Help Shooting Jewelry

[Steve Sanacore]

I am planning for a commercial shoot that includes some jewelry close ups. I have looked at many very nice spots for high end jewelry companies and I would like to produce similar shots.

My favorite shots are ultra close-ups with the products, watches, bracelets etc., constantly moving around. Looks like spinning in slow motion and tracking shots vertical and horizontal, sometimes all combined together. The movements are all in slow mo and wonderful. Many have reflections that also seem to be moving across the frame.

I plan on shooting with a rented RED ONE package.

Any help with technique will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Dominik Muench]

try and get in contact with stephen williams - http://www.stephenw.com/, hes based in zurich and a member here as well, he shot several watch commercials for high end brands and surely can give you some great insight.

 

[Panos Bournias]

snorkel

snorkel

Get a snorkel lens and a reliable dolly and travel on them from 5cm distance.

 

[Stephen Williams]

Get a snorkel lens and a reliable dolly and travel on them from 5cm distance.

Have you ever done it? More difficult than it looks, I would use motion control.

 

[Thomas Dobbie]

Hi Steve,
As Stephen says,it's not as easy as it looks,and motion control is essential.
I've been shooting stills of jewellery and watches for over 30 years and motion for the last 2 years,and I'm still learning all the pitfalls.
Often it's a combination of moving the subject and the camera,occasionally at the same time but more often individually.I also often move the lights and the subject at the same time while the camera is locked off.
I wouldn't even consider trying to do anything without motion control,tracking manually at 1:1 or greater across a 40mm watch face while pulling focus will drive you crazy.
If you're shooting diamonds,you have have to be extremely careful with your lighting technique.
The dynamic range far exceeds what any digital sensor can capture,and your client won't be too impressed if the stones are blown out. It can be done,but sometimes film is a better choice.
Take a look at Stephen's web site,that's as good as it gets.
Also snorkel lenses are rarely used by the specialist's for this kind of work.
Good luck with the shoot.
Tom.