Photography, can you share any tips and tricks when capturing a piece?

Interested in photography of pieces, techniques and any thing relevant.

 

Many items photograph differently....

Daylight is usually the best light...

Learn how to use your camera.....or 'phone' ...
they are more sophisticated than one might think..

Close up....near or far.....make the damn thing crisp and clear....
even the best photo assist program, can't fix a fuzzy pic !

Find a good photo program....and learn it !
It can make a good pic...a great pic !

Choose a neutral background .....
never photograph a $1000 vase up against the flowers in your backyard....
& don't photo a ring...on your hand....your fingers will come out sharp...
The ring WILL NOT !

A shadow box is a good investment for smalls !

For 3 dimensional items...photo the front...back...top , & bottom...!

If you photograph an item with a mirror....or flat glass.... wear clothes...
We can see you !!

For close ups.....practice...& remember....you don't need to be one inch from the item....let the camera do the work !

& finally........we all screw up...at one time or another.....so take lots of pics...and delete the crappy ones....

 

Very informative! Thanks

 

When its nice out, I'll shoot on my back patio in the evening when the sun is low enough not to create a harsh light. Colors are very accurate. Even if you take the shot in the shadows.

Make yourself a cheap light tent out of a cardboard box for smaller items. It will diffuse the shadows and give a really nice soft lighting effect. You can take photos anytime of the day, like you have your own little studio. I made one a while ago and use it a lot. Here's a tutorial:

http://www.boostyourphotography.com/2014/02/DIY-light-tent.html

 

I sometimes photograph small items through the top of a 1970s white plastic half dome lamp shade. Nice diffuse light, no corners, no lines.
This kind of thing, but mine has a round hole in the top, like the Pantheon in Rome (but not nearly as beautiful).