There are many photography conventions when shooting gemstones. I find the best approach is to portray an honest straightforward rendition of the stone. There are many successful ways to capture an image of a gemstone and a multitude of approaches by successful photographers. The biggest challenge I find is how to show a static image of an object that is best viewed through movement in real time. The sparkling image of a gem proudly displayed on an outstretch hand. This is an exciting challenge but ultimately nothing matches actually holding the stone.
Many photos are needed online for sale purposes, but at the same time the custom cutter is competing against a giant commercial market with seemingly unlimited resources. This is why the bulk of my shots gravitate towards what might be described as the “Glamour Shot.” A moniker I ready accept and I think it well describes the style. I’m shooting to compete against those gems on display in the jewelry store display case with perfect precisely controlled lighting.
This “Glamour Shot” style is not what is needed by many custom cutters, many prefer what I call the Product Shot – this is the arena where their gems are viewed, displayed and most importantly sold. My hope and intention is that these small step by step discussions will help the budding gem photographer, buyer, seller or collector, develop the Glamour Shot as well as the Product Shot – and other conventions as well.
What is also important to consider in all of this is I’m not pursuing photography as a career, if you want one of my shots; currently the only way to get it is to feature a gem on One World Gemstone. I look at my own photographs and see massive room for improvement; there are a number of weak spots. I do however have a particularly strong personal design style and an extensive design background. This style dictates the final “Glamour” look of my photos. I’ll be spending some time on pure design if this colloquium progresses
My strong advice when trying to improve your gem photography is to view a sampling, or portfolio, of the various photographers that graciously give advice online. Listen closest to the photographer whose work you prefer, but inspect their photographs very very close.
If you have a topic or helpful photography information in mind, please contact me.
Tags: photography
Contact the author (Jeffrey Hunt):
Thanks Jeff for this piece…
Does your Glamour shot work for rough uncut stones too or is it majorly for cut stones? Also, I dont think that you properly explained what the glamour shot is all about. Do often use special backgrounds; what exactly makes it glamour and different from the regular day to day shot?
Thanks
Ikem
Globalroughs Inc.
Hi Ikem,
Thanks for the question. You are going to make me think about it enough to put down in writing.
I think there are two definitions for what I call the Glamour Shot.
1. A photo that makes the stone look better than it may be in real life. Not used to sell the stone, but used more to create interest in a particular cut, designer or website, etc.
2. A photo that considers the design elements of the photograph as well as the gemstone.
Lisa’s Elser’s definition leans a bit toward the first. She loves my work but strictly sells stones using a different photo convention, and quite successfully. Many faceters have a similar approach. (I should really ask Lisa about this first though, she may have a totally different definition.)
My definition leans a bit towards the second. My feeling is everything the target audience sees is important and part of the design, without exception. The stone is not sold from the photo, but the photo must also be honest to the gem pictured.
I think in reality the definition of the Glamour shot may lie between these two definitions.
I wasn’t thinking of the Glamour shot for rough, but yes I think it could also be for anything. Another way to think about it is what kind of photo would appear in a glamour magazine? Well, a glamour shot of course. Something that makes the product look extremely appealing.
I think this partially answers your question. What do you think?
To me this is a Glamour Shot. Not because it makes the rough look better than it is, but simply because it’s so awesome. This rhodolite weighs 5.73 grams, and will be appearing in the August Edition of One World Gemstone in a few days.