What is the best angle for shooting beads?

[pierces*designs]

Opinions please? Is it best to shoot straight down on them, from the front?

Any suggestions?

[dogmaw]

Depends on the shape of the bead. Not what you wanted to hear, I know. :D

[Dale M.]

Al lot will depend on the "depth of field" (range where objects are in focus) is for your camera.... Generally a picture where everything is in focus is best, with short depth of field it will probably dictate you shoot straight down if its a whole string of beads (camera lense parallel to beads). If its a single focal bead, anything that enhances bead is good...

Dale

[Sylvie Anne]

Hi Debbie,

What kind of setup are you currently using?

I think the best way is in natural sunlight (not always the most convenient). All my beads have their decoration on top, so I try to shoot them perpendicularly. To avoid glare, I put them on a slight incline (maybe 15-20%?) by taping them to a background, and then taping that to something else and propping it up. It helps take the glare off and moves the shadow to where it's not in the way.

These beads were shot like that:

20788

Then, Friday, I got my photo cube. Still learning how to use it, but the beads in my sig line were taken in that at about 8:30 at night. Came out well, still need to learn how to use it more, though. I just love having the freedom to take the pictures whenever I want.

Also, try switching up your backgrounds. White and black are OK for some things, but they trick your camera into under or over-exposing the picture. I hear gray and light beige are a good substitute.

Hope those help a little.

[Kevan]

I have played around with this for too much time. Here in the NW you can't take pictures in direct sunlight most of year. If the sun comes out in the winter it's at such a low angle that it thows huge shadows.

I have always really liked Amy Trescott's photos of her work. She has a tutorial on her sight. I take most of mine straight down her way.

You need a good photomanipulation program, too. I use Photoshop, not Photoshop Elements, though I think it's adequate.

I like "high key" lighting. I know a lot of people think there should be no glare, but it's glass. It should be shiney in my opinion.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d101/dancingstrarbeads/berrysilver2.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d101/dancingstrarbeads/bluestar.jpg

[Sylvie Anne]

Kevan, I think what you are calling a glare is very appealing on your beads. But it's not so much a glare as a sparkle.

The problem I find I get is that the glare is so intense that you lose not only the color of the beads, but it also distorts the shape. Reflection, though, is nice and very dramatic. It's really just messing with it til you find the right settings, light and exposure and can reproduce the effects next time.

BTW, I really like your top bumpy pink bead. Nice organic effects. :)

[sislonski]

If the beads are a flatter bead it's best to take pictures of them from up above or a slight angle but if they have heigth you can take them from the front angle.

But as Mike said if your depth of feild is short and you are taking the photo using your macro you will lose focus on some of your beads.

Taking photos in direct sunlight I have found in the past gives off too much glare, same goes for direct light bulbs. Using a tent or cacoon is best. You get the bright light but not the glare or the shadows.

The brighter the light the more crisp and clear your photos will be.

I'm not a fan of seeing the light bulb or sunlight reflecting off a bead. It distracts my eye from looking at the bead. Same goes for a dark shadow, it changes the look of the shape of the bead.

shari

[Tanner Studios]

Hey Debbie,
Everybodys Right, and everybodys Wrong ! Remember photograpghy is an art form. Just Like lampwork, If I told you there is only one way to make a perfect bead. I would be laffed out of the room. Keep an open mind, and most importantly find your voice. What does your photo say to you, and about you.
If you gets too caught up with perfection or the perfect angle. You may mis the perfect photo. Experiment !
Scott
P.S. "Oh" the right and wrong thing. That includes me as well.

[sislonski]

Hey Debbie,
Everybodys Right, and everybodys Wrong ! Remember photograpghy is an art form. Just Like lampwork, If I told you there is only one way to make a perfect bead. I would be laffed out of the room. Keep an open mind, and most importantly find your voice. What does your photo say to you, and about you.
If you gets too caught up with perfection or the perfect angle. You may mis the perfect photo. Experiment !
Scott
P.S. "Oh" the right and wrong thing. That includes me as well.

I agree, it's all in what you like to see yourself. Some people like my shots, some don't. As long as I'm happy is what counts. LOL!