opal images with macro

[princessparrot]

Hi all, is there anyone out there doing any images of opal , looking for any tips or ideas , I have a nikon coolpix 995. nikon coolpix 5000, nikon coolpix 8800,
I get pretty good results but lighting is a problem for closeups and light boxes don't work well for opal, it softens the colours as opal need light to show the true colours.
I use WB pre set a lot as well as the other options on the cameras.
Thanks in advance for any info.
I hope I have done this right as I am a little IT challenged
Christine

[jiminyClickit]

princessparrot, Welcome

What happens to that wonderful multi-colored speckle if you add a light behind and to the left? This is heavy front right light, wonder if a balance would help?

[princessparrot]

This is a cool site, I have just worked out how to reply, LOL, I feel such a dunce sometimes but I am learning on around 3 levels with all this.
I can use more lights but its a balance with capturing the opal colours without creating too may light spots on the surface, with carved opal that is a real problem, by the way that is my job, cutting and carving opal, I take the images so I can have a record of my work.
thanks for your reply, I will have to get more lights and make them more flexible , I mostly use incandescant bulbs in those desk lamps that move around a little . I may try to bounce some light back as that may fill in some shadowy areas.
Looking forward to any other suggestions out there
thankyou again