I have a portable photo cube that I carry to my job sites. I also purchased a few jewelry display stand from a jewelry store that was going out of business. I have one stand for ear rings, one necklace stand, one bracelet/watch stand and one ring display stand. These have a black felt-like material so they are easy to use with either a white or grey background. They make taking photos of sets of jewelry easy to display. Each piece is free standing. you just need to be sure they are balanced so they don't tip over while you're trying to take the photo.
When you find a jewelry store going out of business or making a major change in their store, they may be able to sel you a few pieces that they no longer plan to use. I prefer the dark color of the display stands because there is better contrast between the jewelry and the stands.
If you haven't yet purchased a photo cube, you will find that most come complete with two lights on stands and a camera stand. (At least mine did.) I paid a higher price for mine because I purchased it at Ritz Camera Shop.
I hope this is helpful if not too late!
George
__________________
George A. Childs Owner
Quality Home Inventory Service, Inc. 24 Stockton Dr. New Castle, De. 19702
Hi, Some business owners are using a neat accessory which is a Portable Photo Studio. Click the 'Search' link on the message board top menu and search on 'portable photo studio' and you should find the existing post on this topic.
Any camera will do, but try to use one with a flash. Or you may want to use a video camera to record inventory.
Slides or prints are OK. Color shows detail a little better.
Make sure pictures, slides and videotapes are dated. If appropriate, record the date of purchase, brand name and purchase price of each item on the record card next to the picture.
To get the overall picture, take wide-angle shots of the whole room, then several close-ups to capture detail. Start in one corner of the room and work your way around.
Focus your flash away from mirrors and other reflective surfaces by standing at a 45-degree angle to the shiny surface.
When using a flash, try not to get closer than the recommended focus range. If you must get closer, dim the flash by placing a white handkerchief over the flash while taking the picture.
Open glass doors to prevent reflection.
A family member in the picture helps substantiate ownership.
Open closet doors to indicate quantity of clothing.
Remember to take pictures of the insides of drawers with the contents fanned out.
Use a non-glare dark cloth as a background for silver, china or jewellery.
Take a picture of the pattern name or manufacturer's signature of your china, along with a picture of the pattern.
Angle the flash when photographing jewellery to avoid glare.
When photographing or recording collections in albums, make sure the picture includes the entire page, along with close-up shots of the most valuable items. Make sure the pictures tie in with your home in some way.
Photograph your power tools, including detailed photos of the inside of your tool box.
If you want to take only a few pictures, either take pictures of groups of your most valuable unappraised items or record whole rooms with your most valuable and theft-prone items prominently displayed.
