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Not a photographer, alas
Aug 19, 2011 13:28:54   #
Dixie
 
Hi there friends. I am a jewelry and accessories designer who needs to find a workable setting on a borrowed Samsung S85 digital camera so I can take pictures of my work to sell online. At present I'm paying monthly fees to maintain an ArtFire.com studio that is sitting idle until I can figure out how to take pictures of my work.

I am completely in the dark when it comes to figuring out how to use what is, I'm told, a simple point-and-shoot digital camera. So I'm here hoping to get an education to guide my heretofore wildly unsuccessful efforts.

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Aug 19, 2011 14:39:49   #
notnoBuddha
 
Well the truth is your question is so general that it may be hard to respond to in this for format . As a general rule I believe most feel more at ease giving a specific response to a direct inquiry. No one ever said I was overly bright so I will try to throw a wide net. The first thing I would address is what mode you are shooting. Since you claim no knowledge I would recommend "Macro" which very likely is idicated by the picture of a flower on a dial either on the top or back of your camera. Use a tripod or find something to rest you camera on when you relaese the shutter. If you must you can try your flash but very likely you will be better without it - too bright. Keep your set up simple - maybe a table next to a window. a box covered with black velvet to display your jewerly - and a tripod or camera rest to avoid camera shake at set location & distance. Even better; I bet you there is a friend that is convinced they know photography - let them show off a little. Good luck.

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Aug 19, 2011 15:24:51   #
sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant
 
if you do not have the manual to the camera, google "camera manualssss' and go to any of the websites to order one. I use linkinc.com If you do have the manual the only way to really understand what you are doing is to read it with your camera in your hand to touch the various buttons and settings.

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Aug 19, 2011 16:25:36   #
kcpensations
 
I also take pictures of my work and often take multiple pictures of 1 item in different lighting environments, over a few days, and see which picture I like the best. For Internet displaying, you want a picture that captures the detail of the item clearly, not too bright in background or too distracting in contrast. I am an amateur, but have taken a lot of shots to learn what works and what doesn't. Don't stress, it will take time. I often went to UTUBE to watch a video of my camera's features and functions, learn terminology and tips. It has been very useful for me. Have fun!

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Aug 19, 2011 18:31:02   #
katzcloseup Loc: centrl california
 
checkout the tutorials and archived workshops for photgraphing suggestions for your jewelry at etsy.com
They cover just what you need.

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Aug 19, 2011 21:43:47   #
Len
 
Do you work/live close to a high school or college? I would solicit assistance from art/photography students. You could trade a brief education in photographing jewelry for the education of making/displaying jewelry. Post a brief note on bulletin boards and display windows everywhere.
Be open with the school departments about what you wish to do. Administrators may even have suggestions and offer their help.
But, please verify that any person coming to you is legitimate before you open your business activity to them.

JOIN a camera club!!

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Aug 20, 2011 13:35:36   #
Dixie
 
Wow. Such nice replies- and so quickly Thanks, guys.

notnobuddha - I found the little flower on my dial (?) and pushed it and just took a quick shot of an unfinished pin on a messy desktop and got a perfectly wonderful photograph! I realize nothing happens that quickly, so I will forage on, keeping that setting in mind. I haven't figured out yet how to not use the flash..

I found the other suggestions may lead to good things, too, so thanks all of you.

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Aug 20, 2011 13:36:58   #
Dixie
 
One big thing for me is not being able to keep track of which things work and which don't. Anybody got any suggestions on that?

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Aug 20, 2011 14:33:56   #
notnoBuddha
 
Attn: Dixie wrote -"One big thing for me is not being able to keep track of which things work and which don't. Anybody got any suggestions on that?"

Well - not that this will help you much, but so you know, I know you are not along on that. What I have found that works as well as anything for me is to keep a electronic file a couple of different places with pictures where I had an eurkea moment, I number the picture and keep a notebook with the same reference numbers with notes on how I got from A to B. I seldom get all the way to C as yet. One could also keep their notes with the notes on their computer, but for now I still like looking and writting on a piece of paper. I have added such a picture where I added a filter just to a selection of a picture - where I believe I will remember - but I know I will forget. Good question & and I will await the suggestions of others.



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Aug 20, 2011 14:42:47   #
DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca
 
If you have to use a point and shoot and conditions call for flash hold a piece of parchment paper over the flash to soften the light or reflection will blow out the subject. Otherwise use indirect natural light whenever possible.

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