How do you take pictures of a diamond?

[MrJWU]

How do you take good pictures of diamonds?
Can\'t use the flash because the light reflects off it, through it....


I have a Canon S400. What settings should I use? Is there a particular backgroud I should use?

Thanks!

[bluntman]

Just guessing:

- macro setting
- black background (velvet?)
- white lighting from above and the sides
- use a tripod

[MrJWU]

Originally posted by bluntman


Just guessing:

- macro setting
- black background (velvet?)
- white lighting from above and the sides
- use a tripod

Thanks Blutman. I\'ll definately try that tonight!

[Domokun]

Try using a bright halogen desk lamp, a sheet of white paper for white balancing and black cloth.

Edit:
I should\'ve reply first before going out for coffee. Bluntman beat me. :p

[bluntman]

Don\'t use an incandescent bulb for your lighting. If you can adjust your camera\'s \"white balance\" for incandescent lighting then make sure to do so or else your photo will look yellowish.

[KenYork]

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c67/kenyork/IMG_1913s.jpg

Rebel XT, Sigma 70-300 4-5.6 APO DG, Macro Setting, natural sunlight.



Not the greatest picture, but gives you an idea.

[Chuckie]

Thats a nice ring, how much you get it for?

Im no photographer but I think natural sunlight is best. I deal with diamonds all day but I\'ve never really photographed them. I\'ll try sometime and give you guys feedback.

[KenYork]

depends on what you mean by ring. Setting or with stones.

Setting comes with matching band, about 3k. Stones 11k.

[Chuckie]

So.. the cost of the setting + the band(without any of the stones not even the loose stones) for 3k?

Then loose stone + main stone = 11k?
how big is a the main stone and whats the loose stone adds up to. seems a bit steep to me.

[bluntman]

Originally posted by Chuckie

I think natural sunlight is best.



That\'s right!

natural sunlight = white light

[KenYork]

I think it was 1.15ctw main stone, about 10k. Loose stones not too sure about weight, but don\'t forget stones go right around the accompanying band as well as the ring in the pic.

Ex cut, high clarity(don\'t know the exact), clear.

[MrJWU]

Thanks for the tips guys! I\'ll post some pics as soon!

[firstmazda]

I have a decent camera (fuji S5200 - P&S) and minimal photog skills.
I agree, lighting is key. I made a mini studio on my desk with just
a backdrop of glossy white giftwrap, the rings on top of a mirror,
and a small desklamp that I held with my other hand.
gotta get a tripod tho. [i]*massages cramped shoulders*

You can see that with the same setup but moving/angling the light source
in different ways you can get totally different looks.

[this first one, i played with the levels a bit]
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d101/firstmazda/fav1.jpg

[this one kinda looks like it\'s underwater]
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d101/firstmazda/fav4.jpg

[softer look]
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d101/firstmazda/fav5.jpg

[crisper look]
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d101/firstmazda/fav6.jpg

[firstmazda]

Again same set-up but different angle creates totally different feel.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d101/firstmazda/DSCF2869.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d101/firstmazda/DSCF2870.jpg
I like this one better.

[majic]

lol.. chopsticks!!!

[firstmazda]

Originally posted by majic


lol.. chopsticks!!!

LOL that\'s not how I proposed haha,
We were at a restaurant waiting for our food so I got
bored and started playing with the camera.