Cap'n Rob said:
What camera "cheap" do you guys suggest I buy for them close-ups? (the photo's I see on this site are great).
Note: Don't know how you guys stumbled on to my ebay listings in French. I didn't know Ebay would automatically translate my listings into foreign languages - but I think it's pretty cool!
Hello Cap'n Rob
I revert a bit late about photos
It is not only a question of which camera, but mainly about the light.
I suggest you take close pictures but well focused,
Since the conches have no nacre you will not see yourself in reflexion on the pearl, which is a problem with pearls
Take pics with maximum pixels (7 MO il possible) to allow enlargement with good quality;
then don't take pict on a light colored background since the pearls are of light color too
Take a dark background, but having as much light on as possible.
Morning light seems to be the best, indirect natural light. You should have good light where you are under tropics
Take pict. on the above , then on the front, at pearl's level
About ebay, it is a worldwide flea market, anyone can find everything, your reputation is very important, everybody will have acess to your feedbacks.
Try to connect yourself on ebay hong kong and you will find your conch pearls auctions as well translated into chinese....
Here is " my" conch
http://www.cliclasp.com/general_interest/natural-pearls.html
good luck