How to Start Jewelry Photography Business[Ultimate Guide]

How to Start Jewelry Photography Business in 9 easy steps

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Why do we need photography of Jewelry?
It has a high frequency of occurrence: When you are hired by a merchant to photograph a collection of products, the assignment is almost never a one-time-only thing. If the work that you perform is good, the client will call you again when they have a new product.

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How to Start Jewelry Photography Business
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The fact that these customers are involved in e-commerce means that they have no problem sending you the product to photograph.

This provides greater flexibility. That way, you can present your services to customers located all across the country.

What Kind of Equipment is Necessary?


The amount of additional equipment required for product photography is relatively small and inexpensive, with the exception of a camera and a tripod.

One further argument in favor of its viability as a side hustle is presented here.

Here are some gear options. Note that these products are meant to be used for making tabletop products with an arrangement that is compact enough to be stored in the nook of a room or garage.

Tools & Gears For Jewelry Photography Business

If you want to be taken seriously as a Jewelry photographer, you must have high-quality equipment. 

Cameras:

You will require many digital cameras, as well as tripods, reflectors, and a range of lenses and flashes.

You must understand how to use lighting, lenses, flash, shutter speed, angles, and postures to obtain the most detailed photographs of your subject possible.

You don’t need the majority of the features that come with pricey cameras if you’re only going to be shooting online photographs in an environment with regulated lighting.

Because you will be shooting at a close distance, the only camera feature you will need is one that gives you control over the aperture.

This will allow you to get the entire thing in focus.

That capability is built into every single DSLR. If you don’t already have a digital single-lens reflex camera, I’d suggest getting a beginner model like the Nikon D3400.

You must have a thorough knowledge of different Kids of cameras used for Jewelry Photography

Here is a quick list of the Best cameras for Jewelry Photography:

Also Read: 7 Best Cameras for Jewelry Photography

Lenses


The standard kit lens with a focal range of 18–55 millimeters is adequate for most items.

If the product you’re photographing is less than an inch broad, you should seriously consider investing in a macro lens. The 18-55mm is a good choice for everything else besides portraiture.

The image below was captured using an 18-55mm lens, and the width of the pendant measures around one inch. This level of information and clarity is adequate for purposes such as online shopping or cataloging products.

The reason why the backdrop of the first photo is grey is that I do not light the background. During the post-processing phase, I turn it white.

Which are the best lenses for Jewelry & product photography?

  • Sony 90mm Macro f/2.8 (Our Pick as the Best Lens for Shooting Jewelry)
  • 7artisans 60mm f/2.8 Macro (Best Budget Pick)
  • 3. Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
  • 4. Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro
  • 5. Sigma 105mm Macro f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art

Also Read: 7 Best Wide-angle Lenses for canon cameras

Tripod

Tripod In general, I would advise against saving money where a tripod is concerned. When working on a product, you will need to make frequent adjustments to the height; therefore, you should go for one that is simple to operate and not cumbersome.

Another aspect of a tripod that can come in handy is a horizontal arm. You’ll be able to take pictures from above, which is a technique that’s frequently used in product photography. If you’re going to get a new one, I recommend getting one just like this.


Lighting
The diffused lighting system that was just described takes up significantly less space than the large softboxes do, and it illuminates an area that is approximately two feet square.

A set, which includes the side lights and the overhead set, costs approximately $275, but you may cut expenses by purchasing a few tube lights and constructing the stands on your own.

This is the lighting setup that I use, but any simple one would do the job.

My top priority was getting more room. These take up very little room, which is a benefit for me, therefore I’ll keep them. Invest in lighting that meets your needs while staying within your price range.

Background

Purchase some white polystyrene paper from a printing or craft store, fashion a homemade display stand out of some wood, and then hang the display in the manner outlined in the following paragraphs.

You also have the option of purchasing it from Amazon; the stand below, the paper, and a couple of clamps can all be purchased for less than fifty dollars.

Light Reflectors

Reflectors are used to help guide light onto whatever is being illuminated. I use white craft boards and clamps to prop them up in the stand position.

Depending on the kind of goods you’re photographing, you could find this beneficial or you might not. These are excellent in eliminating reflections and controlling the light, particularly for reflecting objects like metal and glass.

Pro Note:

Invest in the right jewelry photography equipment
Taking images of your jewelry doesn’t have to be difficult, but you do need to have the appropriate gear in order to get the job done right.

The following is a list of the equipment that you will need to ensure that the images you take come out great:

  • An entry-level DSLR Camera
  • A macro lens with a focal length in the range of 85–100 millimeters or a set of extension tubes that enables your lens to take macro photographs
  • A strong and stable tripod
  • A cable release, a tether to your computer, or the mirror lockup and timer functions built into your camera are all options.
  • A Light tent not too heavy
    We strongly advise making the investment in a three-light setup that comes with a softbox for each of the lights. In the event that you decide to buy lights from a store that specializes in home improvements, you should be aware that fluorescent lights will not function if you use a mobile phone.
  • You could go out and buy some white reflectors, or you could construct your own. Be sure to use a surface that is completely white though, as this will ensure that the light you reflect back onto your jewelry will be pure white.
  • When taking little photos, using small mirrors that are around 3-4 inches square works fairly well. Your neighborhood craft store likely carries a wide variety of options available for purchase.
  • “A” Clamps are an essential piece of equipment for nearly every type of photography. If you ask any experienced workers, they will confirm that they use them for a wide variety of tasks. Clamps are really useful; therefore, you should acquire a variety of clamps ranging in size. You won’t regret it.
  • To summarize, you will need to go out and get a white acrylic tile. This will make it easier for you to create those lovely reflections.

5 entry-level DSLR Camera Jewelry Photography Business

  • Nikon D3500: With its 24.2-megapixel sensor and adaptable 18-55mm lens, the Nikon D3500 is a fantastic entry-level DSLR for taking beautiful jewelry photographs. It is inexpensive and user-friendly.
  • Sony Alpha a68: Equipped with a 24.2-megapixel sensor and a sophisticated autofocus system, the Sony Alpha a68 is a dependable option for taking clear, colorful pictures of jewelry.
  • The Pentax K-70: The Pentax K-70 is a tough and premium choice for beginning jewelry photographers thanks to its weather-resistant chassis and 24.2-megapixel sensor.
  • Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV: This small, light entry-level DSLR features an in-body image stabilization system and a 20.3-megapixel sensor, making it perfect for taking clear, detailed pictures of jewelry.
  • Canon EOS Rebel T8i: This entry-level DSLR is ideal for novices learning about jewelry photography because it has a 24.1-megapixel sensor, quick autofocus, and an intuitive user interface.

Register Your Jewelry Photography Company

Establish yourself as a legitimate Jewelry photographer with your own business.
It is suggested that you establish your photography business legally if you are a photographer.

I am not a lawyer or a certified public accountant, thus I am unable to make any suggestions regarding the kind of company that you could establish.

The registration of your company is an absolute necessity if you want to run a legally compliant and hassle-free business. 

Determine the most suitable organizational structure for your company by taking into account its resources and the scope of its activities.

For instance, if you live in the United States, forming a limited liability company (LLC) is a common choice since it simplifies the process of submitting your annual taxes and, more crucially, it separates your personal assets from those of your business.

Additionally, verify with a local competent authority to find out what kinds of licenses and permits are necessary to establish a photography business in your area by inquiring with that authority about the prerequisites..

Put in place the appropriate contracts for the Jewelry photography Business.

When it comes to owning a Jewelry photography business, contracts are an absolute must. 

A contract is an essential tool for providing both you and your company with necessary legal protection. 

You should also make sure that your client is protected in the event that something unexpected occurs. 

For photographers interested in beginning a career in Jewelry photography, the use of contracts is a necessary must.

Name Your Business & Get a Domain Name

Nowadays most Businesses have an online presence.

So, Picking a name for your Jewelry photography company that is both memorable and accessible will go a long way toward establishing your place as a reputable brand in the market in the near and immediate future. 

Some photographers want their brand to have a more professional appearance; therefore, it is important to give serious consideration to the brand name and test it out on a variety of people.

We use Namecheap to Purchase all our Domain names .. here is the link to purchase the domain for your Jewelry Photography business.

Get your Domain from NameCheap

Make sure that your business as a “Jewelry photographer” has a Portfolio website.

Creating a website is the next step you need to do after launching your JEWELRY photography business. Because of this, prospective customers will be able to discover your company and investigate the services you offer. 

In light of this, you need to have the ability to develop a website that will guide potential clients to your business. 

Jewelry photography businesses rely heavily on SEO, which may have a significant positive impact on your company if it is implemented properly.

Putting Together a Portfolio of Your Product Photography
Take photographs of a few objects & jewelry around you, such as Ear studs, Necklaces, and accessories, and place them against a white background to make a portfolio.

You have three alternatives to choose from if you want a white background that is spotless:

Adjust the lighting so that you get a white background even when you take the picture straight from the camera.
Use Photoshop to create good Images yourself. This is a path that I do not recommend taking because of how time-consuming it may become.

Create a Basic Website for Your Portfolio.
After making the decision that you want to advance, the next step is to create a straightforward website that includes a portfolio of your work.

There is a large selection available, however, if you want my recommendation, check out the photographic designs that Squarespace has to offer. You might also try using WordPress if you are more technically savvy. You don’t want to spend too much time on the site’s construction.

All that is required of you is a professional appearance, which necessitates the inclusion of an about page, a portfolio page, and a contact page on your website. To get started, there is no requirement for it to be any more than that.

Also, read:7+ Best Website Builders for Photographers in 2023

Pixpa.com– Website Builder for Photographers

The perfect platform for photographers

With Pixpa, you can make anything you might need for an online photography business, including portfolio pages, blogs, and client galleries. The platform aims to give photographers one place to create it all!

Hone your Photography skills

Maintain your commitment to learning new things and enhancing your skill set.

It does not matter where you are in your profession as a Jewelry photographer; you really must make it a priority to continue your education. 

Your skill sets may always be improved upon, much like any other creative business you might run. You should never stop studying and become educated in your field of work. 

If you bring in fresh skill sets, your company will have a better chance of continuing to thrive and prosper. You can choose from among a large number of available Jewelry photography courses on UDEMY, CreativeLive & SKILLSHARE

If you are prepared to continue improving your photography talents, then enrolling in an online education program is an excellent choice for you to make. 

You may easily maintain working on expanding your skill set without having to physically go into a classroom, which is something that any busy small business owner can appreciate.

Also, read; 7+ Best Online Photography Courses for Beginners in 2023 [ be the best]  and

Get some Photo Editing Tools

Purchase some software for editing photos.
When it comes to establishing a successful Jewelry photography business, having up-to-date photo editing software is one of the most crucial things you can have. We spoke to Brook T and this is what Brook said

” I use Adobe Photography tools ( Now comes in the New Photography plan). The two software that I use is Photoshop and Lightroom Classic which are vital for many Photographers.

Jewelry Photographer, Sydney Australia

There is a wealth of high-quality photo editing software currently on the market to choose from.

Choose the one that works the best for you. In this line of work, it goes without saying that having skills in photo editing will put you miles ahead of the competition.

Amateur photographers may need to weigh this choice more carefully in comparison to other options that are more reasonably priced, such as Adobe’s Photoshop Express.

However, the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography offering will be beneficial to professional photographers.

All of us have seen some stunning photographs of jewelry.

You know, the ones with the gorgeous pearl necklaces set against the white background? They are stunning, elegant, and will never go out of style.

A brilliant white background is the single most effective way to draw a potential customer’s attention to your jewelry.

One of the reasons that it is used so frequently by professional photographers is because of this feature. The truth of the matter is that it sells jewelry.

This method, which is known as high-key jewelry photography, has repeatedly been shown to be effective in increasing sales of various products.

It is an excellent technique to make use of in order to keep the viewer’s attention focused on the product you are selling.

In addition, in order to sell on marketplaces such as Amazon or eBay, you absolutely need to have stunning photos. These platforms have stringent standards for photo editing, including a requirement that all photos have a white background.

Adobe offers their Photography plan, check them out, they are cool.

Get your Adobe Photography plan

Adobe Photography Plans

A trial version lasting just a few days is available- Check out Adobe Photography plan Review.

Get them both in the Creative Cloud Photography plan starting at just US$9.99/mo. 

Decide on the Packages to offer & Set the Pricing of your Jewelry Photography Services

What do Jewelry photographers charge? I checked with a few Jewelry photography Businesses in Melbourne-  rates begin at $400 -$1200 for a simple session with an online gallery from which to choose photographs. 

The session costs increase to almost $2k, which includes high-resolution photographs and a selection of items.

Obviously, you may need to begin with cheap pricing that represents your level of expertise or at a level that would attract new consumers and allow you to grow a portfolio.

Also Read: How to Create Photography Packages – Price Guide & Nifty Tips

Advertise your Jewelry Photography Biz

Advertising is not always inexpensive, but it is effective! Adwords and Facebook advertisements are the most effective and can be targeted to certain demographics or geographic locations. 

I  would suggest advertising within 100 kilometers of your city, so you’re not stuck in traffic when you could be photographing dogs at a nearby beach.

Create accounts on various social media platforms to showcase your work.

Establish yourself as a professional Jewelry photographer by establishing your own social media platforms. Maintain a wall of separation between these accounts and your personal accounts. 

Clients will have the opportunity to recognize your brand as an authority in the sector using this method. 

It is especially vital to establish a separate brand for your Jewelry photography business if you also dabble in other types of photography and post examples of those photographs on social media. 

Keeping up with social media may be a real chore at times. 

As the proprietor of a company, you are responsible for a substantial amount of work. It might be a lot of work because you are shooting, editing, marketing, and conducting consultations. 

Most of the Jewelry Photographers I know use Tailwind for Instagram and Pinterest to help alleviate some of the stress associated with social scheduling. 

Using Tailwind, you can quickly schedule a large number of posts ahead of time and have them automatically posted.

Advertise on Facebook.

Using Facebook advertisements is a great method to promote your pet-related business. 

Local businesses can benefit from social media advertising since it is cost-effective and easy to tailor to a specific marketing budget. 

Want some aid? Try giving away a free initial consultation, introductory meeting, or another service! If you can impress them, they will return.

Start a blog for your Jewelry photography company.

You absolutely have to engage in some form of marketing if you are going to launch a business that specializes in Jewelry photography. Blogging is one of the most important ones for Jewelry photographers to consider. 

When it comes to producing blogs, photographers, thankfully, have a lot of excellent work that they can show off. Begin to blog about your sessions and optimize them for search engine optimization(SEO). 

Photographers who specialize in Jewelry and Product are absolute masters when it comes to the creative process. Having said that, not all creative jobs are the same, and writing for a blog is no exception to this rule. 

Also read: How to Start Photography Blog and Make Money in 2023

It is possible for it to be both stressful and annoying. I mostly use Grammarly to verify the spelling and punctuation of each and every post on my blog to ensure that I am producing work of the highest possible quality.

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About the Author:

Manny Acharya is the co-founder of Artmellows. Your Goto place for Design, Digital Art, Digital sculpting, Photography, Design Tools & Gears Info, and Product Reviews. Manny is a Digital Artist, 3D Sculpt Designer, Ardent Photography, Drone flying Enthusiast & Tech Lover. He supercharges Digital Art & Design by crafting memorable 3d Sculpts & 2D Design & Art.

PS: Manny has created a Beginner Friedly ebook to Learn Nomad 3d Sculpt App. Know More about the eBook. Know more about Manny