OUGD502: Jewellery Photography Collaboration

After I completed the jewellery course, I caught a real jewellery bug and started creating more things. As luck was had it, I was wearing one of my pieces and was speaking to a girl about it in the photography department... it turns out she is specialising in independent jewellery photography and asked to photograph some more of my work as part of her brief!

I said I had done "a few pieces", but feel this is a perfect opportunity to grab the bull by the horns and take the two week window to design and produce more pieces, using the graphic design design-process as a benchmark to build this skill on and utilising collaboration. It has been clear from all professionals I have spoken to that collaboration is one of the keys to success, so by collaborating with a specialist hopefully the end result will naturally improve too, as well as broadening my network of creative contacts.

In initial collaborative discussion with Memory Potifa, L5 BA (Hons) Photography Student, we shared mood boards with each other about the direction we wanted to go. Coming from a graphic design point, I wanted to convey the purpose of the shoot as well as incorporating unique art direction. I took inspiration from classic jewellery photography, as well as a mix of personal favourite brands and shots. As I don't have a great deal of pieces right now, I feel keeping a modest tone of voice is essential through imagery, as I don't want to suggest i'm something that i'm not (a big time designer), yet still retain a high quality. 

I considered where I would position a prospective brand in the market, and would plan to target a higher income demographic and clients who are willing to pay for quality and metal weight. With this in mind, the photography needs to convey these messages, as well working well for editorial design, social media and to be incorporated as marketing material.

Product photography and display design can be constructed in numerous ways. The aesthetic and style of each photographic composition complies with the message of the jewellery concept. The incorporation of botanical objects is always something I enjoy, not only due to the tropical visual feel but the fresh, optimistic suggestions it brings to the tone of voice.  Chanel in particular experimented with three dimensional display compositions, to levitate products and create exquisite shadows. Furthermore, models were incorporated to show stylistic suggestions, as well as setting aspirations goals for women as an incentive to buy the jewellery. 

Simple photography, featuring the products simplicity with an aspirational, 'luxury' quality throughout. The photography is clean, quite architectural in its structure and can be easily incorporated to a range of graphic distribution. When considering the Gucci, Bamboo ring (bottom left), the presence of the metal is ominous and distinctive, with a shadow as clear as water reflected below it. The lighting is not overpowering, yet makes the silver sparkle, a needed consideration for my pieces.

Investigating more classic jewellery photography, looking at ads from history's 'greatest'. Bulvagari, Harry Winston,  Zaha Hadid and some unknown jewellery designers all feature jewellery in simple ways, using simple props and zoomed in shots to convey beauty through design. Quite modernist in its approach, product selling product.

I sent these over to Memory and she was on board with the stylings, I asked if its possible for us to meet and discuss ideas (or simply have a quick phone call), but this has not yet been possible.