Staging Artwork and Jewelry for Maximum Effect
As a photographer, you need to take the best photos possible. Here are some tips for staging artwork and jewelry to provide an ideal view of the items. Better staging can improve photos and help people see items more favorably.
Hanging Artwork
Hanging artwork is likely one of the best ways to showcase and stage items. The wall should be sized properly in proportion to the piece of art. Take the photo from the proper angle so it shows the entire piece, including the frame. Watch for shadows and excessive light that can detract from the item.
Framing
Posters and other pieces of art are best displayed and photographed in frames. A frame will highlight the art itself and give viewers a better idea of how to display the item in their own homes. Choose a frame that fits the style and era of the piece. You may want to take several photos of a piece of art so you can show the back as well as the front.
Lighting
Natural lighting is usually the preferred choice to get the most natural-looking result. Artwork can take on different hues when you use artificial lighting. Avoid harsh lighting that casts shadows or gives off glare. Position the items near windows so the colors will look their best.
Focus
When staging photos of jewelry, you will want to make sure the focus is on the piece itself and not on the background. Whether you are photographing the jewelry on a person or by itself, you want to show people the style and size of the stones. It is helpful to photograph the piece from several different angles so the viewer can get a realistic feel for the size and shape of the item.
Utilize Displays
Special displays are available to help showcase artwork or jewelry. Clear acrylic can provide a base for jewelry, so you can lift it above the table. Easels can be helpful for displaying framed artwork. In some cases, it can be useful to show the pieces next to other items so viewers can see the approximate size. Jewelry can be placed on the table or on a box to lift it up. You can use fabricated hands or ears to display jewelry in a way that is similar to how it is worn.
Do Not Hide Faults
Many vintage items have small flaws, defects, or wear. Do not try to hide these faults. Instead, photograph the items exactly as they appear. This will give potential buyers a true picture of the item and allow them to assess the quality and design with all its faults, if there are any. You want to ensure that the photos match the description of the item.
Staging artwork and jewelry for photography allows you to add your own artistic qualities while still showing the items as they appear.
When you are looking for vintage and estate artwork and jewelry, be sure to visit us at Dishfunctional. We have a wide array of jewelry, artwork, and other vintage items, with new items arriving all the time. Dishfunctional is located at 225 Lancaster Avenue, Malvern, PA, 19355, in the Lincoln Court Shopping Center or call us at (484) 328-8401.