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How to Use a Lightbox to Take Jewelry Pics

A lightbox is a tabletop photo studio that can be used for product photography. The sides and top of the lightbox are covered in a material that diffuses light. Lighting rigs should contain a type of bulb that is both bright and natural, or neutrally balanced between warm and cool lighting. The back of the box, which appears at least partially in the photos, is solid and smooth. This backing is typically white but different colors can be substituted to better display the jewelry.

Things You'll Need

Digital camera
Tripod
Lightbox with natural fluorescent lighting
Black lightbox background (optional)
Jewelry display stands, transparent
Transparent jewelry display stands (optional)
Natural LED lights (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the flash on your digital camera. Enable macro mode. Set the aperture to F8.0. Select auto-focus, if necessary, to specify this on your camera. Create a custom white balance level based on the light levels in the box. Refer to your camera's guide for setup help as this process varies widely between camera models.
- 2
  Mount the digital camera on a tripod in front of the lightbox. Place a black background into the box if you'll be photographing silver, platinum or white gold jewelry, as it is highly reflective. Leave the white background for gold or other darker, less reflective types of jewelry.
- 3
  Prop up the jewelry on a display stand, if so desired, or position it on the bottom of the lightbox. Point a small, adjustable neck LED natural light at any prominent gems in the jewelry that you would like to sparkle. Note that the light should snake over the top of the camera on the tripod and shine down on the jewels as close as possible without being in frame.
- 4
  Take a picture of the product and check your camera's screen for the results. Move the LED light back if the gem sparkles too much. Reposition the jewelry for a better angle, if desired. Continue shooting and adjusting until you're satisfied with the final product.

Photography