• Camera: RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.
• Camera model: PENTAX K-3
• Exposure time: 6/10
• Aperture: f/22.0
• ISO: 400

My grandfather showed me how to cut stones and make jewelry when I was around 12 years old. I still do this as a way to relax and forget the day's troubles. At the top - Mexican Fire Opal and a Black Tourmaline crystal on reticulated silver, below that is some Fordite, below that is green Jade. The ring on the left is Ruby in Zoisite, and the one on the right is Rhodochrosite. (5 years and 447 days ago)

9 Comments

jewelry, lapidary

still26 says:

I like the artistic composition of this presentation, nice and sharp too and thank you for your notes. I always enjoy reading what an author has to say about their uploads, enriches the experience for me!

REPLY

author says:

Thank you.

(5 years and 445 days ago)

still26 says:

What do you use for the black background? I use a Muslin cloth but oftentimes it shows dust, and threads etc. Is this construction papaer?

(5 years and 445 days ago)

author says:

I use a black cotton bed sheet and hang it on the wall. I put a stool under the sheet to put stuff on, and then set the camera on "spot exposure" and under expose the shot on manual just a little to make the background appear blacker and have the object stand out.

(5 years and 445 days ago)

still26 says:

Thank you for that, appreciate your suggestions.

REPLY

photonut says:

well done for this

REPLY

author says:

Thanks

(5 years and 443 days ago)

Zizounai says:

Congrats Kyricom
I have a big problem shooting black things, or things on a black background like this one. Do you have a tip ? my camera goes crazy, the autofocus buzzes along and instead of black I get grey. I tried to google my problem but I only got solutions about black and white photos

REPLY

author says:

Thanks for the congrats. In a comment above to still26 I outlined the process I use for shots like this. For what you describe be sure to use a tripod (if you aren't), and I might recommend not using autofocus but doing it manually. My eyesight has gone downhill in recent years too, so I often get it in focus (I hope) and then take additional shots adjusting the focus just a tiny bit from there in both directions. Then, in post-processing I choose the one with the best focus. Good luck!

(5 years and 443 days ago)

Howdie stranger!
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• Camera: RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.
• Camera model: PENTAX K-3
• Exposure time: 1/25
• Aperture: f/8.0
• ISO: 800

Lapidary is the art of cutting, shaping, and polishing stones, something I have been doing for about 45 years. You start by slicing a rock, similar to slicing bread (only on a diamond saw). I can do rocks up to about the size of a bowling ball on my big saw (not pictured). Then, you take a slab and trim it to a smaller, more workable shape. This is done on the trim saw seen on the left. Next, you take that smaller piece and do two levels of grinding to get it into the rough shape you want. This is done on the grinding wheels seen on the right. Then, there are six levels of sanding, which is shown in this shot. Polishing belts are also put on that machine for two levels of polishing. Some examples of the end results can be seen in the SBS. (5 years and 1217 days ago)

2 Comments

rocks, lapidary, hobby

Bushra says:

Great hobby... amazing photo. Never heard of this before, but the picture makes you smell the dust in the room and I especially like the machines, the table, and the wrinkles/stains on the apron!

REPLY

author says:

Thanks a lot. I've been doing it a long time now, and it's a great way to forget about the world in the rumble of the machines.

(5 years and 1216 days ago)

Howdie stranger!
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I've been doing lapidary work for about 40 years. It's where I go to relax and lose myself in the noise of the machines. (5 years and 2246 days ago)

5 Comments

lapidary

jerostone says:

Love your...shades. Very extraterrestrial

REPLY

author says:

Thanks, but they aren't shades. They're magnifying lenses for the close-up, detail work. (plus, my eyes aren't as good as they used to be)

(5 years and 2246 days ago)

friiskiwi says:

Great shot, you look much happier here than all dressed up.

REPLY

author says:

Thanks.... yes, MUCH happier.

(5 years and 2246 days ago)

oziipop says:

ooo lapidary!

REPLY

Howdie stranger!
If you want to rate this picture or participate in this contest, just:

LOGIN HERE or REGISTER FOR FREE

(5 years and 3194 days ago)