How to Take Stunning Images Using Reflectors and Diffusers in Jewelry Photography
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Whether it's diamond, gold, or silver jewelry, jewelry photography can be challenging. You need to play with lighting to create a visual story that sells. But how to make perfect lighting? It's easy. Use reflectors and diffusers in jewelry photography to refine your lighting techniques. In this article, I will explain everything you need to know about reflectors and diffusers and how to use them in jewelry photography like a pro. Continue Reading!
What are Diffusers and Reflectors in Photography?
A photography reflector and diffuser are two completely different elements in jewelry photography.
Reflectors are devices that bounce back the light on the subject, bring out details, and reduce the shadows. It is essential for jewelry, as gems are highly reflective. So, reflectors balance the light on the subject and highlight the piece's brilliance.
On the other hand, diffusers are lighting covers that soften the light before it falls on the subject. It reduces glare and harsh shadows, ensuring the lighting appears well-balanced.
Both reflectors and diffusers are used in different ways. However, their purposes are the same: bringing out the beauty of jewelry. Ensure it looks well-lit, eye-catching, and stunning.
The Purpose of Photography Reflectors and Diffusers
Reflectors and diffused light photography fulfill five purposes in jewelry photography.
- Balance the lighting. Reflectors and diffusers ensure that the lighting falls on the subject, enhancing the effect and balancing the lighting around it.
- Increase details and texture. Jewelry photography is all about highlighting the details. And without the proper lighting, it is not possible. Lighting and reflectors combine and highlight the details for perfect jewelry images.
- Enhance depth and dimension. Reflectors and diffusers allow you to keep the focus on the subject, highlighting its key features and enhancing depth.
- Control harsh shadows. Just photography lights create harsh shadows. Thus, using a photography reflector and diffuser helps you reduce the harsh shadow effect while also lighting the subject well. Reduce your shadow adjustment work in jewelry retouching services.
- Save your time in jewelry post-production. The proper lighting saves you time in photo editing. For instance, the lighting looks well-balanced, shadows appear soft, highlights accentuate details, and your raw images look nice.
Why You Should Use a Diffuser and Reflector for Photography
Whether you use studio lighting or natural lighting, reflectors and diffusers are essential for achieving perfect jewelry photography lighting. Jewelry is reflective by nature. And when you use only lighting without a diffuser or reflector, the gems and metals become more reflective. Thus, to balance the lighting, reflection, and shadow, you must invest in a jewelry photography diffuser and reflector. Both work differently and even look different.
Diffusers allow you to soften the direct lighting (Natural and studio) and create a soft glow on the reflective gems. On the other hand, reflectors are placed in the opposite direction of the lighting so that the harsh lights bounce back on the subject, automatically reducing hard shadows and well-balancing the light around the subject. This is why, often in jewelry photography tutorials, you can see photographers use both diffusers and reflectors in the photoshoot and create the best jewelry image that captivates viewers' minds.
Types of Diffusers and Reflectors in Photography You Need to Know
Diffusers and reflectors are two completely different tools. And these tools come in various types. Each type is used for multiple purposes. Let's see in detail.
Types of Photography Reflector
There are five types of reflectors in jewelry photography. Using them in different conditions will take your jewelry images to the next level.
White Reflector: White reflectors are classic. Often, photographers don't use any other reflectors and use white reflectors for every kind of situation. Why? The reason is that they balance the jewelry lighting, color, and shadows, creating neutral light ideal for jewelry photography.
Gold Reflector: Gold reflectors create a warm tone in jewelry. They are ideal for photographing gold jewelry. The reason is that the warm tone adds richness to the gold jewelry images, enhancing their quality to the highest. However, adjust the lighting with the reflector so as not to overwhelm the natural color of the jewelry.
Silver Reflector: Another classic reflector for photography. They reflect more light than white reflectors and can be used for any type of jewelry (Best for metals and diamonds). Get bright, sparkly gems and crisp effects using silver reflectors.
Black Reflectors: It is the least used type of reflector among the reflectors. Rather than bouncing the light over the jewelry, it observes the lighting. So, it is not of much use to jewelry photographers. However, you can use it for flashlights to reduce the harsh reflections.
White foam board/Paper: These are the reflectors you don't need to use your money on. They work as a reflector as well as a background for jewelry photography. Nicely bounce the lighting and create a well-balanced, soft look on the jewelry.
Types of Photography Diffusers
There are three types of diffusers in jewelry photography.
Softboxes: It is the most common type of diffuser. If you see a light covered in white clothing, it is a softbox. The white cover over the light reduces the harshness of the lighting and minimizes reflections on the jewelry. You can find softboxes in various shapes and sizes, such as umbrellas, round, square, and more.
Diffusion Panels: Diffusion panels are placed between the lighting source and the subject to soften the lighting effect. You can put it in any direction. Just ensure the lighting looks soft and lovely.
DIY Diffusers: If you do not have the budget for purchasing diffusers, you can create one. It is super easy. Use a white sheet, curtain, or any white paper to place in front of the light and take jewelry images.
How to Set Up Reflectors and Diffusers in Jewelry Photography
Here is the main section you have been waiting for. Let's see how to use reflectors and diffusers in jewelry photography. First, we will explore how to use them separately. In the third section, we will explore how to utilize both the photography reflector and the diffuser to capture stunning jewelry images.
How to Use a Reflector in Photography
You need to use a reflector according to the lighting and subject position. Usually, reflectors are placed behind or beside the subject. So that when the raw light falls on the photoshoot area, it reflects on the reflector and bounces the light back on the subject. Thus, to place a reflector perfectly, set your jewelry photography set first.
- Utilize studio lighting to capture the best jewelry images.
- Set a table.
- Clean your jewelry with a microfiber cloth.
- Place the jewelry on the table.
- Decorate it with the necessary props if needed.
- Position the studio lights.
- Place the reflector behind the jewelry, facing the light, so that the light bounces back onto the jewelry, creating a well-balanced jewelry image.
How to Use a Diffuser in Photography
Using a diffuser is easy. However, depending on which type you are using, the position will vary.
Soft boxes: If you are using soft boxes for jewelry photography, follow this technique.
- Clean your jewelry and place it on the table.
- You can use one or two soft boxes to light the jewelry well.
- If you are using one, place it in a way that your jewelry looks perfectly well-lit.
- If you are using two, position two softboxes on two sides of the table.
- You can adjust the lighting temperature according to your needs.
Diffusion Panels and DIY Diffusions: Both diffusion panels and DIY diffusion usage are the same. They are placed between the subject and the light source. So, after setting your jewelry, place the diffuser in the front, side, or behind, and put the lighting behind it. If you see that your jewelry is well-lit, you're good to go.
How to Use a Diffuser and Reflector in Jewelry Photography
You can use either a reflector or a diffuser for jewelry photography. But for the best outcome, use both the diffuser and the reflector in a jewelry photoshoot. Here is how.
- Place the table in your desired area.
- Clean the jewelry and place it on the table. Decorate with props if necessary. However, ensure the audience's focus stays on the jewelry.
- Place the soft boxes beside the table, a little further from the subject, ensuring the jewelry is nicely lit.
- According to the lighting position, place the reflector facing it directly. Ensure the soft light falls on the reflector and bounces back onto the jewelry, creating a balanced look throughout.
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using Reflectors and Diffusers
If you can avoid these common mistakes, not only will your jewelry images turn out great, but you will also reduce your work in post-processing photography.
- Don't rely on Auto mode. If you use auto mode to take images, you will have no control over the exposure triangle and other settings. It won't work for jewelry photography. Thus, change the setting to manual mode so that you can adjust the settings and take stunning images hassle-free.
- Don't use photography reflectors and diffusers without cleaning. Dust, creases, and fingerprints on the tools may be captured in the images, increasing your workload in jewelry retouching services.
- Don't use random reflectors. Every reflector has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, using a gold reflector for diamond jewelry photography may lead to a color issue. A gold reflector is best suited for gold jewelry to capture the most vibrant golden color. The same goes for other jewelry photography. Understand what reflector will suit your jewelry the best and utilize it.
- Don't position diffusers too close. If you place the diffuser directly on top of the jewelry, it may block the lighting, resulting in low lighting and dull images. Position it at a slight distance from the jewelry so that it spreads the whole area nicely.
- Don't ignore the shadow. Another purpose of reflectors and diffusers is to control shadows. While positioning the tools, check whether they are reducing the harsh shadow or not. If yes, you are on the right track.
Summing Up
Reflectors and diffusers in jewelry photography are not just accessories. They are necessary tools you need to use to refine the lighting and bring out the depth and detail of the jewelry features. Thus, invest in photography reflectors and diffusers to capture high-quality images of jewelry. And trust me, this investment will help you in the long run of your photography career.
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Faria Ahammed Juthi
Hi, it's Faria, Content Executive from Color Clipping Ltd with a passion to contribute knowledge sharing more simply. Keep learning and growing with us.
