Jewelry Reflections: Beneficial Or Unbecoming?

By Author: Avi Roth
Total Articles: 3
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In the world of jewelry photography, reflections are like the beast that must be tamed- wild, dazzling, and hard to control. Yet, well-balanced reflections can turn average jewelry photography into spectacular images. Here are a few tips to harness the power of reflections from master jewelry photographer Avi Roth.

Q: The terms jewelry and reflection seem to go hand in hand, as most jewelry contains natural reflective properties. Knowing the proper terminology is a key starting point when trying to gain traction with reflections. What are some of the most important terms to know when dealing with reflections in jewelry photography?

A: In regards to reflections, that is, viewing a reflective object such as jewelry, there are basically two kinds: external and self-image.

a. External - a very harsh, bright reflection from the jewelry surface called glare or spectacular reflection - originating from one or multiple bright ambient lighting sources. This reflection originates mostly from highly polished rounded areas (i.e. beads) and impacts the readability of the image detail, it stands out obtrusively, ...
... and therefore considered an undesirable reflection.

b. Self-image - a soft reflected image of the jewelry itself on a reflective background or surface much like the reflection of a room in the mirror. This diffused self-image can create dimensional extension to the jewelry without the visual interference to delicate details.

Q: You've mentioned that jewelry itself acts like a mirror. How does the reflective quality of the jewelry you photograph play into the difficulty of controlling reflections, and with such a diverse variety, are some harder to control than others (i.e. textures, surfaces)?

A: As I mentioned earlier, highly polished rounded surfaces are definitely the most challenging! Light, is a very complex phenomenon, and understanding how light interacts with mirrors and lenses is an absolute must for every jewelry photography.

Q: With jewelry photography, what are the difficulties in controlling reflections of jewelry, such as rings, suspended pieces, etc.? What are some of the most important pieces of equipment to control reflections?

A: Jewelry can be seen by the light it emits (i.e. precious and semi-precious stones) or by the light it reflects. Jewelry therefore obeys the law of reflection, that the angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence. The correlation between jewelry (reflective surface) and light must be complementary in order to be reproduced esthetically.

Controlling glare or spectacular highlights when photographing jewelry is done not necessarily with equipment per say, but rather by carefully positioning the light source in relationship to the object (jewelry) and camera lens. Additionally, lighting equipment outfitted with a variety of light diffusers helps to control unwanted reflection.

Q: What is the most effective way to create a reflection of jewelry on a light or dark, surface?

A: Photographing jewelry on a dark surface produces a dramatic appearance; however it tends to erase part of the jewelry especially at the point of ‘contact'. Photographing on lighter backgrounds and employing computer-based image manipulation in post production will afford the jewelry photographer the benefit of playing it either ways with great results.

Q: In a single sentence, what is the most important piece of advice a photographer should keep in mind when attempting to capture/control reflections in their work with jewelry?

A: A jewelry photographer must understand that jewelry in essence is an object combined of numerous tiny spherical reflective surfaces. Dealing with a group of concave and convex mirrors in terms of jewelry reproduction is very demanding. Consideration must be given to the type of light, lens, camera, and their respective placements in relationship to each other in order to create an acceptable and pleasant reproduction of what we call, digital jewel.

Avi Roth is an internationally recognized jewelry photographer and the founder of Digital Jeweller: Digital Jewelry Photography Solutions.For more jewelry photography tips and info go to www.jewelryphotographyonly.com