Old Bill Loc: Vinton, Virginia

My son's home was robbed in a daylight break in (one of a series in the same neighborhood) and my daughter-in-law's jewelry and a pistol were stolen. The robbers were caught but only one piece of jewelry was recovered due to lack of pictures and adequate descriptions and inventory.

Over the 44 years my wife and I have been married, she has accumulated a large inventory of rings, bracelets, etc. I spoke to my insurance agent about a rider for my homeowner's policy to cover jewelry and guns as these items have appreciated considerably in value.

The agent requested a photographic inventory with description and estimated value.

I have no experience with macro photography and the searches on the internet suggest expensive light boxes and lights which I am reluctant to purchase for a one time use.

I would appreciate your advise if you know a "cheap", effective way to set up a table top shoot for this one time use.

Thanks in advance!

Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

For insurance photo: You're correct, you don't require a vast setup.

Set the item on a smooth single tone surface. If you are indoors, balance the light for whatever your available light is. Take your exposure as close as your lens will allow. Just crop the image to obtain the closer view later if you don't have a macro lens. You will have a written description as well.

The photo is mainly to prove you had the item. You are not using it to sell the item. Don't make it more complicated than it needs to be. Just a clean photo will be enough.

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

I have used a desktop studio and light kit. I also aquired a
jewelers black and white head/neck to display the necklaces and a piece of round Styrofoam for the bracelets.
I set the "studio" on a table, mounted the piece I wanted to shoot, adjusted the lighting to minimize the shadows. I put the camera on a tripod (a must) and took the picture.
I don't believe you need a macro lens for this, unless your trying to get the markings on the stone itself.
It's really not difficult, but it is time consuming.

Old Bill Loc: Vinton, Virginia

Thanks, my camera does have a macro mode though I don't have much experience with it. I will try your suggestion.
Thanks for the fast response.

Old Bill Loc: Vinton, Virginia

Thanks for the suggestions. I will visit a craft store for foam for bracelets and a necklace display.

Bill

jasman Loc: Forte dei Marmi

An easy way to get great images of jewelry is to scan the item. Just place the items on your scanner and cover them with a black cloth - even a black t-shirt works well - then scan it. You'll likely be surprised at the quality of the results.

Jim F. Loc: North Richland Hills, TX

Use a tripod! Then soft, diffused lighting from each side and use a background that contrasts in texture; smooth shiny jewelry, use a dark velvet background. For record purposes such as you are wanting, always put something in the photo to verify size; either a ruler or a coin.

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

The book "Macro and Close-Up Photography for Dummies" has a good section on photographing jewlery. The photography books in this series are thorough and provide good information.

Greatwebs

Ruler or coin to show size is a great suggestion. Thanks