One of the most desired finishes for engagement rings is platinum, and it is becoming a favorite in other jewelry items, too. The neutral look tends to enhance other parts of any jewelry item.
There are two basic schools of thought concerning the photography of this kind of jewelry. Many choose the stark white background, giving a clinical type effect. The jewelry itself demands all the attention, and it is straight forward and directly to the point.
Other photographers feel that a contrast is necessary to portray platinum’s full beauty. Even shadows can add depth and integrity to an otherwise plain look. Because this is precious metal thirty times more rare than gold, it deserves to be fully appreciated in any photo that you make.
If you are not familiar with this metal, you may not understand why it is in such demand. First, it is one of the densest elements on earth. This is what makes it weigh more than gold and other precious metals.
Unlike gold and silver, this precious metal will not tarnish. It retains its natural white forever. White gold is much less durable and it will yellow with time. The bleaching of yellow gold to produce white only weakens the gold more.
Not only heavier than other metals, this metal is much more durable. It will scratch as any other metal, but it retains its strength better than any other one does. Stones are more secure in their setting and will come loose less frequently than with other metals.
Gold and silver have low-value base metals mixed into them so the purchaser doesn’t get a high percentage of either. Platinum jewelry has a purity level of ninety to ninety-five percent. Even the alloys used in the five to ten percent are rare, so the purchase of this kind of jewelry is an investment.
For all these reasons, it is very important to make good photos of these jewelry items. One of the most important items to help achieve that is the control of the lighting.
A flood of light will wash out the detail and produce a faded picture. Some of this can be corrected with editing software, but it is better to lower the lights when the shot is made.
Almost any color can be used for a background because of the light color of the metal. You might want to stay with a single material for capturing jewelry items that pertain to sets. This not only groups them together, but it also gives the shopper a desire to own the whole set.
The main key to making good photos of platinum jewelry is your eye for detail. Experimenting with different lights and camera settings may help with any photography, but without the human element of taste and preference, pictures will not do justice or properly represent fine jewelry. Some parts of photography aren’t learned; they are instinctive to the real photographer.
Source by Graham C McBride
Detail and Lighting Tips - Platinum Jewelry Photography
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