Walt, I've done a little of this type of work... here are a few thoughts for you...
- Currently, I use the fa 100 macro, which I like a lot for shooting small things, like beads. But, I've used a shorter lens in the past... a 50 might be better, if you are trying to get a shot of a whole necklace, etc... - Use a tripod. You'll want enough DoF to show the entire piece in enough detail, so stopped down apertures (I usually go f8-13), especially at close range. Then you don't have to worry about slow shutter... and it will help with sharpness, too. - Watch out for reflections in silver/shiny pieces. A white posterboard or sheet placed strategically can minimize the chances that your surroundings will be visible in the jewlery's mirror-like surface. - Have you thought about using a lightbox? You can make one yourself for very little $$, and you can use it with natural light, strobes, or even desk lamps. Check this out: http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/07/how-to-diy-10-macro-photo-studio.html Have fun! -c On Mon, Dec 13, 2010 at 2:19 PM, Walter Gilbert <ldott...@gmail.com> wrote: > > Hi all, > > I have a friend who makes some really nice turquoise jewelry > (http://www.sisdesigns.com/) and she's asked me if I'd like to take a shot at > doing some photographs of her work for catalogs and design conference > submissions. We've already worked on some rudimentary lighting and staging > for the pieces, and are going to do some experimenting today. Before I jump > in, I figured I'd ask if any of you might have any pointers. > > Of course, I'll be shooting in RAW, and have decided to bracket the shots. > Beyond that, I wonder if it would be best to use my M-50/2, or my 18-55mm kit > lens, or something longer? > > Thanks for any advice anyone can offer! > > -- Walt > > > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > PDML@pdml.net > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
