Practical Tips on Photographing Small Objects in Context

Photographing jewelry, or beads for that matter, can be a daunting task to most beginners. But we all know how photos can actually make or break a sale. Right on.

So, why not treat each photo as a thing of beauty. Your special art. After all, beauty can emanate from even the simplest of things like beads. However, there are some things to consider in capturing a bead’s beauty with your favorite Nikon or even a compact point-and-shoot camera.

Here are a few practical tips that worked well for me…

• Size matters.
  Macro shooting is great in showing the minute details of smaller object. However, macro shots can be very misleading. So, when photographing a small bead, be sure to give the viewer an idea of its size. A simple way to this is to add a reference object —something that can be easily identified and relatively the same size with the object/s in focus to show scale.



• Demonstrate the object’s uses.

  Surely, you’re going to use the beads for something. A model wearing the finished products such as bead-embellished bags, jewelry and whatnot is a great way to show the different ways on how the beads are used. The beaded designs will serve as your focal point.



• Be relevant.

  Your composition must translate cross-culturally. Work with themes that are easily understood such as the seasons and color trends. Use props that are readily available and as much as possible, must not be offensive. Focus on how the object fits in the theme and not the other way around.

Well, a good photograph, really, is all about focus, focus, and focus. Got tips, too? Share it with us…

(Disclaimer: This post is not intended as a precise, or standard operating procedure in digital photography. The topic is lightly treated as a D.I.Y. sort of thing. Jan works for Beads and Pieces as its official photographer and graphic artist. She is passionate about digital photography and punk rock music. And oh, she loves pasta, too.)

Got the attitude? Hoop earrings -love ‘em!

Today’s fashion has undoubtedly fallen head over heels in love again with all things retro. From worn leather boots to big hoop earrings, you can’t go wrong with this season of over-the-top looks.

This has all good reasons to boot. The glamor look of hoop earrings, for one, has a timeless appeal. And it is versatile. You can put on a pair of your favorite hoops with shirt-and-jeans or even wedding and evening formals -it’s a perfect staple day in and day out.

So, for those who want to go all out retro with these, here are a few tips to start with:

• Bigger hoop earrings tend to be uncomfortable.
  So, for everyday looks, its always safe to choose smaller, more discreet styles.
• Hoop earrings always bring lots of attention to your face. Experts tell us hoops look best for oval faces. But, really, it can work great too on most face shapes and skin tones.
• It is best to wear a pair of hoop earrings with your hair out. It can easily give you a livelier yet subtly bold and beautiful look.
• Pick up a bangle bracelet or two to finish off the look with that perfect retro style glamor.
• Head turning hoop earrings are about attitude.
  If you got it, by all means flaunt it! Oh, don’t forget, hoops on bare neckline looks sexier.

Lastly, just wear these earrings with a lot of attitude. Have fun!