I created some exclusive steampunk jewelry designs for Allegory Gallery's steampunk party on February 22, 2013. Andrew Thornton took photos of some of my jewelry for sale in the shop. I'm always amazed at how different something can look styled with props rather than a stark white background. Take a look at these two bracelets of mine:
Both types of photos have their place.
I love plain backgrounds because I can clearly see the entire piece. If I'm going to buy a necklace or bracelet, I want to see the entire piece because I know what works best for me. I know what type of clasp I like and how long I want my necklace to hang. Same thing if I'm working on a tutorial. I want to be able to see every part clearly so that the photo becomes an extension of the written instructions. That's the practical side.
But there are also times when I want my jewelry to capture a mood. I want to be inspired and maybe daydream about the place where this jewelry might be worn or the kind of woman who might wear it. I want to fantasize about the kind of life I could have if I wore that jewelry. I'm buying an experience, not just an object.
For that second type of photo, you need to think about backgrounds, props, and placement of your jewelry. As you can see from the photos on this page, even something simple like a piece of wood can add a sense of texture and movement. It takes longer to set up than a simple white background, but the emotional response can be much bigger. This is the kind of photo that draws you in and makes you linger.
What kinds of jewelry photos do you prefer?