Live models for jewelry too?

suzysparklesalot

suzysparklesalot

Alumni
Hello,
I just had one of my etsy customers ask me if I could take a picture of a ring on someones hand.
That made me think maybe this is a good idea for all my vintage jewelry.
It seems like it would show the actual size of the item and how it would look on.
Any opinions on this, anyone doing this already?

Sue
 
I have a friend who has a jewelry-only site who uses live models, but I have to say some pieces really don't benefit from being shown on a model. (On the other hand, I'm thinking of the bold 60s necklace VFGer Chris of Listitcafe shot on a model, to fabulous effect...it was recently the Zuburbia VPOD)

IMHO, though, a good, well-lit pic still works best on many pieces (especially smaller/more delicate ones, where you want to get close and see the detail!)

I would think that a closeup of a ring on a hand would also show unintended (and unlovely) details like pores, hairs, etc. Some people use a coin to show scale... (Personally I'd be fine with measurements and ring size for guidance--to each their own I guess!)
 
we often will shoot necklaces on our manni to show scale, and rings in a ring box or on a ring mount, but personally i think arms and hands can be distracting (interpret: ugly).

and unless you have someone with young perfect skin ~ well, i'll just say i've seen close-up shots of earrings and necklaces that not only distract from the jewelry item, but are kind of scary ~ (think wrinkles and double-chins...)

shudder

but, yes, it CAN be done successfully, as Chris proves.
 
Some people wear multiple rings so I you got alot bangle up a arm then add alot of rings....

I would not take the time shoot each ring on a finger....

-Chris
 
I'm one of those people who appreciates a hand (real or mannequin) to show my the jewelry. I just have a hard time visualizing jewelry on a person, even with measurements.

Of course you would have to choose your model carefully and you might have to tweak your photography methods, but personally, I think it is worth it. I'm more likely to buy jewelry that is modeled somehow (even on a mannequin) because I can see what it will look like and the proportions.
 
There has been a ton of discussion over this, over many years on the various boards -- with most buyers preferring jewelry shown on inanimate objects. This is very true of rings (unless hand is very young, slender, and blemish/freckle-free) and especially so of "pierced" earrings.

Many folks will not buy earrings (especially pierced) that are 'worn' in a pic. Even among the jewelry smiths on Etsy, this is a big no-no if you hunt for some of the more volatile threads on this topic. So in order to maximize sales, and not lose any potential buyers, perhaps non-live/human models is the way to go.
 
I agree with the majority here - inanimate models. I usually scan jewelry - show rings in ring boxes or on a rolled piece of stiff paper, and sometimes show necklaces on the manni aka dress form.

I think live models - unless they are young and perfect are very distracting. I also think colored or textured backgrounds are not as good as plain white or black.

Linn
 
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