How to Photograph Fused Glass Jewelry

Photographing glass is very difficult, dichroic glass is twice as difficult. Here are tips that I have learned through pain staking hours of trial and error.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Digital camera
• Tripod
• Camera Manual
• Photoediting software
• Backgrounds and props

1. At some point after creating your jewelry you are going to want to photograph it. Either you will want to share your works of art with friends, list it on an auction site, on a webstore or send in photos for a jury craft show.
   
   In order to take outstanding pictures I found there are three main things that need to be met; lighting, focus and creativity.

2. Familiarize yourself with your digital camera, actually sit down and read your camera manual. Find out how to use the macro mode, turn off your flash, use zoom, adjust your resolution and use your spot focus.
   
   If you learn the above camera basics you are going to drastically increase the sharpness of your photos.

3. Next go through your home looking for backgrounds. Things that have worked well in the past for me are rocks, shells, flowers, scrapbook paper, bed sheets, music sheets, bricks, wood, anything with an interesting texture or pattern that includes clothing, boxes, coins, buttons and stem ware.

4. Prepare your camera for your photo session by making sure you have a fully charged battery. Turn off your camera flash and set it on macro mode.
   
   A tripod will prevent any movement that causes blurring from an unsteady hand. I highly suggest that you purchase a tripod that is adjustable to the table height you would like to use to photograph your jewelry. For convenience, purchase a tripod with EZ on and off for attaching your camera.

5. On a bright sunny day, set up a make shift photography studio right next to a patio door or large window that has full sunlight. Place a tv tray or large table right next to the window. If this is not a possiblity than take your studio outdoors.
   
   Using natural sunlight allows you to capture the true colors of your pieces and depicts the most natural coloring of your handy work.
   
   Next, set up your tripod by adjusting it to your table height. Place your camera on the tripod, turn off the flash, set the macro setting and the proper picture resolution. Remember, if you are using pictures on the web, make sure you know what resolution they accept.

6. Your ready to start being creative and experimenting with the backgrounds you have collected for your jewelry. If you want more ideas you can look at my Etsy shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5525898 here I use a variety of interesting items and it may give you some ideas.
   
   If you want to give your jewelry a standing appearance, place a piece of clay or wax behind it. To show a size comparison use a quarter or penny in the photo.

7. If you don't get that exact look you want you still may need to use a photediting program. You can resize, crop and adjust your photos. I do not use an editing program but many people find it helpful.

[shenandoah]

on 5/12/2009 Great advice. Dichroic glass ia a major challenge, especially capturing the color shifts. But it CAN be done. A technique I use in winter when I can't get outside to film, is cutting the bottom out of a plastic milk carton. Place the milk carton over the piece you are photographing, and place your digital lens on/into the opening at the spout. This gives a steady base for your camera and blocks out glare, softening the light.

[geltdesigns]

on 4/15/2009 Great tips. Photographing dichro is tough. These ideas will help.

[FireNFusion]

on 11/15/2008 Yes, the dichroic pendant in the picture was created by myself and I also photographed it.

I have tried everything from using a photo cube, making my own light box to purchasing an expensive camera and natural photo lights. I couldn't find anything that would help give me achive clear and natural looking pictures. All the pictures that I took with other recommended methods gave me white washed, flat or yellow hued jewelry.

I would rather have a natural, true color picture with a little glare from the sun, then send out an item knowing full well the photo color is off.

Another secret, the more creative you get with your pictures the quicker you will achieve a sale online. I actually have had the same 2 items in my online store for months, conducting a little test. The poor quality photo sits and sits, the opposite is true for the clear, outdoor, creative background. I can sel

[deepthinkin]

on 11/15/2008 Is that your glass work? Niiiice! I appreciate the tips. I also work with dichroics and have had a hard time getting the pics to look right. I will follow your advice. Thanks!