This is a question I am often asked and while the answer is not straightforward, I’d like to share my honest thoughts, advice and tips.

Let’s explore DIY vs Professional Solutions.

Why is Jewellery Photography so Challenging?

Jewellery is one of the hardest things to photograph well because:

It’s Small and Reflective: Every shiny surface reflects light, colours, and even your camera or phone.

White Backgrounds Aren’t that Easy: Achieving a clean, bright white background while keeping the jewellery well-lit is a technical feat.

Focus Issues with Small Items: Close-ups of tiny pieces like stud earrings create depth-of-field challenges. Without advanced techniques like focus stacking, parts of the jewellery will often appear out of focus.

The Dilemma for Small-Scale Makers

Some of you face a unique challenge: your pieces are often one-of-a-kind or produced in small batches. You’re not creating hundreds of identical designs, so the cost of professional photography for every piece may not feel commercially viable.

You might also prefer spending your time creating rather than photographing or remaking the same design for the sake of a photoshoot. This makes finding a sustainable solution even more critical.

Work for Irish Designer ‘The Messy Brunette’

Why Buying a Camera May Not Solve the Problem

It’s tempting to think a “proper camera” will solve your photography issues, but consider these factors:

Cost: A suitable camera and lens setup, along with proper lighting, props, and editing tools is a considerable financial investment. For a lot of Makers, this expense may not make sense.
Learning Curve: Even with the best equipment, jewellery photography is a skill that takes time and practice to master. Without training you might still struggle to achieve the results you want.
Distraction from Making: Learning to photograph and edit effectively can pull you away from what you love doing most and are good at—creating your pieces.

What’s the Solution then?

Finding the right balance between quality and cost depends on your priorities and resources. Here are some options to consider:

Invest in Professional Photography (Strategically)

While you may not need professional photos for every single piece, investing in high-quality images for a few key designs can elevate your brand. Use these images for your website, social media, and marketing materials.

DIY with Care

If professional photography isn’t sustainable for every piece, here’s how to improve your DIY results:

Lighting: Use a lightbox for even lighting and minimise shadows.
Separate your lighting sources for the jewellery and the background to achieve a clean white look.
Tripod and Timer: Stabilise your camera or phone to avoid blur and use a timer to take the photos.
Editing Apps: Use tools like Lightroom or Snapseed to adjust white balance, brightness, and sharpness.
Experiment with Focus Stacking: This technique combines multiple shots with different focus points to create a fully sharp final image.

Choose Your Battles

Prioritise your time and energy. If your business is built around one-of-a-kind designs, consider simpler photography solutions for most pieces, and save professional photography for flagship designs or collections.

My Thoughts

Many makers worry they’re falling short if they don’t invest in a professional-grade setup or outsource photography regularly. But recognising your limitations—whether financial or practical—is just as valuable. Knowing when to say, “This isn’t the solution for me right now” is part of building a sustainable, balanced business.

That said, outsourcing can be the most effective and time-saving solution. Professional photographers have the tools, skills, and experience to overcome the challenges of jewellery photography, delivering stunning, consistent results that truly showcase your work, fast. Investing in professional photography—whether for a flagship collection or key pieces—can elevate your brand and pay off in increased sales and visibility.

To Wrap Up…

Jewellery photography is a balancing act. While good-enough DIY solutions can work for certain pieces, professional photography often provides the polish and consistency that handmade jewellery deserves. Outsourcing photography allows you to focus on your craft while ensuring your creations shine as brightly in photos as they do in person.

If you’re still weighing your options, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to help you find the right solution for your needs.

For more photo tips and tricks this season, check out my Christmas Photography Guide!

Should I buy a ‘proper camera’ to take better photos of my jewellery?