Shoot jewelry like the pro's

Here is a neat little DIY project that will take your table top product shooting to a whole new level for under $15

Begin with a 6 foot piece of half inch pvc pipe. Cut into 14 inch pieces (requires 70 inches total).

Buy 4 half inch pvc elbows or T joints (your choice). I use elbows now but used a combination as noted in the images.

Buy a 12x12 inch mirror. (a six pack is available at lowes or home depot for $12)

Buy a 2x3 foot piece of black felt (other colors work also) I got mine at Michaels for $2.

Assemble and begin shooting jewelry and other items like the pro's...



Assembly:

http://www.cygnusstudios.com/photos/..._c6JiF-L-6.jpg

http://www.cygnusstudios.com/photos/..._aP8bB-L-6.jpg

http://www.cygnusstudios.com/photos/..._UBdHG-L-6.jpg


What the final images look like:

http://www.cygnusstudios.com/photos/..._qc8GG-L-6.jpg

Works with white backgrounds also:

http://www.cygnusstudios.com/photos/..._pnR29-L-7.jpg


Take note to keep plenty of glass cleaner on hand. Fingerprints and dust will show up every time you add or remove an item. While this process works best for jewelry, it can be used for hundreds of other small products.

If you want less reflection (only works for white backgrounds) buy a 12x12 inch piece of smooth white tile board (used instead of mirror). Use white background instead of black felt. It is the kind of board used in showers. Again, visit one of the box hardware stores and you can pick this up for a few bucks. It doesn't scratch very easily and wipes clean.

Also: if you want great high key portrait or large product shots, grab a 4x8 foot piece of this tile board. So amazing!

Here is what a shot on white tile board looks like:

http://www.cygnusstudios.com/photos/..._3pT3v-M-6.jpg

Thanks, Steve. Looks like it could be easily modified to add a sweep as well.

Thank you, Steve!

:thumbsup:

Let's see, tomorrow is saturday. I think a trip to the DIY store might be in order.

:thumbsup:

Charles

Wow great hint... my mom is starting her own custom jewelry line and wants me to do the product photography. I'm glad I ran across this thread... thanks so much for the tips!