I posted the link to my Jewelry Photography – Do’s and Don’ts over at the Etsy forums a few days ago, and got a great response. One question that I decided I’d like to address and share with you all was – “what backgrounds do you use for your jewellery?”.
The answer is scrapbooking paper! I have experimented with a lot of backgrounds – trees, tables, and even a nice beach rock I found. But I hit paydirt when I started using scrapbook paper.
The beauty of it is that the sheets are extra-big. This means that you can make sure not to have any background but the paper, which gives a nice, clean, professional look to your photos. Also, there is such a huge variety of papers to choose from. I started off buying a stack of them, and just experimented until I found the ones that really set off my jewellery.
My most used background – the black one – was actually a fluke purchase. I’d gone into Spotlight (a large craft store) to get some other things, and (as you do) I decided to meander around. I was walking up the scrapbooking isle when that piece of paper caught my attention – and voila! My favourite background was found!
Now, since the majority of my pieces are silver, they look really good on a black background. Your jewellery will be different, and you’ll need to experiment with what suits your style best.
My advice with this process is to keep trying until you find 2-3 backgrounds that suit your work really well – and then stick to them. This will help, again, to make your shop look professional and bring consistency to your photographs.
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Thank goodness for these pointers! people don’t realize that it’s pretty easy to make jewelry look good. Your pictures are great. Thanks for sharing your techniques!
Pretty nice post. I just found your site and wanted to say
that I’ve really liked browsing your posts. In any case
I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
I use scrapbook paper too! I get so many compliments on it. I love using vintage looking papers with subtle patterns. Great post!
Great tips. I have been using white paper but still can’t get the lighting right as they seem to come out darker when I load them onto etsy. Might have to experiment with other papers..
Great tips, I just have one question though – does the paper need to have a matt finish?
Thank you
I have gone through your Jewelry Photography – Do’s and Don’ts. It was really helpful to me. Scrap booking paper is really another good idea while making a background selection for jewelery.
Hi all – thanks for the great feedback.
Alison, most scrapbooking paper does have a matt finish – though I don’t think it’s completely necessary. Since you’re not using a flash in good jewellery photography, your only issue would be if there is a reflection from a window or light source. Good luck!
Great idea! Now I have to visit the local craft store for paper. Thanks so much for sharing. (Love Spotlight! wish they had them in the US.)
I like using scrapbook paper too. I used to use different colors, but I switched to one that looks like wood. Most of my jewelry is copper and I like the earthy look of it.
Now I’m off to check out some more of your tips.
Great tips! Many Thanks!
Awesome. I will be sure to tweet this and add this to my photography thread for others to see. Thanks!
Ren
raghousenternational.etsy.com
Thanks for the tips! I’ll be sure to try em out.
Yeah, I think background can break or make your pictures. hehe. Backgrounds complement and adds attraction to your photos so I guess careful choosing of suitable backgrounds should be taken into account.
Scrapbooking was one of my hobbies when i was in high school and college. it was quite fun..:`