Photographing Jewelry

I do not want to sound as if I were driven by spontaneity or a business owner who makes impulsive decisions, because that would not be accurate; however I will say that when it comes to writing blog posts my plans do change. When planning the possible topics for the blog, I sometimes form a temporary schedule for publishing which take on new priorities after some time away giving me time to reconsider their publishing order. So let me tell you why I think this post is better published today versus Friday: This post will inform you of many different ways for setting up the lighting for your photographic subject.

The photo you see below is one that I took as I found some good techniques on my own with the equipment I had available.

I will list here some of the best techniques to be used in the jewelry section of photography.

The best lighting set-ups:

• Back Lighting
• Diffused and Direct Lighting
• Direct and Reflected Lighting

Shooting techniques:

• High Aperture / Long Exposure (Larger Focal Plane)
• Moderate Aperture / Short Exposure (Moderate Focal Plane)
• Low Aperture / Fast Shutter Speed (Small Focal Plane)

Setting additions:

• Wax to hold pieces in place.
• Glass or Lexan (surface for reflection)
• Modeling Services

Of course there is always the option of hiring me and my services. *Grin* Okay, enough of that. Get ready for the specifics on the lighting set-ups in the subsequent posts!

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Spontaneity

You may have heard a photographer say “I never go anywhere without a camera!” Well, today was a day when a photographer who almost always has a decent camera with him, did not!

As I drove around town, I spotted a hawk in a tree. Yes! A hawk in town. I was elated because I have been waiting almost 3 years to get the “prefect” picture of a hawk and other birds of prey. Today may have been my day, but I left my camera at the studio! What a foolish move! So, on my way past the tree where sat the hawk, I turned used my phone camera to snap a picture. Here is what I ended up with for proof that I had seen a hawk.

Well I would like to say that I have learned my lesson, but this can only be proven next time I leave. “Someone please watch me to see if  I have my camera in hand!” *Chuckle*

I have painted a pretty dim picture. It was not all that bad. I drove off slowly so as not to upset the bird with any sudden moves and when I returned to the studio I ran inside, snatched up my camera and bag. When I got back to the place I spotted the bird it was still there! I do apologize for the pictures which I will post below. It was about mid day when I spotted the hawk and he was enjoying, what I assume he found to be tasty, a gray squirrel.

In my post production edits of the photos, so as not to draw attention to the meal (which was not my intended focus), sever crops were used to draw your attention to the magnificence of the bird.

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I am a bit of a naturalist. By that I mean, I enjoy observing natural things around me such as the hawk, every other bird, flora, fauna and insects. So as is my custom, I researched the family and genus of this hawk. The hawk I photographed today is specifically a juvenile “Red tailed hawk.” Scientific name: “Buteo jamaicensis”. Average measurements of the Red tailed hawks are 19 inches in length, 49 inch wing span and weighs about 2.4 pounds (1,080 grams).

Just as a side note, with an estimated 12 inch high wing and 49 inches wide (this is not exact) that would equate to 588 square inches of lift surface for 2.4 pounds. This translates to an average of 245 square inches of lift per pound. Comparing that to Boeing 767 estimated 936.5 (11,238 inches) square feet of lift surface, weighing (again estimated) 376,580 pounds. We come out with a rounded .03 square inches of lift surface per pound. That is an incredible difference, but shows the strength and ability of the creature! This also demonstrates the power of the bird’s Creator. Simply amazing!

I hope you enjoyed the post. Please leave your comments below. Thank you for stopping by the Foe-toss – LIGHT Photography blog!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!