Sugarloaves

[megeve]

Date: 7/14/2009 8:46:31 AM
Author: Gailey
Wow! very nice Megeve, so when will they arrive?

5 to 7 days!!!

 

[icekid]

Date: 7/15/2009 3:33:49 PM
Author: megeve

Date: 7/14/2009 8:46:31 AM

Author: Gailey

Wow! very nice Megeve, so when will they arrive?

5 to 7 days!!!

I like the wait from swala... gives me something to look forward to

 

[megeve]

Date: 7/15/2009 8:05:59 PM
Author: icekid

Date: 7/15/2009 3:33:49 PM
Author: megeve

Date: 7/14/2009 8:46:31 AM

Author: Gailey

Wow! very nice Megeve, so when will they arrive?

5 to 7 days!!!

I like the wait from swala... gives me something to look forward to

Hehe Icekid!!

But I sucks at photography, esp. gemstones & diamonds! They just won''t focus!

 

[blingergrrrl]

Please try tho! Can''t wait to hear what they are like IRL!

 

[chrono]

Megeve,
You MUST try. Please? I’ve been itching for some cabochons or sugarloaves from Swala too so I’m anxious to see these. You’ve got 1 week to practice on some other gemstones before these arrive.

 

[Stone Hunter]

Photos are very hard. I took many many photos in different lighting before I got 3 or 4 really good photos to post on PS. Go charge those camera batteries and then practice practice practice and then rechage your batteries. Yes your husband and neighbors will be laughing at you but you''re doing it for PS!

 

[Fly Girl]

Yes, it's your PS duty to give us good photos.

If they won't focus, try backing away until they do, then crop the picture down to just show the stones. I'm really looking forward to seeing these. I

cabs and sugarloaves!

So excited about your project. Thanks for keeping us in the loop.

 

[Gailey]

Date: 7/15/2009 10:56:16 PM
Author: megeve

Date: 7/15/2009 8:05:59 PM
Author: icekid

Date: 7/15/2009 3:33:49 PM
Author: megeve

Date: 7/14/2009 8:46:31 AM

Author: Gailey

Wow! very nice Megeve, so when will they arrive?

5 to 7 days!!!

I like the wait from swala... gives me something to look forward to

Hehe Icekid!!

But I sucks at photography, esp. gemstones & diamonds! They just won''t focus!

Yep, I have that problem too! I''m going to get a new camera, just don''t have the time to do the research at the moment.

 

[icekid]

Date: 7/16/2009 8:22:07 AM
Author: Chrono
Megeve,

You MUST try. Please? I’ve been itching for some cabochons or sugarloaves from Swala too so I’m anxious to see these. You’ve got 1 week to practice on some other gemstones before these arrive.

If Chrono can take wonderful photos (and she can!!), then you can too megeve!!

 

[megeve]

Date: 7/16/2009 8:18:17 PM
Author: icekid

Date: 7/16/2009 8:22:07 AM
Author: Chrono
Megeve,

You MUST try. Please? I’ve been itching for some cabochons or sugarloaves from Swala too so I’m anxious to see these. You’ve got 1 week to practice on some other gemstones before these arrive.

If Chrono can take wonderful photos (and she can!!), then you can too megeve!!

Chrono, care to give some pointers about gem photography?

I have only a point and shoot camera!

 

[chrono]

I have a point and shoot as well.

1. I’m pretty sure you have macro, right? The one that looks like a tulip of flower? You have to use that to get close up pictures.
2. Also, turn off the flash otherwise the gem colour will end up de-saturated.
3. Natural lighting is best. Take pictures in the early morning or late evening.
4. If you have to do it when the sun is still strong, shade your hand over the stone. If not, all you’ll get are shadows.
5. If you have shaky hands syndrome like me, I rest my elbows on a solid surface like a table so my pictures won’t be blurry. The proper way is to use a tripod.
6. If you also have old wrinkly hands like me, I don’t take pictures of the gems on my hand, just on a flat surface.

Most importantly, DO NOT drop the gem outside. You might damage it or lose it forever.

But really, Mochi has the best advice. She’s really great with photography. Lauren too. Heck, most PSers know how to take great pictures.

 

[megeve]

Date: 7/17/2009 8:42:35 AM
Author: Chrono

I have a point and shoot as well.

1. I’m pretty sure you have macro, right? The one that looks like a tulip of flower? You have to use that to get close up pictures.
2. Also, turn off the flash otherwise the gem colour will end up de-saturated.
3. Natural lighting is best. Take pictures in the early morning or late evening.
4. If you have to do it when the sun is still strong, shade your hand over the stone. If not, all you’ll get are shadows.
5. If you have shaky hands syndrome like me, I rest my elbows on a solid surface like a table so my pictures won’t be blurry. The proper way is to use a tripod.
6. If you also have old wrinkly hands like me, I don’t take pictures of the gems on my hand, just on a flat surface.

Most importantly, DO NOT drop the gem outside. You might damage it or lose it forever.

But really, Mochi has the best advice. She’s really great with photography. Lauren too. Heck, most PSers know how to take great pictures.

Wow, thanks for your pointers!

I have been practising whole day today, but I got only lousy shots! All turn out either blurry or dark! Aaarrg

I got a feeling the lightning in my appartment is not good for gems/diamonds. Hehe, I will remember your tip about my wrinkly hands!

 

[megeve]

Forgot to mention:

Its incredible and I just can''t believe it! Eric is so fast and reliable! The stones arrived this morning here in Switzerland and are awaiting for custom clearance!

Unfortunately, I am going away tomorrow morning for 5 days. So, can''t receive the package till I return. Arrrgh

So gals, please be patient!!! I will try my best to take lots of pictures even blurry and dark ones.

I got a feeling its something to do with the lighting. Unless someone else can give me pointers about lighting. Do you shine the table top lamps in front/sides or at the back of the gems?

I just can''t get the hang of it!

 

[chrono]

Date: 7/17/2009 2:49:02 PM
Author: megeve
Wow, thanks for your pointers!

I have been practising whole day today, but I got only lousy shots! All turn out either blurry or dark! Aaarrg

I got a feeling the lightning in my appartment is not good for gems/diamonds. Hehe, I will remember your tip about my wrinkly hands!

If you want to take indoor pictures, additional lighting at an angle is needed. The type of lighting will also affect the colour of the gem in pictures. The easiest is to take a picture close to a window for natural light or to actually go outside to a deck. If your camera is really good, it magnifies every line in your hands no matter the age. It’s just that as one gets older, it looks worse. Not to mention that I discovered finger hair when I looked at my photographs!!!

 

[chrono]

Date: 7/17/2009 3:14:39 PM
Author: megeve
Forgot to mention:

Its incredible and I just can''t believe it! Eric is so fast and reliable! The stones arrived this morning here in Switzerland and are awaiting for custom clearance!

Unfortunately, I am going away tomorrow morning for 5 days. So, can''t receive the package till I return. Arrrgh

So gals, please be patient!!! I will try my best to take lots of pictures even blurry and dark ones.

I got a feeling its something to do with the lighting. Unless someone else can give me pointers about lighting. Do you shine the table top lamps in front/sides or at the back of the gems?

I just can''t get the hang of it!

Oh no! 5 more days until you can open the package.
ETA
For lighting, see if shining a light source at a 45 degree angle to the gemstone face helps.
For blurry pictures, rest your arms/elbows on a stable surface to minimize the vibration. If you have a tripod, it works better. Or else, you can also balance your camera on a stack of books.

 

[blingergrrrl]

Grrr...hate waiting for pretties!

 

[Stone Hunter]

Date: 7/17/2009 3:49:05 PM
Author: Chrono

Date: 7/17/2009 2:49:02 PM
Author: megeve
Wow, thanks for your pointers!

I have been practising whole day today, but I got only lousy shots! All turn out either blurry or dark! Aaarrg

I got a feeling the lightning in my appartment is not good for gems/diamonds. Hehe, I will remember your tip about my wrinkly hands!

If you want to take indoor pictures, additional lighting at an angle is needed. The type of lighting will also affect the colour of the gem in pictures. The easiest is to take a picture close to a window for natural light or to actually go outside to a deck. If your camera is really good, it magnifies every line in your hands no matter the age. It’s just that as one gets older, it looks worse. Not to mention that I discovered finger hair when I looked at my photographs!!!

Oh, my hands don''t really look like that, I just have a great camera! My hands were so so wrinkled in my last gem photos, but the gem photos came out well. So let''s make it a PS pact that wrinkled hands are to be ignored because they are caused by good camera quality! REALLY

Megeve -- Have a great vacation!

 

[brandy_z28]

Date: 7/20/2009 1:50:10 PM
Author: Stone Hunter

Date: 7/17/2009 3:49:05 PM
Author: Chrono

Date: 7/17/2009 2:49:02 PM
Author: megeve
Wow, thanks for your pointers!

I have been practising whole day today, but I got only lousy shots! All turn out either blurry or dark! Aaarrg

I got a feeling the lightning in my appartment is not good for gems/diamonds. Hehe, I will remember your tip about my wrinkly hands!

If you want to take indoor pictures, additional lighting at an angle is needed. The type of lighting will also affect the colour of the gem in pictures. The easiest is to take a picture close to a window for natural light or to actually go outside to a deck. If your camera is really good, it magnifies every line in your hands no matter the age. It’s just that as one gets older, it looks worse. Not to mention that I discovered finger hair when I looked at my photographs!!!

Oh, my hands don''t really look like that, I just have a great camera! My hands were so so wrinkled in my last gem photos, but the gem photos came out well. So let''s make it a PS pact that wrinkled hands are to be ignored because they are caused by good camera quality! REALLY

Megeve -- Have a great vacation!

I most definitely second the addition of ignoring finger hair along with wrinkles. It''s generally not that noticeable to my eyes but you can''t tell that by my photos, and my camera isn''t so good, but wrinkles and hair show up amazingly well.

Can''t wait to see your new stones Megeve!

 

[Lady_Disdain]

Date: 7/20/2009 2:18:08 PM
Author: brandy_z28

Date: 7/20/2009 1:50:10 PM
Author: Stone Hunter

Date: 7/17/2009 3:49:05 PM
Author: Chrono

Date: 7/17/2009 2:49:02 PM
Author: megeve
Wow, thanks for your pointers!

I have been practising whole day today, but I got only lousy shots! All turn out either blurry or dark! Aaarrg

I got a feeling the lightning in my appartment is not good for gems/diamonds. Hehe, I will remember your tip about my wrinkly hands!

If you want to take indoor pictures, additional lighting at an angle is needed. The type of lighting will also affect the colour of the gem in pictures. The easiest is to take a picture close to a window for natural light or to actually go outside to a deck. If your camera is really good, it magnifies every line in your hands no matter the age. It’s just that as one gets older, it looks worse. Not to mention that I discovered finger hair when I looked at my photographs!!!

Oh, my hands don''t really look like that, I just have a great camera! My hands were so so wrinkled in my last gem photos, but the gem photos came out well. So let''s make it a PS pact that wrinkled hands are to be ignored because they are caused by good camera quality! REALLY

Megeve -- Have a great vacation!

I most definitely second the addition of ignoring finger hair along with wrinkles. It''s generally not that noticeable to my eyes but you can''t tell that by my photos, and my camera isn''t so good, but wrinkles and hair show up amazingly well.

Can''t wait to see your new stones Megeve!

Not to mention that waxing fingers hurts!

 

[T L]

Chrono,
I found this shot of your hand in an old post. It''s not that bad!

 

[blingergrrrl]

LMAO!!!

tourmaline_lover, you are EVIL

 

[Stone Hunter]

Date: 7/20/2009 9:40:05 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover
Chrono,
I found this shot of your hand in an old post. It''s not that bad!

Well it''s clear that she has a VERY VERY high quality camera!!!

 

[Babyblue033]

Let me just say that I was very sorry I was reading this thread while eating breakfast

 

[chrono]

Date: 7/21/2009 7:43:23 AM
Author: Babyblue033
Let me just say that I was very sorry I was reading this thread while eating breakfast

Thank goodness I didn''t have food in my mouth when I saw that picture. I was about to take a bite of my dinner!

 

[chrono]

Date: 7/20/2009 9:40:05 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover
Chrono,
I found this shot of your hand in an old post. It''s not that bad!

Urgh....it needs major work, doesn''t it? I need a manicure and hand wax. Having green skin also makes it hard to select gemstones that would look nice for me to wear.

 

[Indylady]

My that hand is frightening!!

 

[Gailey]

Date: 7/21/2009 4:25:20 PM
Author: Chrono

Date: 7/20/2009 9:40:05 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover
Chrono,
I found this shot of your hand in an old post. It''s not that bad!

Urgh....it needs major work, doesn''t it? I need a manicure and hand wax. Having green skin also makes it hard to select gemstones that would look nice for me to wear.

Hey Chrono, I didn''t know you were a gardener too

I think you''ll get away with prehnite, or eye of toad!!

 

[Gailey]

Date: 7/20/2009 9:40:05 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover
Chrono,
I found this shot of your hand in an old post. It''s not that bad!

I gotta wonder TL, what sort of web sites & forums do you hang out on other than PS?

 

[blingergrrrl]

Any updates on the sugarloaves????

 

[megeve]

Date: 7/25/2009 12:21:10 PM
Author: blingergrrrl
Any updates on the sugarloaves????

Sorry to all those who are waiting for the pics!!

I was so caught up with my busy schedule that I am only able to post now. So are you ready for the onslaught of pics now???

Here is the 1st pic of Tsav...