Cheapy-cheapy macro technique!

[Kim Bruun]

Hi, guys! I've been absent for a while, but I've been experimenting taking pictures since my last visit here. It has always frustrated me how difficult it was to photograph my little gems - that is, until I came across an article suggesting holding a jeweller's loupe over the lens of the camera. It sounds crude, and I know some of you probably have awesome merchandise, but I was surprised how close I could get with my dad's old digital camera and a jeweller's loupe:


Red spinel


Tanzanite (getting this close reveals an irregularity at one of the points, but I still love this stone)


Richard Homer concave chrysoberyl

Anyone else use this technique to photograph their babies?

 

[kenny]

Beautiful results.

 

[Kim Bruun]

Thanks, Kenny! With the aid of the loupe, the camera picks up practically everything - even tiny specks of dirt on stones I thought were clean!

 

[jstarfireb]

Nice photos! This was the only way I could get decent macro photos as well. I haven't experimented much with colored stones but did take some pics of my engagement ring that way.

 

[Enerchi]

Nice macro pics, Kim! Love that tanzanite! I love using my ollo clip - not the cheapest option but it sure is fun!

I'm going to try your loupe technique - thanks for the info

 

[NKOTB]

I also tried this technique recently, but found it really awkward with my iPhone. So, I will be caving and getting an olloclip, but your pictures turned out great! Those are nice looking stones, too. I'm such a sucker for red spinels, and the cut and colour on that chryso are cool, too!

 

[davi_el_mejor]

Beautiful stones and pics !

I've had success with watchmakers loupes. They fit right over the lens of my little snap and shoot. Leaves both hands free for the camera and picture snapping

 

[chrono]

I've heard this done often in the Rocky Talky diamond forum section. I am not coordinated enough and will require either a tripod or some sort of loupe holder attachment or both!

 

[PrecisionGem]

I think there is a clip on lens thing for the iPhone, that may do the same thing.

Your photo's look great Kim!