Jewelry on the Model - Skin, Skin, Skin
July 28, 2011
Marthe Le Van, Editor of Lark Books, says that the best background for jewelry is skin, skin, skin!!!! By this, she means that jewelry on the model produces a very effective photo.
Spanish Collar by Peter Hoogeboom; Photo by Henni Van Beek
During Le Van's lecture for the Professional Development Seminar, she showed some of her favorite images with models from the new book, 21st Century Jewelry, The Best of the 500 Series. In this post on ASK Harriete, I have borrowed a few images from her PowerPoint and offer a preview to next Tuesday's post.
Rebato by Jesse Mathes; Photos by Michael Cavanagh & Kevin Montague
Next Tuesday, ASK Harriete will include the PowerPoint presentation with audio from the SNAG 2011 Professional Development Seminar. You can see Marthe Le Van's and Suzanne Ramljak's Powerpoint and hear the audio recording from the 2011 SNAG Conference.
Hear what both editors have to say about the best and worst photographic images. What makes a good cover shot? What is the future of print?
Resin Droplet Neckpiece by Seainin Passi; Photo by Richard Boll
Marthe Le Van said that a book of photographs with page after page of standard photographic backgrounds would be really boring. The model shot brings jewelry to life and a more exciting book!
Floating Brooch by Kayo Saito;
When I first saw her lecture in May, I had not seen the book 21st Century Jewelry. Now sitting on my desk, this is the most beautiful jewelry book to date from Lark Books and a must for EVERYONE interested in contemporary jewelry. The range of jewelry goes from traditional gold and diamonds to irreverent plastic, crotchet, and found materials. No matter your inclination or interest, you will find examples that will excite your passion for jewelry.
The embossed hardcover of the book focuses on the book as a precious object in itself.
Camino de Santiago by Rebecca Hannon
On occasion a model is the only way to show work effectively as in the body adornment by Rebecca Hannon (above photo).
"How to make a rabbit from a sock" to
"how to make a necklace from a frock"
Fran Allison © 2004-2005
Fabric, silver, steel cable, resin.
Photo Credit: Deborah Smith
However, nothing is more challenging than getting a great photo with the model. So much can go wrong; hair, make-up, clothing, eyes, mouth, posture, hands, jewelry placement, plus all the usual issues of background and lighting. The list goes on...
Mardoll II by Lori Talcott; Photo by Doug Yaple
Stay tuned for a future post on ASK Harriete about using the model with tips for getting a better photograph. In the meantime, I can hardly wait to share Photography in Flux - Editors Perspective (next Tuesday). While editing the entire audio I heard it many times.
Bead Embellishment Bracelets by Harriete Estel Berman
Photo Credit: Philip Cohen
In the interest of full disclosure: I was invited to be one of 85 guest jurors to select work for 21st Century Jewelry. Some of my descriptions and quotes were used in the book along with an image for three of my bracelets.
This post was updated on February 8, 2022, to provide current links.