Beginners Jewelry Photography Kit 2021

Photographing small gems, mirrorless stones and tiny jewels is hard and to solve this problem you need to have the proper jewellery photography kit for getting the job done well. Here’s a list of the gear you will need to produce the great quality of photos or to make your own home photography studio for $70.

Ten years ago, I started with a DIY small studio for shooting cheap products for eBay and Amazon at home. Today I’m working as an ecommerce photographer for popular jewelry brands, designing amazing portfolios and listings for their marketing campaigns.

If you are a jewelry seller, especially for you, I have gathered a list of necessary things for your own jewellery photography kit.

You need different jewelry photography kits for different types of shooting. Thus, sometimes you only need a regular smartphone with a camera and a table near the window, while other situations require professional gear that costs several thousand dollars.

There are no strict characteristics your camera should have to take beautiful jewelry photos. Take any entry level DSLR. It is also a great idea to buy a camera for macro photography to take images of tiny items.

Very often, even with the best jewelry photography props, your photos of rings aren’t clear-cut. Mainly, DSLR enables you to regulate shutter speed, aperture and other setting according to the shooting environment and photo goals.

Start your career with Canon Rebel SL1, because it's the best camera for jewelry photography for beginners. Value your money and don’t spend them on more expensive cameras, which have many functions unnecessary for shooting jewelry.

Nikon D3300 was my first camera for this type of photography, I recommend it to start with. New Nikon D3300 is an awesome variant for an amateur shooter, which shows how modernized cameras have become. This model is lighter; it has a 10 megapixel CCD sensor, 3fps mode and 3200 ISO, which makes it so popular and demanded.

Canon EOS Rebel SL1 was told to be the smallest DSLR on the market. It is similar to T5i in the type of sensor and processor, but its 4 fps burst speed is a little bit lower with a shutter speed from bulb to 1/4000. SL1. It has a touchscreen and an optical viewfinder. Actually, it seems to be quite a good model for shooting ecommerce.

What are the best lens for shooting products – macro or non-macro? A macro lens 85–100mm range or a set of extension tubes that enable your lens to shoot macro images is the best choice.

If you want to get a big picture of a tiny product, you’d better choose macro lenses. Due to the fact that some lenses are better than others, you have to be attentive to such moments as macro focus range and minimal focus distance, which are indicated with every lens, as your camera is quite close to the product.

There is a special small lens that will help improve the quality of close-up photos and make them a little better. This lens has a special fisheye, macro feature with a 15x magnification of small objects for more detailed shooting. In addition, this lens works with any shooting app that you use in your daily work.

This model delivers excellent functionality in order to create photos of the required quality for online store. This model has a wide focus range, which allows to improve the quality, even on small details, which is incredibly important when shooting jewelry.

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art. Use this model for a full frame of the camera and you will never regret, the quality of the photos will amaze you. In addition, this model has an APS-C sensor.

Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD This option is perfect for those photographers who want to get excellent technology for an extra low price. This lens has an excellent manual mechanism, which allows you to trim the frame most effectively.

Its ultra-long focal length provides flexibility while working at various distances, and the ED glass lenses ensure you get sharp, high-contrast images. Other advantages are an internal focusing system, the ability to photograph from a distance of 50 cm, and switching to manual focus at any time. Thus, this lens is unmatched in its category.

Sigma 180mm f/2.8 APO Macro EX DG OS HSM lens is made especially with an optical stabilization system to improve shooting performance. This lens involves taking pictures with a 4 times slower speed shutter than is possible without using a lens, which makes photos of jewelry just incredible.

Canon 50mm f/2.8L Macro - Tilt-Shift DSLR Lens. The ideal lens, because it has two UD elements of the lens, which allows you to take high-quality images.

This photography type involves taking pictures of items that don’t move, that is why you need to set your camera at one point and already shoot the product from different angles with small changes in camera position.

What do professional photographers use to stabilize the camera? Typically, they use carbon fiber tripods. Many people know the photo stands, which operate on the same principle as the tripods, but are more cumbersome.

In addition, the camera stands can be more expensive and more often cost from $ 1,000. If you don’t want to waste a huge amount of money, then my advice for you is to purchase an aluminum tripod. Such tripods can even hold large heavy cameras.

Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI Mini Tripod is a great option on moderate price. If you compare this model with other kinds of tripods, it can withstand more weight without reinforcing the structure and increasing the overall weight of the device.

AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod is such affordable accessories that costs only about $25. This model is lightweight tripod with adjustable-height legs and rubber feet will be suitable for any type of camera, smartphone or even GoPro.

This innovative tripod, which will help your favorite smartphone to become a very stable and convenient camera for the necessary time, without any other unnecessary technique and other devices. Note that this tripod has very flexible legs, which allow you to fix the phone in a position convenient for you.

Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB is about $220. With this tripod, you can shoot at 25, 50 and 80 degrees, as well as try out other, more extreme angles, if your shooting requires jewelry.

BONFOTO B671C Tripod is one of the most lightweight options, but at the same time it is convenient to transport and move. However, be careful, if you use a massive technique, for example, lenses with a large zoom, you need to hedge with additional fixation.

BONFOTO B671C Tripod is one of the most lightweight options, but at the same time it is convenient to transport and move. However, be careful, if you use a massive technique, for example, lenses with a large zoom, you need to hedge with additional fixation.

Manfrotto MVT502AM is an aluminum 3-section tripod. The telescopic strut helps precisely set the angles of the legs. Locks securely fix legs in a folded position, and the spike tips are designed to lock them onto uneven surfaces. You can use the tripod with a variety of trolleys. 

Manfrotto MT057C4-G 057 is a tripod that professional photographers choose for their daily work. It is very light and easy to transport, moreover it allows you to maximally conveniently adjust the angle of the shot.

A good rule of thumb is to illuminate the object as much as possible to get a high-quality image. Also, in order to get a snow-white background, you need to prepare a proper studio light kit.

Daylight. A large window may become useful for shooting on eBay and Etsy, because even it can provide you with the necessary amount of light. The only problem is that you can’t regulate this, especially on gloomy days.

Light Bubls. They can vary in many different aspects, which is really awesome. Concentrate on two basic types: traditional or studio.

Traditional Bulbs are common in a household, as they are low-priced and easily obtainable. Having used in a proper way, they are good for quality ecommerce pictures. There are two main types: glow-lamp and fluorescent.

Studio Bulbs give oscillating luminosity and easy diffuser mounting. Studio lights may be of three kinds: wolfram, photodiode (LED) and florescent (the main advantage is that they are energy-efficient, but it is worth remembering that they are also not bright enough).

Diffusion Sheets. You can place such sheets in front of various lighting devices or simple light bulbs to diffuse the photo lights evenly. The material may be nylon fabric, tracing paper or matte plastic. In specialized shops, you can find diffusion sheets of numerous format.

However, there are always a number of things that are worth remembering when you are faced with a choice of lighting. The first thing to look out for is the choice of matching light. If you use light of a certain type, never mix lamps with different lighting temperatures and colors. So, try to us only Fluorescent or LED lights for photography in your studio.

The second aspect is to be careful with the white background and to adjust the expose clearly to the jewelry. The fact is that the white clear background can shade the jewelry itself too much and it will look like an underexposed.

If you want a small lightning studio in one device - buy a light box for jewelry photography. You can quickly fix light and regulate it as you want. In most cases photo light boxes come with several backgrounds (white, black, and gray). With such equipment and accessories, you can take professional studio photos right at home.

Finnhomy Portable Professional Photo Studio has 3 backdrops included. One of the most convenient things is the ability to open a light box from the side convenient to you or from above. It is famous for its sturdy construction.

The light box is of an average size. It has 24 inches LED lights, a tumbler and a dimmer control. The material is a lasting molten plastic, so the product is really durable. Thanks to the glare shields, you will have no glares on pictures.

AmazonBasics Portable Photo Studio measures 25'' x 30'' x 25''. High output built-in LED, a front 3-door system, it is so easy to photograph at diverse angles and bring to life various photoshoot ideas. You will be able to shoot tiny products with no shadow. You will definitely like it! Highly recommended if you shoot for Amazon account.

Fotodiox Pro LED Studio-in-a-Box is built on the basis of a panel of LED lamps, as well as a special diffusion panel, which makes it possible professionally and beautifully to diffuse the light. This model is incredibly transportable, convenient during the move, because it has its own case. This is a perfect example of jewelry photography box that can be used to photography from above.

Foldio is a straightforward and easy shooting method, which you can try if you don’t know how to photograph jewelry. The white background is extremely sturdy and seamless. The 25" is big enough even to contain not only jewelry itself but other items for your composition too.

2D PhotoBench 100 is great desktop option for professional photographers. This light box works fine with the cameras of Canon and Nikon models. It uses its functional almost entirely involved in all areas of photography, from shooting to editing. All you need is simply place the jewelry inside it and use built-in software to take a picture.

3D MFP is perfect for those photographers who aim to make 360-degree shoots of product. Moreover, this model can create 3D scans. 3D MFP can save photos to multiple file formats. Given the huge functionality of the light box manufacturer provides a 90-minute training lesson.

Additional options for this box are reflectors, light diffusers, tent and a number of background panel options for changing during shooting.

For creative diamond photography, you need to invest in professional equipment, as a regular camera, lens, and lighting kit aren’t enough. You need additional equipment to create interesting effects, such as glare on gold or stones, remove unwanted shadows or add them, place jewelry on special stands, etc.

Reflectors are indispensable for jewelry photography. Relocating them, you can “move” the light and, thus, shift focus on different parts of an object. They also help create interesting effects on metal. I use a white reflector, but there are different types and some can even change the color of the light.

This white background costs about $50. You may use this 5' X 7' flexible background in a studio or in various locations. One side is black, another one is white. The diameter is 27. Perfect for necklaces shooting. Even the small mirrors can be used perfectly to shoot small rings or earrings. Moreover, you can buy them at any local store at a low price.

Jewelry with dust and hair on it looks awful. Clean the product and the surfaces for a successful shooting with the help of a dust blower. It will help you even clean the screens of your camera and lens, gems, glass objects and other surfaces.

Forget about accidental fingerprints on the products. Use cotton gloves. A simple and convenient solution to arrange and keep your jewelry neat. It usually takes some time to locate items and you probably don’t want your camera to capture fingerprints on jewels and metal.

However, in order to make the picture really professional, you will need some additional photography supplies to give your jewelry a right form. They can be purchased separately or as special ready-made kits, which are sold on many sites, or you can even make it at home.

Amazon jewelry photography kit is about $50. It consists all the necessary number of important photography props. Special acrylic piles, stands for bracelets, watches, rings and earrings, specific reflective plates and much more. I suggest you consider all the necessary additional components for your kit as it is.

Sometimes to hold the background, reflectors, bracelets, etc. you need clips. Thus, your hands are free and you can focus on shooting.

Want to get wonderful reflections, use the crystal clear acrylic tiles. You will need an open frame or double weight to hang in the air items for creating stunning floating or even flying look. Use any kind of fine string to hang or place jewelry right as you want. Use a white or transparent erring holder, a bracelet round. You can purchase a 1.5 PVC pipe on the inside of the bracelet.

You can also create a reflection in Photoshop in several steps.

If you want to know how to photograph for sale without additional surfaces, first of all, make sure to fix it carefully with a glue gun. The lower the temperature, the better effect. It dries in a matter of seconds and is perfect for different purposes. You can bond paper, ribbon and light fabrics.

How to photograph earrings if they are so tiny? Use an earring holder. It aims to hold a pair of earrings and shoot them in the proper angle.

Make the bracelets look gorgeous in photos having used bracelet stands. The holder with a gorgeous design keeps bracelets visible and organized. It has removable sliding boxes on three levels for various pieces of jewelry.

Necklaces can be sometimes too long. You can only shoot them with a special stand. Beautiful velvet display made in a form of a 3D bust for the all-around jewelry disposal. It is nice and soft to touch. The background makes the viewer focus on the jewelry. It is 9 inches tall and 7 inches wide.

Even if you have taken cool images during a photo session, you still need to devote time to image editing. You have to master photo editing software, which can be time-consuming. You need to learn a lot of image post-processing techniques and tricks to get really professional results.

If you can’t do it your own, address jewelry retouching services and ask them about things you need to correct. Professional clipping path, fixing contrast & sharpness, adding natural shadows & reflections and metal improvement - high quality product photo editing is guaranteed.