I’ve received a few emails this summer regarding my wedding ring photography. So, I thought I would pull a few of my favorite ring shots from recent weddings and talk a little about how I shot them. *Warning* If you aren’t a photographer, you might want to skip to the pictures as “photographer geek talk” is about to ensue.
The lens I use most is a Nikon 60mm Micro/Macro AF lens. This lens allows me to focus down to life size. Life size means that if a ring is 1″ across, then the entire ring will fill the frame of the camera. This lens is big and a lot to lug around, but it’s clarity when focused on something small (like rings) is far superior to a standard lens so it’s worth the weight to carry around a wedding. If you shoot rings, do yourself (and your clients a favor) and get a proper micro/macro lens.
The next most important item is a quality tripod. Most of my macro photography is done on a tripod. You simply can’t handhold and get good results when stopped down to f8-f16 in the dark at 10pm during a wedding reception. And when it comes to tripods, get a good one the first time and you will have it for the rest of your career. I use a Bogen aluminum with a Really Right Stuff, BH-40 and believe this to be one of my very best photography investments.
Next: lighting. I like the Fenix line of pocket flashlights. They are small, easy to carry around and manipulate. The light emitted is easily balanced and the battery life is unexpectedly long.
Finally, your imagination is your only limitation! Rings are brilliant and gorgeous. Contrast is key and focus is not to be missed. Take your time and be very careful not to drop them or to let them roll off the table, between rocks, through cracks, over the cliff – you get the idea!
If you have any further questions about rings and how to photograph them or anything else for that matter, please email me anytime!
More Info.
Nikon Micro 60mm AF: HERE
Really Right Stuff BH-40 and buying the right tripod the first time: HERE
Fenix Lights: HERE
Looking for inspiration? Try: HERE
