Doing photography for Adria Jewelry was such a pleasure. But how did I find them—or how did they find me?
When I graduated from studying photography, I wasn’t entirely sure what path I wanted to take. I loved taking pictures, but I hadn’t yet defined whether I wanted to be a portrait photographer, a fashion photographer, or something else. On my graduation day, while celebrating this milestone, my best friend surprised me with an opportunity that would change the course of my career. She offered me my very first photography job: creating product photos for her family’s jewelry store, Adria.
At first, I thought photographing jewelry would be simple. After all, how hard could it be to capture small pieces against a backdrop? But the reality was very different. Jewelry is one of the most challenging products to photograph because every surface reflects light like a mirror. I quickly realized I needed to teach myself an entirely new approach to lighting. At the time, I only had a speedlight to work with, which made the process even more complicated. Looking back, I don’t regret the struggle—it forced me to experiment, make mistakes, and eventually grow into a more skilled photographer.
One of my earliest mistakes was fighting against shadows. I tried to eliminate them entirely, thinking that only bright, flat images were “professional.” With time, I learned that shadows are not the enemy. Instead, they add depth, texture, and volume to the jewelry, making each piece look more realistic and appealing.
After mastering clean product shots on a white backdrop, I realized I wanted to push myself further. Adria’s brand was fun, vibrant, and youthful, so I decided to create an aesthetic that reflected this personality. To do that, I incorporated colorful candies into the shoots. The candy added a playful touch that contrasted beautifully with the jewelry’s shine, making the photos eye-catching while staying cohesive with the brand’s identity.
What I love most about product photography is the storytelling aspect. I don’t just want to place items on a backdrop and repeat the same formula. I enjoy arranging props, experimenting with colors, and creating visual narratives that make each image stand out. Every product has its own character, and I believe the setup should highlight that uniqueness.
Working on Adria Jewelry Photography gave me valuable experience not just as a photographer but also as an art director. I learned how to think beyond technical skills—how to design an aesthetic, translate a brand’s essence into images, and communicate emotions through photography. These lessons shaped the way I approach every project I take on today.
I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity Adria gave me. It was the first step in discovering that product photography could be both challenging and rewarding. It’s where I learned the importance of persistence, creativity, and never being afraid to try something new.
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