top jewelry photography tips
understanding lighting and reflections
Lighting is key in jewelry photography for capturing the sparkle and shine of each piece. There are two main types of light sources to consider: natural light and artificial light.
Natural light can produce soft, diffused lighting, but the photographer should avoid direct sunlight, which can lead to harsh shadows and overexposure. Shooting near a window on an overcast day is a good option.
Studio light sources, such as continuous LED lights or studio strobes, offer more control over the lighting conditions. Using diffusers and reflectors help soften the light and minimize harsh reflections. The ideal setup often involves one key light positioned at a 45-degree angle to the jewelry and a fill light or reflector on the opposite side to eliminate shadows.
Remember to experiment with different lighting setups to find the most flattering angles and effects for your jewelry products.
incorporating props
Incorporating props elevates your jewelry photography by adding context and enhancing the overall visual narrative. Some prop ideas include:
- Nature elements: Leaves, flowers, or shells can bring a sense of freshness and organic appeal.
- Textured fabrics: Use linen, velvet, or silk to add richness and luxury to the composition.
- Complementary accessories: Include items like watches, rings, or sunglasses to create a scene, mini set, or a backdrop to build a story.
Choose props that align with your jewelry's style and target audience, ensuring that they don't draw attention away from the main subjects i.e your jewelry pieces!
colored backgrounds
Your background is a crucial message to your customer: it informs them about your brand content in a subconscious way. When it comes to jewelry photography, we recommend sticking with neutral tones or light colors such as white, cream or gray. We want your jewelry to shine!
highlight the product details
What makes your jewelry unique? Maybe you have ethically sourced diamonds, or it’s handmade metals. Whatever makes your jewelry pieces original to your brand, be sure to highlight those features! When photographing different types of jewelry, it’s important to include detail photos of:
- Clasp
- Pendant
- Chain links
- Gemstones
- Charms
- Beads
- Engravings
Keep in mind the following aspects while focusing on these elements:
- Angles: Experiment with different angles to showcase the jewelry's details and design.
- Depth of Field: Use a shallow depth of field to draw attention to precise focal points, blurring the background and other elements.
By applying these composition, styling, and focus techniques, you can create visually stunning jewelry photography that showcases the unique characteristics and beauty of each piece.
consider model shots
Capturing jewelry on models adds a lively touch, helping customers see how the jewelry fits into their everyday lives. When you showcase your beautiful pieces on models, it's not just about the sparkle; it's about creating a connection. You're inviting customers to imagine themselves rocking those earrings or flaunting that necklace with confidence. This approach makes the whole experience relatable and exciting.
Incorporating models lets you tell a story – the story of your jewelry coming to life through the people who wear it. At soona, we have over 500 models and stylists including hand models, foot models, and full body models that can be added to a shoot starting at just $79.
looking for inspiration?
Whether your jewelry business is just starting out in the industry, or you’re launching a new social campaign for your brand, we’ve got you covered! We’ve worked with over 20k brands, so we know a thing or two about jewelry product photography. Get inspired by our gallery below or head to The Checkout, our very-own blog, to learn more.
the differences in jewelry product photos for each platform
Whether you are selling jewelry on Shopify, Amazon or Etsy, you will want to optimize your product images for each platform individually.
Tip #1. Make sure each image is cropped to the optimal size for each placement. We know how complicated it can be to optimize for where you sell which is why we built a free image resizer for Amazon, Shopify, Etsy, and most social media channels as well.
We also have a ton of resources within our platform along with platform and channel-specific spec guides to help you get started:
- The Ultimate Guide to Shopify Image and Video Specs
- The Ultimate Guide to Amazon Specs in 2024: Amazon Listings, Amazon A+ Content, and more!
- The Ultimate Guide to Etsy Specs in 2024: Image and Video Requirements
- The Ultimate Guide to Instagram Specs in 2024: Instagram Ad Sizes, Facebook Image Specs, and more!
- The Ultimate Guide to TikTok Specs in 2024: TikTok Ad Specs, Video Requirements, and more!
Optimizing Jewelry Photos for E-commerce
When it comes to selling jewelry online, high-quality and well-optimized photography is crucial for standing out on e-commerce platforms and online stores. This section will discuss how to optimize jewelry photography for e-commerce and creating lifestyle photos for brand storytelling.
E-commerce Platforms and Jewelry Photography
There are various e-commerce platforms available for setting up an online jewelry store, such as Etsy or Shopify. To stand out, it is essential to have excellent product photos that meet the specific requirements of these platforms. Some common characteristics of optimized jewelry photos include:
- High resolution and clear images
- Consistent lighting and background
- macro zoom and detail shots
- Displaying different angles and perspectives
- Showing scale and size by including a reference object
- Conveying the material and texture of the jewelry
Hit the easy button! Check out our platform-specific packs to take your brand's style to the next level. Or check out our curated packs below.
how soona creates stunning jewelry product photography
At soona, we're all about making your jewelry product photos shine with our high-quality, professional product photography. We get it – a great image isn't just a picture; it's a story, and we're here to bring that story to life. Whether you're in the world of elegant necklaces, dazzling earrings, or intricate bracelets, our team of expert photographers is committed to showcasing the distinct allure of your jewelry.
Our process kicks off with a friendly discussion to delve into your brand identity and the nuances of your jewelry pieces. From classic shots against a clean background to more lifestyle-oriented images, we tailor our approach to suit your vision. Armed with top-notch equipment, creative props, and advanced techniques, our photographers capture every facet and detail that makes your jewelry special.
But we don't just stop at creating visually stunning images – we craft visual stories that resonate with your audience, making your jewelry utterly irresistible. Let's achieve your goals together – discover more about our virtual shoot process below and let soona be your partner in showcasing the unique charm of your jewelry collection!
make, manage, and measure with soona
soona was the first virtual product photography studio allowing you to join your photoshoot from anywhere in the world. Now, soona allows you to make, manage, and measure creative with confidence.
Book a jewelry photo shoot today to get started. Manage your content with our Product Catalog. Measure the performance of your visual content with Listing Insights. Get started today to make creativity easy, fun, scalable, and most importantly, beautiful.