Welcome to opalholicsanonymous.com where opal season lasts forever.

Hi all,
I've started this thread for people to post their tips and techniques for photographing opals.

As you know, photographing opals can be a challenge, and is almost an art form in and of itself, so please don't hesitate to share with others what works for you!

Chris

Agreed oc, taking opal picture not only chalenging especially when you tried to take picture with mobile phone or non proffesional camera indoor . So guys and gals share your tips and tricks please. Can`t wait to see the tips and tricks also the technique soon

Tip #1: Use a tripod so it doesn't look like you were drunk when you took the shot.

No, seriously, use a tripod and a remote tripper whenever possible.

I don't have a remote tripper so I just set a 3 second timer instead. Also, I often find underexposing a notch or two helps the opal to not wash out.

Haha, we posted at the same time KJ

GMTA!

Lighting is important, but there's no one type that's good for all types of opal, so often it's best to experiment and see what kind of light it looks most natural in in photos. It can be tough, and you need to take a lot of photos to get that one perfect shot, but who doesn't want their opals to pop?!

That's exactly why lighting is important, because you do want to show it in its best light when it's lit to the utmost and looks amazing. That's what the specialty lighting in jewelry stores is all about because you only have a few minutes to capture the public's attention.

It's also good to show it in various types of lighting, and sometimes to use multiple forms of light for a photo. Sometimes I mix GE Reveal's 'natural light' spectrum with LED light or even halogen, and when the sun is not out I have some 5600K daylight bulbs. ...or is it 6500K.... I can't remember and it's late so I want to finish this instead of getting up to find one. Just look for the daylight spectrum bulbs and keep all types of bulbs on hand.

Oh, and for shots on my scope, I also use fiber optics.

One thing I've seen some of the less reputable sellers on the other site use is colored lights, but the boobs don't even realize you can see the bulbs reflections in the opal so only ignorant people don't realize they're artificially colored by them. Duh!

I always looked for good optical magnification over digital and I use a macro lens on a macro setting with my FZ-7 and I really need to experiment with setting that I've never done. I also got an LED light that is for use with a dimmer that I don't have set up yet. I just post the good lucky shots and those still could use help. Whites are the most work to show color on accurately.

For opal & all other stones-i dont have a light box but here is my setup-6 different lights, several flashlights, candles & a tripod-my camera is basic & needs upgrade but i can show a pretty good pic-stevie...

Nice setup!