Thank you for repinting this article.  One of the most useful "how to's" that I've read in a long time.

Ginny D.   Ventura, CA

This is a fabulous article for those of us who are just not camera "oriented"!  I have been trying to get this down forever and finaly paid someone a huge sum of money to do professional pictures and now I could kick myself!

Sharon H.  Katy, TX

Thanks for the great article. I've gotten some more useful info.

I think all of us are trying to take better pics of our jewelry or family!  

Another tip I read about was getting a "clear" plastic file box to put your piece inside which causes the light to bounce around similar to a photographer's tent....but way cheaper.  I use this outdoors on my porch table and usually put a white towel under the box and make sure there is no lint or dust inside the box.  I've gotten great results using this (with my macro on and my flash off).  

There is a wonderful site on how to make your own photo box out of cardboard and tissue paper

strobist.blogspot.com/.../how-to-diy-10-macro-photo-studio.html

I cant afford off camera flashes so I used it with 2 lamps with true color CF light bulbs and now my photos turn out Great with true color.  You can see a photo of the box my husband built me here:

www.flickr.com/.../set-72157602474875449

Thank you for a "super" article. I have all ready tried it & what a difference.

I would like to know where Sandra J. got the "clear" plastic file box & what the dimensions are. Sounds great.  

Yes, a great article. I didn't know about the zoom can created a fish eye effect so that was very interesting and valuable. I was pleased to obtain confirmation about useing the tripod and auto shutter, something that I have done myself as I was totally unable to hold still! Thank you for all the lighting information which will make a wonderful difference in my photos. I have also used a scanner with a ruler next to it and that has been helpful in documenting my creations.

Thank you and God bless all the Beading Daily staff.

Thanks to everyone for all the great compliments and questions related to my article.  I had a great time writing it for BeadingDaily and working with Michelle.  

A note to Laurie "LL", I checked out your Flickr site...what a lucky gal you are to have your hubby build you a light box!  You're designs are lovely and I can see the gradual improvement in your photos over time.  I have some homework for you on your earring photos...try bringing one of those lamps right inside the box and aim it at the back wall (but not on the jewelry) and keep the other lamp outside on either side.  The lamp inside will reflect off the back wall into the earrings showing more detail in the crystals and glass beads and also reduce some of the gray cast.  I love your "Spring has Sprung" photo...nice soft light and the background complements the piece...stick with this set up for all your photos and you'll see sales increase for sure.  Keep up the good work.