It is critical to make your brand stand out from the crowd across digital platforms. In this in-person workshop hosted at my studio, I will guide you through the process of creating beautiful imagery to tell your brand’s unique story, draw in clients, and grow your audience. I will even provide lunch and coffee.

As creatives, we learn best by visual example. My in person workshop focuses on various photography and lighting techniques along with styling and composition skills. You will be guided through basic manual camera settings, various lighting techniques (such as shooting with a single light source), composition, and styling tools to help you get the most out of your images.

I will also demonstrate several different still life setups which you will be able to utilize with your DSLR camera and strobe or with simply an iPhone and good window light. Each setup I teach will be demonstrated in both contexts and usable by anyone with access to gear or nothing more than a room with good natural light. I will also demonstrate my pre- and post-production workflow and how to get the most out of photo production software.

Because this workshop is limited to five people, I tailor the day to the specific interests and needs of attendees. You will have the opportunity to interact with my still life set and take your own photos. I will personally guide you to produce a high-quality still life shot of your jewelry, which you will receive after the workshop.

What you’ll need to get the most out of this workshop:

  • Bring a notebook, and be prepared to take copious notes.

  • If you are a jewelry designer, bring your jewelry so that you can shoot it. If you are primarily a photographer, bring a piece of jewelry to practice shooting.

  • Your iPhone, DSLR or Mirrorless camera.

  • If you wish, bring your laptop with Capture One installed.

  • Alternatively, bring your iPhone and a notepad and be ready to learn how to make the best use of your phone camera to create better content for your brand.

You are also welcome to join if you prefer to simply observe, take notes and glean what you can throughout the workshop.

Keep scrolling for reviews from past workshops!

 

Lighting

I will focus on lighting and light shaping tools, which are the foundation for all photo technique. You must understand how light works and how to shape it to create photographs that are both interesting and accurate representations of your jewelry. We will also discuss how to use light to enhance certain features of your designs, such as the choice of metal or gemstones.

Shooting

Once you understand how light works and how to manipulate it, you need to know some basic concepts regarding composition – how to position a piece or several pieces within a frame, keep your designs in the center of focus, and understand what makes a compelling still life photograph. We will also review fundamental photography theory.

Workflow

I will demonstrate the importance of workflows and good data hygiene through pre- and post-production. I will also discuss several technical tips that you can use to improve your photography further. We will discuss ideal lighting conditions, advanced lighting and styling tools, and other issues that you may encounter.

 

For a fee of $650.00, you will receive:

  • A full day with me at my home studio, including coffee and lunch.

  • An interactive workshop tailored to you and your specific needs.

  • Guided photography techniques specific to highly reflective objects like gold and gemstones.

  • One-on-one personal instruction with real-time demonstration and feedback on work you’ll take home at the end of the day.

  • Guidance for purchasing light-shaping tools and other materials useful for your needs.

  • Networking opportunities with a community of like-minded creative artists like yourself.

 

Behind the Lens, Still Life WorkShop

 
 

This workshop will focus on lighting and light shaping tools, which are the foundation for all photo techniques, as well as basic tenets of composition. You must understand how light works and how to shape it to create photographs that are both interesting and accurate representations of your jewelry. We will also discuss how to use light to enhance certain features of your designs, such as the choice of metal or gemstones. This is a full day workshop at my home studio in Manhattan on Wednesday, August 20th, 2025, starting at 10 am EST.

Disclaimer: Purchases are non-refundable and non-transferable. Full payment is due 48 hours prior to the event. Intellectual property rights for all course materials are solely owned by Alain Simic. Any recording or sharing of the course or course content is strictly prohibited. No additional support or training is promised or required. Participants exercise their own judgment in using the information provided on and through the course, which is done at their own risk. Participants use of any information or materials found in the course is entirely at their own risk, for which we shall not be liable.

 

This round of courses will only be sold as a package deal, which will include all three sessions. The dates and times can be viewed on the calendar below.

 
 

Reviews Are In!

Feedback from my April 2025 Behind the Lens

in-person Workshop.

Image taken by Heather of Ides Fine Jewelry, a previous workshop participant.

 
I’ve attended plenty of virtual trainings and used a lot of the tools recommended within the jewelry industry, but none have been as useful, educational, or confidence-boosting as working with Alain. A true master at what he does, Alain showed me that jewelry photography isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about harnessing good lighting and having a trained eye.
From camera settings to perfecting photoshoot setups, there’s something for everyone in this class, no matter how much experience you have. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the industry for years, Alain’s insights are priceless. His approach is hands-on, and the lessons are practical, leaving you with real skills that will help you capture jewelry in the best possible light and actually sell it.
What really sets Alain apart is not just his expertise, but the way he makes the whole process enjoyable. He’s the total opposite of a boring instructor—he keeps things fun, keeps you engaged, and makes you feel comfortable behind the camera. I left the workshop feeling energized, inspired, and with a fresh perspective on shooting jewelry.
If you’re in the jewelry industry and want to take your photography to the next level, I can’t recommend Alain’s workshop enough. It’s a total game-changer!
— Kate Scott, Social Media Specialist at Emily Chelsea Jewelry
 
Attending Alain Simic’s jewelry photography workshop in New York City was nothing short of inspiring. I was seeking a way to better capture the craftsmanship and texture of my jewelry, and Alain’s workshop delivered way beyond my expectations.
Alain brings a wealth of technical and industry knowledge, but also a sharply honed artistic sensibility. He views jewelry not just as a product, but as sculpture, a piece of art, an interesting object—something to be lit and photographed with intention, curiosity, and emotion. Alain’s passion for storytelling, through the medium of image making, was apparent.
The session covered both the technical foundations (light shaping tools, types of light, lens choices, camera settings) and the more artistic side of jewelry photography—how to compellingly frame a piece, how to bring out its unique qualities, how to use negative space, how to create dynamic shadows, and, importantly, how to create imagery that connects with viewers. Beyond the technical foundations of shooting jewelry, Alain shared insights on preferred software, file naming conventions, workflow best practices, and overall shoot organization and design.
A standout element of the workshop was the live shoot portion, where we watched Alain work through several setups using jewelry that participants brought to the workshop. Observing Alain’s decision-making process in real-time, as he was tethered, was incredibly valuable.
The workshop also allowed for hands-on time with Alain’s equipment, and we were guided by his patient and positive encouragement. His feedback was insightful and delivered with professionalism and warmth.
The workshop setting in Alain’s beautiful and bright, at-home NYC studio added to the magic, and the small class size made the experience feel personal and immersive. I left with a better understanding of light, a refreshed eye for composition, and a few reference images that will surely inform my jewelry photography going forward.
For anyone in the jewelry business or jewelry photography world looking to level up their skills, I can’t recommend Alain Simic’s workshop enough. It was an investment that I absolutely know will pay off, not just in technical improvement, but in artistic confidence, whether I am attempting to shoot jewelry myself, or working with photographers who may not have extensive jewelry photography experience. I can’t say enough good stuff about my experience, truly! I feel like I could be dangerous with this new knowledge Alain so generously and successfully shared. I left Alain’s workshop with the confidence to experiment, explore, and approach my jewelry photography with a newfound sense of play.
I was impressed by the design of the whole workshop experience and floored by the knowledge shared. I feel so privileged to have taken this workshop with Alain. He really is a master of his craft and a genuine artist.
— Ty Brickhouse of Ty Brickhouse Jewelry
 
Best day ever! I am judicious with the marketing budget of my teeny tiny one person design company and this workshop is the best investment I’ve made in my business to date: I learned so much just from being in the room of this intimate, incredibly well-run studio. Alain filters for engaged professional students (this matters!) as well as imparting relevant usable information through the hyper specific lens of the luxury jewelry market (take notes!). He confirmed that there is, in fact, a visual photographic language when shooting luxury pieces and helped fill in the blanks on the editorial aspect of this as well as demo-ing relevant software, sharing a few DIY hacks for the home studio, and making sure everyone had a hands-on session shooting their own jewelry with what they had learned. For me, it was a perfect day in the studio*.
*On a personal note, he and his assistant were incredibly kind and tolerant regarding a disruptive coughing fit I had, and handled it with discretion and efficiency while keeping the ball rolling in the studio at all times. This allowed me to continue with a minimum of ignominy and maintain my focus on the task at hand: They were consummate professionals and, for that, I am eternally grateful.
— Heather of Ides Fine Jewelry
 
Alain’s workshop was everything I hoped for and more — educational, inspiring, and hands-on. His insights on composition and lighting helped me feel more confident behind the camera, and the opportunity to receive direct feedback was invaluable. I left the class excited to keep creating!
— Koral Gardea, Social Media & Marketing Assistant at Greenwich St. Jewelers