I'm using a Fuji DX10 to take pictures of jewellery for a friend. All pictures look great using the macro mode except for diamonds, the camera just can't seem to focus correctly on the diamond faces and any lighting just bounces off and blurs the picture. What sort of lighting do I need to get good diamond shots? Any other tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

-- Chris Smith (kinnor@knairfilters.com), February 29, 2000

Answers

You might try making a "light tent" out of paper or diffusion gel around the object, and lighting the tent evenly from all sides. Photograph through a hole in the top of the tent. This produces a nice, diffuse light that should catch the diamond facets cleanly. Try a back background (black velvet) under the diamond. I know the "light tent" works for small shiny objects in general, but don't specifically know about diamonds. (Any *real* photographers out there can give an answer?)

-- Dave Etchells (web@imaging-resource.com), March 01, 2000.

4 small tripod lights close to the diamonds. Put some greaseproof paper over each light and put them at the 4 corners of your mat. camera on a tripod and that should do the trick. Alternatively, you can try to scan them, but watch that you dont scratch the glass on your scanner :)

-- Mel Shaw (sterling@sterlingauctions.com.au), November 28, 2002.

who gives a fuck about taking photos of jewellery for a friend

-- libby anne boquet (sexy_ass32@hotmail.com), December 03, 2002.