A month ago we replaced our photography system from a very old but very fast and reliable bridge camera to DSLR.
We also started using LED lighting - we have a unit with 7 dimmable and programmable panels all around. This is great for flooding the image with white light (or black background).
This can also be enhanced by a "sparkler" spotlight pick out reflections - especially in spin photography.
We have now introduced and additional system for spotlighting all around - more like our original "bridge" system.
With a better camera and better processing the finished photos are excellent.
Properly lit with the right balance of flood and highlight and the subject stands out and the details within become clear - whilst overall looking natural.
Here is an example of a corundum crystal from Zazafotsy, Madagascar, only 13mm tall.
