When photographing jewellery, the quality of light can make or break your images. Direct sunlight, while abundant and free, can often be too harsh, creating unwanted shadows and highlights that obscure the intricate details of your pieces. The key to harnessing the power of natural light without the harshness is diffusion. In this blog post, we'll explore how transparent materials can be used to soften sunlight for beautiful, professional-looking jewellery photos at home.
Why Diffuse Light?
Diffusion helps to spread light evenly, reducing harsh shadows and bright spots that can detract from the appearance of the jewellery. By diffusing direct sunlight, you emphasise the sparkle and detail of your pieces, capturing their true beauty without the distraction of overpowering glares.
Choosing Your Diffuser
There are several items you can use as diffusers that are both cost-effective and easy to find:
Sheer Curtains: Hang sheer white curtains over a window that receives direct sunlight. The fabric softens the incoming light, creating a bright yet gentle illumination that's perfect for photography.
White Tissue Paper or Wax Paper: If you’re working with smaller jewellery pieces, you can create a mini diffuser by stretching white tissue or wax paper over a frame (like an empty picture frame or a homemade wire frame). Position this in front of your light source.
Frosted Shower Curtain: A white, frosted shower curtain is another excellent diffuser. It’s larger and more durable, making it suitable for bigger setups or outdoor shoots on sunny days.
Professional Diffusion Material: For those who want to invest a bit more, professional-grade diffusion material can be purchased from most photography stores. This material is designed specifically for photography and typically offers the best results.
Setting Up Your Shoot
Once you've chosen your diffuser, set up your photography station near a window with direct sunlight. Place the diffuser between the sun and your jewellery. The goal is to ensure that the light hitting your jewellery is soft and evenly distributed. Experiment with different angles and distances until you find the perfect setup that highlights the features of your jewellery without washing it out.
Photographing jewellery at home doesn't require expensive equipment. By using readily available transparent materials to diffuse direct sunlight, you can create professional-quality photos that showcase your jewellery in its best light. Experiment with different materials and setups to find what works best for you, and enjoy the process of bringing out the true beauty of your creations.
Finding it hard to take photos of jewellery yourself? Drop us an email at hello@chocianaite.com and we will help you organise your dream jewellery product photoshoot!