Although I usually think of myself as a decent photographer, Something inevitably happens that makes me think I don’t know as much as I think I do. That, recently, has been a side gig I picked up at local jeweler Diamond Dream.

I think I can safely say that jewelry photography has changed the way I think about photography. Everything must be precise, and there are no artsy beauty shots. You show the jewelry. That’s it. That’s a far cry from the food photography I did for Soup Shoppe last summer – food seemed to be what I was made for. Every shot was an opportunity to capture to beauty in food. With jewelry, I’ve come to appreciate that someone already worked hard to make the most beautiful ornaments they could imagine; I’m just there to take a picture of it.

Edward Shapiro, the owner of Diamond Dream, has been giving me tips on how to properly photograph jewelry. When I started, he essentially handed me a light box, an LED light, some props and a tray of jewelry, then told me to get to work. Unfamiliar with the props, I asked him to explain it to me – why the heck did I need wax? What were all these plastic pieces for?

So far, the entire experience has really given me an appreciation for the jewelry industry. Although I’m just a guy in the back room taking pictures, I constantly feel like I’m a part of some family – or maybe I’m just a creepy eavesdropper. But you overhear folks coming in and talking about hiding expensive jewelry from their spouses, or potential spouses, and it’s really touching to hear people looking to get something special for their loved ones.

I’ve never liked jewelry that much – honestly, I’ve always thought it was a waste of money. Then again, that’s coming from a guy who tosses away his benjamins on electronics, which actually lose all of their value. But when I started to look at the jewelry as a way of bringing people and loved ones closer together, I started to like the business a whole lot more.

Edward would laugh with his customers and smile, and it was like they were one big family. Repeat customers were welcome friends. And everyone was excited when the jewelry in question was a surprise gift.

And once the family aspect of it all fell into place, I really started feeling at home in that back room, taking my lonely pictures. And I think the photographs have been better for it.

I’ll post the best shots up in my portfolio when I’m done. And hey, maybe some of you would like to buy these expensive little trinkets! Edward would appreciate it.