AboutJoe Appel Expertise I can answer questions related to many areas of photography, but most specifically relating to photojournalism. I can also offer advice on using digital and 35mm cameras, Adobe Photoshop, and digital photography in general. Once upon a time I was pretty good in a darkroom too.
Experience I have been a staff photographer for a major metropolitan newspaper group (over 100,000 circulation) for 12 years. Concurrently, I have maintained a freelance photography business.
Organizations belong to National Press Photographers Association
Publications Rolling Stone, USA Today, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Palm Beach Post, New York Daily News, Philadelphia Inquirer, Super Street Bike, Motorcyclist, Sport Rider, Cycle World, Roadracing World, T.W.O. (Two Wheels Only), the ABA Journal.
I have a canon powershot S3 digital camera.(6.0 mega pixels). I want to take photographs of jewellery and put it on my website. I have certain questions in my mind. can you help me ?question are :
1) Can I take good quality closeup images of jewellery and gemstones from this camera.
2) If not then can you recommend some real good camera specially for jewellery photography.
3) What camera settings and lightingshould I use to photograph jewellery.
4) Can I get good images from this same camera If I just change the lens ( If yes which lens should I buy)
5) can you give me some link where I can learn jewellery photography in detail.
regards
Mithun rao
Answer I'm not familiar with your specific camera. However, most new cameras have a macro (or micro) setting that allows you to take closeup pictures.
You're going to have to experiment with camera settings, but get your lighting and background set first.
You'll want a large light source relative to the size of the piece you're photographing. The most inexpensive way to do it is to get a couple of contractor's clip on lights at a home improvement store.
You can try using them set close to the object and see how you like it. Set them at 45-degree angles on either side of the object you're photographing. If the light is too harsh for your taste then put some sort of diffusing material between the light and the object. This can be a piece of white fabric, frosted glass or plexiglass.
For the background you'll find that velvet makes the best background. Buy a few swatches in different colors at a fabric shop. Put a small box or other object beneath the velvet and then place the object on that.
