Hi All, In my past life I have shot loads of jewelry for both online and traditional catalogs. My fav way to shoot shiny stuff is NOT to use a light tent, but to create a small stage in which to show off the piece. For necklaces I have used both shale and round stones as well as small amounts of water and or glass to use as elements in the shot. I have found that the light tents while eliminating all shadows it also lacks negative highlights as well as anything to interest the viewer. To me its too sterile. Sure I often have clients that want the dropped off backgrounds and the subject surrounded by all white. But I will show them some of the premade sets I have for just such situations and they often bite along with the increase in creative fees. I too use strip of foamcore both black and white to add -+ highlights to the subject. But I will also use small flashlights, mirrors, and colored filters or gels to add some pop. Each of the small sets are easy to build and anyone with diorama experience will have a blast. I actually used a Barbie type doll once and but the earrings around her neck. The client thought it was cool but we did run into legal issues... Earrings are the item that gave me the most trouble, so I built a small frame w/ 1" dowel and covered it with felt to hang them from. I hope this helps. Les -----Original Message----- From: owner-photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:owner-photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Fletcher Jernigan Sent: Friday, February 27, 2004 7:38 AM To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students Subject: Re: How not to light jewelry (sometimes you get lucky enough) Greg, The light tent should be made from a translucent material , such as cloth, and lighted with one or more light sources from the outside of the tent. Or maybe not. Check with Vlad. Fletcher Gregory Fraser wrote: >>It is a challenge. Another good way to light it is foam-core on all 4 >>sides, shooting from the top, with a softbox covering the top (except >>where your camera is peeking through) >>-Alan Bucknam > > > Where would you place your light source? > > Greg > >
