Gem and rock photography

[Eu_citzen]

Here is my take mainly on the photography of small pieces of rock and gems.
There seems to be a interest for that, so here goes.

Getting started..

The main settings are using macro mode which is indicated on the camera by a small flower like symbol.
See your manual if you can't find it. This is the most basic thing for close-up shots.

A tripod to mount your camera is really, really good.
Not always needed, still it gives added stability to the camera thus making shaper pictures easier.

Background and light

Personally I think natural light is best. Just my opinion.

Some cameras flash are made as to best show of the natural colour, but how good they really do it is debatable.
Below is a try with the flash, quite good on my camera. (Fujifilm S5000)



To highlight certain features one can choose to use different backgrounds.
For example darker backgrounds can help highlight inclusions while white background seems to show of its colours better.

Darker background highlighting a quartz with rutile inclusions.


White background to highlight colour:



My set-up:

1. Camera
2. Tripod
3. Note the white thing on the end of the camera - it's a magnifying glass.
4. White or black background. Sometimes a mirror can be used as a background to.

The magnifying glass makes it possible to adjust focus by moving the camera, but also using the cameras ordinary focus function.



One common problem I've encountered is the rock going white on me.. It also looks to be blurry.



This is because the camera is taking in to much light and/or reflections I believe.
It throws the colour off and makes it hard for the eyes.

Adjusting exposure times can help, sometimes different angle can help.
Let us try the exposure time..

PS. The pictures is only cropped.

Adjusted exposure:



The cause of blurriness

Ever had one photo go out of focus, i.e. blurry?

The main causes seem to be:

1. Camera shaking slightly.
2. To close to the object.
3. The lens isn't clean.
4. Macro mode isn't on.

I often take several pictures of the same stone and then basically select the best ones.
Sometimes up to 10 pics on one stone.

[3xflyfisher]

Awesome tips Eu - thanks

3xflyfisher

[Rasputin]

Great pictures, EU. Also I can't help admiring the clean indicolite crystal, How many carats is that? It is just SCREAMING to be cut!

[Eu_citzen]

Rasputin, it is approx 6.79 carats.

[Rasputin]

Rasputin, it is approx 6.79 carats.

Very nice!