[premmahtani]

Hello there,

As a jewellery retailer, I would like to take pictures that really sell my jewellery to a customer.

Just when I thought I had the technique down, I get sent this from a guy who wants to be paid to produce the following images (see below)

If anyone could please have a look and them and advise a step by step guide to get the same effect please?

I've tried using curves but the contrast doesnt look like right... and using levels burns out the highlights and makes the shadows too black rather than reflected.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/premmahtani/2189893929/ (Before)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/premmahtani/2190682024/ (After)


Help please!

[pixelzombie]

there doesn't seem to be any attachments...

[premmahtani]

I'm having errors when I try to attach The files are under 100K each... why do I get an upload error??? Doh!

[premmahtani]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/premmahtani/2189893929/ (Before)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/premmahtani/2190682024/ (After)

[Frank Lopes]

The reflection of the ring is wrong.
It should the a mirror image of the ring not a copy of the ring.

Look at this example or this example

Besides that it looks ok. Could use some sharpening.

[edit]

I took another look at your "before" image and it seems to be underexposed by one stop. A properly exposed picture would make it much easier to get you there.

Originally Posted by premmahtani

http://www.flickr.com/photos/premmahtani/2189893929/ (Before)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/premmahtani/2190682024/ (After)

[premmahtani]

yeah, I forgot to mention that I realised the reflection was wrong, but how do I actually get from the "before" to the "after" ????

Help! Thanks

[Benny Profane]

So, you are someone who needs retouching for your business, but don't want to pay for it. You come here to ask pros and advanced amateurs how to "do" this? Right? For free?

[Stephen A]

Originally Posted by Benny Profane

So, you are someone who needs retouching for your business, but don't want to pay for it. You come here to ask pros and advanced amateurs how to "do" this? Right? For free?

Right, but he's asking how to do it - not if we can do it. I mean, it'd be nice if he supported the community by paying, but that's his decision.

Originally Posted by premmahtani

Just when I thought I had the technique down, I get sent this from a guy who wants to be paid to produce the following images (see below)

Actually, just read through this quoted and... that's pretty awful, but predictably business-like. I'm sure the individual quoted will find it's not very easy, and a new process has to be learned for every new step.

Perhaps they'll end up going with the person who offered their paid services?

e: Bah, I dunno. I'm torn on this one - if you're selling jewelery there's a decent markup, even if it's a new shop... but I can understand trying to save the $$$ by doing it yourself. But if we help this person, we're taking out of another person's pocket - another person which, as a retoucher, is in the same shoes as I am.

[premmahtani]

Guys,

Thanks for your opinion about my request.

I'm quite happy to pay for having my pics done, however, after investing about $2000 on a light box and camera, I don't really want to fork out more money to edit my pics.

I have experience in photoshop, and I have some knowledge about photography. I should have made my first request clearer. What I really want to learn, is not only learn how to get from before to after but how to do it quickly to process the X number of rings I have in my shops.

High margins on jewellery?? Maybe you should look at the margins bluenile.com make on their loose stones and see what I'm up against.

Thanks

[Stephen A]

Originally Posted by premmahtani

High margins on jewellery?? Maybe you should look at the margins bluenile.com make on their loose stones and see what I'm up against.

Hah, I should have been more specific - higher profit from the margins (as compared to photo bags, for example).

[Frank Lopes]

Post what you consider to be your best attempt at the look that you are after.
Many members here will be more than glad to give you guidance.

Originally Posted by premmahtani

Guys,
I'm quite happy to pay for having my pics done, however, after investing about $2000 on a light box and camera, I don't really want to fork out more money to edit my pics.

[pixelzombie]

what kind of light box did you buy that was so expensive?

[Stephen A]

Originally Posted by pixelzombie

what kind of light box did you buy that was so expensive?

He got a light box and a camera - could be a high end camera :P

[premmahtani]

I bought the MK Digital Direct lightbox with all the bells and whistles (LED, halogen, tube light from all panels)

Canon G9 with x6 close up lenses

I was told to over expose for WB compensation as whites are perceived as grey bay the camera, then use levels to ad contrast and bring out the whites. Dodge the sparkle and burn the reflection to add more contrast.

I'll have a go this evening at posting my own before and after pics.

Thanks

[RokcetScientist]

Originally Posted by premmahtani

I was told to over expose for WB compensation as whites are perceived as grey bay the camera,

White Balance and exposure are two entirely different beasts that have nothing to do with eachother, prem.
Nevertheless over exposing to compensate for the white in the image is the correct thing to do.

If you shoot RAW you can adjust both the WB and the exposure conveniently after the fact in PP.

The specular highlights require very subtle use of point-shaped light sources with your light box (LEDs or holes in the box?).
OR you can fake 'm in PP like so.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i3...akesparkle.jpg