Overview
Great photography can increase your inquiry rate by up to 300%. This guide covers everything you need to know about photographing jewelry for your online catalog.
Fact: Products with professional images receive 3x more inquiries than those with poor-quality photos.
Equipment You'll Need
Essential Equipment
| Item | Budget Option | Professional Option |
|---|---|---|
| Camera | Smartphone (2020+) | DSLR/Mirrorless |
| Lighting | Ring light | Softbox kit |
| Background | White paper | Seamless backdrop |
| Tripod | Phone tripod | Full tripod |
Nice to Have
- Macro lens for close-ups
- Light tent/box
- Reflector cards
- Mannequin displays
Photography Setup
Lighting Techniques
Natural Light
Best for: Beginners, authentic look
- Position near a large window
- Shoot during golden hours (early morning/late afternoon)
- Use white card as reflector
- Avoid direct sunlight (causes harsh shadows)
Artificial Light
Best for: Consistency, professional results
Two-Light Setup:
- Main light at 45° angle
- Fill light on opposite side (lower intensity)
- Both with diffusers/softboxes
Lighting Diagram
Pro Tip: Jewelry reflects everything! Use a light tent to create soft, even lighting without reflections.
Shooting Different Jewelry Types
Rings
- Use ring holder or wax
- Capture multiple angles
- Close-up of stone/setting
- Worn shot for scale
Necklaces
- Hang on neck form
- Lay flat arrangement
- Close-up of clasp
- Full length display
Earrings
- Pair them together
- Show front and side
- Model shot recommended
- Close-up of post/backing
Bangles
- Stack or single display
- Show thickness
- Internal diameter visible
- Worn shot for sizing
Post-Processing
Essential Edits
- White balance - Accurate metal colors
- Exposure - Bright but not blown out
- Contrast - Pop without harsh shadows
- Sharpness - Crisp details
- Background cleanup - Pure white
Free Editing Tools
- Snapseed (Mobile)
- GIMP (Desktop)
- Canva (Web)
Professional Tools
- Adobe Lightroom
- Photoshop
- Capture One
Before After Editing
Image Requirements
Technical Specs
| Specification | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1000x1000 px | 2000x2000 px |
| Format | JPG | JPG/PNG |
| File Size | < 2MB | < 5MB |
| Aspect Ratio | 1:1 | 1:1 (square) |
Required Shots
- Hero Image - Main product view
- Alternative Angles - 2-3 different views
- Detail Shot - Close-up of craftsmanship
- Scale Shot - Size reference
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don't Do This
- Blurry or out-of-focus images
- Yellow/orange color cast
- Visible dust or fingerprints
- Cluttered backgrounds
- Inconsistent lighting across products
✅ Do This Instead
- Sharp focus on product
- Accurate color representation
- Clean, polished pieces
- White/neutral backgrounds
- Consistent style across catalog
Quick Smartphone Tips
iPhone
- Use Portrait mode for background blur
- Enable Grid for composition
- Tap to focus on jewelry
- Lock exposure for consistency
Android
- Use Pro/Manual mode if available
- Set white balance to "Daylight"
- Enable HDR for better detail
- Use 2x zoom to avoid distortion
