Kill Reflections on Gems with These 5 Light Hacks!

People think ornamental photography is very simple. They believe it’s all about the right camera and the angles.

The reality is too far from that. Photographing gems can be challenging. Their shine. Their reflective nature. Their transparency. As much as these qualities are breathtaking, they can be equally problematic for photographers.

One challenge in ornament photography is unwanted reflection. Reflections can show light bulbs, windows, a camera, and the list goes on. These reflections can make ornaments seem less appealing in the viewers’ eyes. Solution?

This article highlights 5 smart light hacks to get rid of reflections on gems during Jewellery Photography sessions. Let’s begin.

Here is How to Eliminate Reflections on Gems with 5 Smart Lighting Hacks: A Jewellery Photography Guide

Gemstones have three main properties.

• High shine

• Smooth surfaces

• Transparency

• Or semi-transparency

These properties can make the light that falls on the gems bounce. Any object near the gems will get reflected.

These reflections are the natural behaviour of light. Remember that the goal is to control the light. Do not remove it.

Let us explore the ways to remove these reflections.

Hack 1: Use diffused lighting

The first thing to keep in mind is not to use direct light.

What exactly is direct light? It is a light that comes from some source. Examples:

• A bulb

• Flashlight

• Camera flash

• Sunlight through the window.

The issue with direct light is that it can cause sharp reflections in the images. Not to forget the bright white spots. It can also lead to loss of gemstone details.

So, what should be used instead of direct light? It is the diffused light. Diffused light is a softened light. It spreads evenly as well as gently over the subject. Result? Smooth reflections. Better gemstone colour in the image.

Here is how to diffuse the light.

Place the diffuser between the light source and the gem. Do not let the diffuser come into contact with the gem. Use one of the following diffusers.

• White cloth

• Butter paper

• Tracing paper

• Softbox

• Light tent

Hack 2: Use a light tent

A light tent is a small cube. It is made of white or translucent fabric.

It surrounds the ornaments. It also softens light from all directions. Result? There will be no strong reflections.

Learn how to make your own light tent.

Materials you will need:

• A cardboard box

• White paper

• Tape

• Scissors

The process to make the tent:

• The inner walls of the cardboard can be white. Depending on your background choice.

• Cut windows on the three sides of the box.

• Cover them with white paper.

• Place ornaments inside.

• Shine lights from outside.

Recommended light tent sizes for Jewellery Photography:

• For rings, studs, and small gems. The ideal tent size should be 30 cm for length, breadth, and height.

• For necklaces as well as bracelets. The tent size can be 40 cm each for three of them.

• For large jewellery sets. The light tent size should be 60 cm each.

Hack 3: Change the light and camera’s angle

Reflections follow this simple rule:

Let’s say your camera is facing the light source. Reflections will appear clearly.

This is the law of reflection. It is: “Light reflects at the exact angle it touches the object.”

Here is how to control reflections with angles.

• Move lights to a slight extent higher or sideways.

• Tilt the gemstone a little.

• Change the camera position.

The best angles for Gem photography:

• Lights at 45 degree.

• The camera above the gem to a slight extent.

• Avoid lighting straight on.

Hack 4: Use black and white cards to control reflections

Reflection cards are simple sheets of:

• White paper

• Black paper

• Cardboard

Here is how white cards help.

• They brighten the dark area.

• Add soft highlights.

• Improve clarity.

Here is how black cards help.

• They reduce excess reflections.

• Add contrast.

• Shape the gem’s edges.

The correct way to use them:

• Position the cards outside the frame.

• Slowly move them.

• Look at the reflections through the camera.

Hack 5: Avoid overlighting

One or three lights are enough for photography. Not more than that.

Here is the smart lighting setup:

• One main diffused light

• One fill light(optional)

• One background light(optional)

Wrapping Up

There are very simple hacks if you are tired of reflections on gems. Use a soft, diffused light. Make sure that the camera and the light angles are up to the mark. Using a light tent as well as a reflection card can also help.

Last but not least, one or three lights are adequate for the photography sessions. Avoid more than three lights!!

You can consider Impression Photography for stellar ornament photography services. Their adept team uses contemporary cameras to highlight the details as well as the quality of your jewellery in the images in a precise manner.