How to Photograph Silverware
Product photography is a very interesting category, and one of the reasons we like to cover it is the fact that it presents unique challenges. The items you want to photograph will always dictate the approach, and while there are some relatively successful recipes that work most of the time, some items require specific approaches. That's the case with shiny objects like silverware.
Photographing silverware might not seem that hard, and while it's by no means rocket science, it's probably a little harder than you think. The trouble with shooting silverware is that it reflects light - a lot. Any "standard" approach will most likely leave you with some really poor shots, so you need to pay careful attention.
(Success Tip #1: Crazy new way to learn photography when you have little time to spare)
The fact that silverware is shiny also means you have to bring out the highlights and overexpose small segments. You will also want to use some shadows for contrast. Working with strobes may not be the best choice, because it's a lot harder to control the highlights, even with modifiers like softboxes. Instead, try to use a continuous light source and make sure you have some sort of reflector to use.
Our favorite way of photographing silverware is by using MyStudio kits from ProCyc. You get everything you need in kits like the MS20 Professional Tabletop studio, including a 20x20x12 inch seamless cyclorama infinity background, a 5000k daylight fluorescent light that will help you get accurate colors and a 90 degree corner for maximum depth.
(Success Tip #2: The secret to selling more photography with less effort)
As with all product photography, experiment as much as you can. Try different perspectives and positions for the object and make sure you set your camera correctly. Stick to the lowest ISO value, shoot with a higher f number and use a tripod to help with composition.
Here is a great video with photographer Alex Koloskov demonstrating how it's done.
Learn more about the MyStudio MS20 Professional Table Top Studio here.