Photographing small objects isn’t as simple as it seems. Whether it’s jewellery, cosmetics, or even watches, capturing those intricate details can be a real challenge. But here’s the thing—when done right, small object photography can transform your brand. Crisp, clean, high-quality images help your products stand out and make all the difference in online sales, presentations, and even catalogs.
So how do you ensure that your tiny items shine? Let’s dive into some practical steps, tools, and tips on how to photograph small objects to the next level.
Control the Lighting of Your Automated Photography Machine
One of the first rules of photography, and especially true for small objects, is that lighting can make or break your shot. When working with items like jewellery or watches, reflections and shadows can easily ruin an otherwise perfect image.
The solution? Controlled lighting.
Set up your space with soft, even lighting to reduce harsh shadows and reflections. An automated photography machine is a great option because it provides a controlled environment with diffused lighting, preventing unwanted reflections and ensuring even brightness across the entire object.
Set up your space with soft, even lighting to reduce harsh shadows and reflections. An automated photography machine is a great option because it provides a controlled environment with diffused lighting, preventing unwanted reflections and ensuring even brightness across the entire object.
But if you’re working with highly reflective items like watches or shiny cosmetics, you might need a more specialized solution. This is where the Orbitvu Alphashot Micro V2 steps in. Its cylindrical lighting system is designed to minimize reflections and ensure that even the tiniest detail is captured perfectly. If you’re serious about getting high-quality images of small, shiny objects, the Alphashot Micro V2 is a game-changer.
Use the Right Background
Your background matters more than you think. Small objects tend to look cluttered if they’re placed against a busy or overly vibrant backdrop. Simple, neutral backgrounds are your best friend here.
What works well?
- White or light grey backgrounds for clean, minimalistic images.
- Black backgrounds for objects that need to pop, such as silver or gold jewellery.
Make sure your background complements your object without stealing attention from it. A cluttered or overly decorative background will distract the viewer and dilute the impact of the object you’re trying to showcase.
Stabilize Your Camera
Here’s something you might overlook: camera stability. It’s easy to move slightly while snapping a picture, but those little movements can create blur, especially when photographing small items up close.
What’s the fix?
A sturdy tripod is a must. Even the tiniest shake can make a huge difference in the sharpness of your image. If you’re using the Orbitvu Alphashot Micro V2, you’re in luck—it offers an integrated, fully stabilized platform to ensure that your shots are pin-sharp every time.
A sturdy tripod is a must. Even the tiniest shake can make a huge difference in the sharpness of your image. If you’re using the Orbitvu Alphashot Micro V2, you’re in luck—it offers an integrated, fully stabilized platform to ensure that your shots are pin-sharp every time.
Get Close—But Not Too Close
When photographing small objects, you’ll want to get in close to capture all those intricate details. But be careful! Getting too close without the proper lens can cause distortion or unwanted blurring around the edges.
For most product shots, a macro lens is your best bet. It allows you to get up close and personal without compromising the clarity or focus of your image. But if you’re using the Alphashot Micro V2, it takes the guesswork out of it. The machine is specifically designed to handle objects up to 16x18x15 cm in size and less than 1 kg, perfect for jewellery, watches, and even cosmetics.
Check the Angle of Your Product
Don’t just shoot your product from one angle and call it a day. People want to see all sides of the object. Multiple angles give your customer a better understanding of the product, which is crucial in online retail where they can’t physically interact with it.
Try this:
- Take top-down shots to show the overall shape.
- Use a side angle for depth.
- Zoom in on details like clasps, textures, or engraving.
The Alphashot Micro V2 takes this concept even further. It lets you create both still images and 360° videos, which give customers a full view of the object. Imagine letting your customers rotate the image and view your product from every possible angle. That’s the level of professionalism that can drive sales!
Focus on the Details
When shooting small objects, details are everything. You want your image to be crisp enough to capture the tiniest aspects of your product. Whether it’s the sparkle of a gemstone, the precise engraving on a watch, or the texture of a cosmetic product, make sure that every detail is crystal clear.
How to nail this:
- Use manual focus to zero in on the most important areas.
- Adjust your aperture to ensure enough of the object stays in focus while creating a slight blur in the background for a professional look.
Alphashot Micro V2 Advantage
The Alphashot Micro V2 simplifies capturing small object details with precision focus and Superfocus technology. It automates the focus stacking process—usually a time-consuming task—by taking multiple shots and combining them with just a few clicks. This transforms what would normally take at least half an hour into a quick, one-minute process, delivering professional results effortlessly.
Keep Post-Processing Minimal
Yes, post-processing can fix a lot of mistakes. But if you rely too heavily on editing, you’re missing the point. Your goal should be to get the best shot possible right from the camera. This not only saves time but also ensures that your images look natural and true to life.
Stick to basic edits:
- Adjust brightness and contrast to make the object stand out.
- Crop the image for a tighter, more focused shot.
- Clean up any minor imperfections, but avoid over-editing.
The Orbitvu Alphashot Micro V2 also helps here. The integrated software automatically removes the background and enhances the image, reducing the need for extensive post-processing. You can spend less time editing and more time focusing on the next product shoot!
Ready to Level Up Your Small Object Photography?
If you’re looking to streamline your process and produce stunning small object images consistently, investing in the right tools is key. This is where SnappyFly can help. We offer a range of automated photography machines, including the Orbitvu Alphashot Micro V2, that can revolutionize your photography game.
Say goodbye to the hassle of setting up complex lighting, camera angles, or editing sessions. With SnappyFly, you get the perfect shot every time—no guesswork, no stress. Check out our selection of machines and see how they can help you capture small objects like never before. Ready to shoot like a pro? Let’s get started!