Photographing Jewelry — A Primer for Photographers and Jewelers Alike

In retail, the quality of a product’s photograph is as quintessential to the sale as the pitch whether the image appears in print or online, in catalogues or in advertisements.

This contention is particularly true when selling necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, which demands a photographer who can capture that invaluable sparkle. That’s why Brooks Institute created a workshop especially dedicated to the photography of jewelry. If you’re already a photographer hired to shoot jewelry images, a jewelry retailer, or an artisan who independently sells this craft then this workshop is a must attend.

In this two-day, hands-on seminar you will learn about reasonably priced lighting equipment, film and digital camera options, studio lighting techniques, background choices, and exposure setting. You will also learn about camera settings used to properly photograph several jewelry types including polished metals, diamonds, colored stones, pearls, and beads. The workshop begins with the fundamentals of film, cameras, lighting and other equipment and ends with discussion regarding image distribution and archiving. Much of the course will include set construction for small objects (particularly those with polished, reflective surfaces).

If you have any questions regarding the workshop, Miles can be reached at smiles@brooks.edu.

Recommended experience: beginner – intermediate photography skills.

Students are encouraged to bring a digital SLR camera (preferably with manual controls), a tripod, and one or two samples of objects they would like to shoot.

Instructor: Scott Miles,
Brooks Institute
Professional Photography Program Faculty