help your jewelry shine online! Happy shooting!
