Photographing jewellery - ideas?

[suzedablooze]

I took these photo's of a piece of jewellery on 2 ancient homind skulls (casts not real ones  )

The first is a lighter coloured one and is Homo Erectus

The second is an older skull - Australopithecus Boisei

Can you giove me your opinion as I am in two minds about this - it may be just the choice of jewellery rather than the setting that isnt right?

Thanks in advance for any help/advise

Susie x

Skull 1:




Skull 2:

[suzedablooze]

Hmmm, wont take the images  -maybe the website is saying they look rubbish

here's a URL instead:

Skull 1:
http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=Ts1H7fni

skull 2:

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=Pq16QpTJ

[InvyStudios]

I voted, but you really did not have a choice for what I was thinking. I like the skulls, but I think maybe more in the image, don't have the necklace sitting right on them. They detract from the piece. I am thinking maybe the focal point of the piece on the solid surface (so you can really see it) and the chain sort of draped around or on. (A fun shot might be to put the chain through the mouth, like a flaminco dancer with the rose.) Anyway, I think it needs more balance. he skull is very 'in your face'. I am in no way gifted with photography skills, and I realize you took these for our benefit, but it may be the lighting too. In my head I am seeing a softer light, the necklace as the focus in the center and the skull slightly fuzzy to the back sort of in the corner. I hope that makes sense and I don't know if it is even possible, but I think it is worth a shot. The piece you chose is a really great example of the type that would be great for the skull. (Crosses and skulls have been so over done). I hope this helps. I will keep thinking on it, if I come up with anything else I will let you know. Good Luck.

[suzedablooze]

Thanks Dusty, i think I know what you mean and i'll have a go at re-arranging it as you suggested - I do like the idea of the comic placement through the mouth (I just keep having this image of that simpsons episode with teh skull and the policman singing "campdown ladies sing that song, doo dar, doo dar")

Do you think white paper background might be better too?

[suzedablooze]

I've made some adjustments:

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gx1or2Oi
http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gx1orahJ
http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gx1orhM9

[Marcimallow]

Hi,
  Sorry I voted earlier and couldn't post a comment either...baby and all.  *Note...If I ever leave a convo it's cos of the baby*  Anyz...I was thinking maybe not draped around the skull, but using the skull as a centerpiece somehow, maybe using the top of the skull to show the center of the necklace and draping it over the side...kinda (if you can follow that train of thought).  Or something else you could do, since I noticed you had two different shades of skulls is to use a bright contrast of color under the skull, perhaps a piece of felt to set it on that will bring out both the skull and the piece of jewelry...just my thoughts...but I work with bright colors a lot.

Marcimallow

[suzedablooze]

I like the idea of the bright contrast under the skull - maybe red?

I tink I know what you mean about it being above the face of the skull but I need to get some blue tac to stick the necklace onto teh skull as it keeps slipping off.

I'll try again soon and see what you all think

thanks by the way for all your advise, its very kind

SusieXX
p.s. I remember the baby thing well - I dont know how anyone can get anything done while a baby's around (unlesss thier asleep of course)

[trusk4u]

I'm just not the "skully" type. Maybe for Halloween. I find it detracts from your piece instead of enhancing it. When the picture comes up, the first thing I see is the skull and NOT your piece.

[suzedablooze]

I'm really strating to think it's not such a good idea too - one of those ones that sounds good in thoery but on paper looks not good at all.

I am back to the drawing board and starting to think that maybe a plain white background is the best

Thanks for all you comments and help - it has made me solidify my thoughts 

[Nárrína]

I very much agree with Trusk4u.  The skulls do not work, they are very distracting, and detract greatly from your jewelry.  I think you will also find that many potential customers will be rather grossed out, and so be put off from buying anything. 

A lot of people (myself included) drape our jewelry over rocks (polished or rough); you can also drape them over shells or perhaps glass river rocks.

In regards to backgrounds, generally black works better than white, as sometimes white will make the photographs look washed out.

[suzedablooze]

Thanks Narrina,

I came to the same conclusion myself and have given up on the idea - it's back to the drawing board (or rather the photo board!).

Thank you everyone for your advise, as usual it is very useful and much appreciated

Susie xx

[Kathiestamou]

Suze, If your artically attached to the theme, maybe you could find something less obtrusive and have it in the corner of the shot, just reaching in and not even touching the jewellery.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17276163

[MrsWTownsend]

Suze, If your artically attached to the theme, maybe you could find something less obtrusive and have it in the corner of the shot, just reaching in and not even touching the jewellery.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17276163

I think this is worth a try too~ I am a skull person myself but agree that the design on the skull is getting lost.  Maybe if you had the skull or bone piece kind of in the background with maybe a small portion of the chain laying over it but the bulk of the piece presented out in the main view this would allow the influence of the skull in the image but not detract from the desired main focus.

Groovy design by the way~

[Emandaj]

I agree with the folks whiothink the skull is distracting.  Maybe if it were in the corner of the shot it would be better.  Generally, I use a medium grey fabric or paper background with a subtle pattern.  I always have a piece of white paper (also outside of the shot) and use it as a control when I color correct and before I crop and edit my photographs.

Emanda
www.ArtemsiaStudio.etsy.com
www.ArtemsiaStudio.blogspot.com