About

This course provides the hands-on skills for photographing jewelry. During the class, students will look at samples and various styles of professional jewelry photos, and discuss how to emulate them. Lighting, backdrops, props, and tripods will be discussed in detail.

Students are encouraged to bring several samples of their own jewelry, if appropriate, and we will choose a variety of items to photograph. Problems will be addressed, with focus and lighting being at the top of the list. Taking photos with smartphones will be covered.

The instructor will set up a sample “photo shoot” for several items, and show how adjustments are made before achieving the final photo. Students will then get a chance to try their hand at taking photos of the same set-up to compare results, and discuss problems that arise and various ways to resolve them.

Finally, we’ll look at how editing photos achieves the final polished result. Without using computers, we’ll briefly review cropping, contrast, toning, dust, focus, brightness, and file management.

This workshop is appropriate for artists who work with small to medium jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, brooches, and bracelets, and would also greatly benefit those who create other small to medium 3-D items smaller than a lemon.

Handouts are provided.

Students should bring paper and pen, and the following equipment if you can:

Digital camera, phones, and tripods* that they are familiar with

     *Tripod - tabletop preferably, with swivel-ball head

2 to 3 samples of their jewelry or 3-D art (and optionally, displays & props)

Instructor Bio:
Ms. Satterwhite is an active artist living on Bainbridge Island, Washington. She manages the regional Studio Tour, and coaches artists. She is a professional photographer and specializes in photographing artists’ work. Her work is displayed in art galleries and stores. She is experienced in marketing, copywriting, design & layout.

Contact: Jane Martin at Jewelry.Lead@BainbridgeBARN.org