Photographing work

[santee]

Wasn't there a post by Chuck Burrows a few years back on tips for photographing your work? I've tried a few search parameters but haven't come up with anything.

[Camano Ridge]

Santee, not sure but this might be what you are looking for http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,21402.0.html scroll down past the pictures and a few of the comment and you will find a spot where Chuck discusses how he takes pictures what equipment he uses and a link to knifenetworks for a thread on how to take pictures of your work. Also on leatherworker.net there is a section of the forum dedicated to photographing your work, might be some information there for you.

[santee]

Yep! That's the post. Thanks for finding it for me, Camano.

[Red Cent]

A few years back I read an article where a photographer built a rectangle from PVC. About 18" high, about 18" deep, and about 24" long. Stretched a white cloth over it and used a few lamps to shine light through the cloth. Sides, top, and back. Enough not to need a flash eliminating the need for a flash, hence no shadows. Some of his photos were awesome. Detail out o' sight and no shadows. No flash backs/glint.

[ChurchandSon]

http://www.graphic-design.com/photographic/studio/diffusion.html

Tons of info here....Check on the links at bottom of page...

[outrider]

I have been using a defuser attachment on my camera lately...works fine and eliminates most of the shadows.  Easy solutions are reflectors made from old white sheets or even tin foil...but take note that the foil will give you a blue hue

[Cliff Fendley]

A few years back I read an article where a photographer built a rectangle from PVC. About 18" high, about 18" deep, and about 24" long. Stretched a white cloth over it and used a few lamps to shine light through the cloth. Sides, top, and back. Enough not to need a flash eliminating the need for a flash, hence no shadows. Some of his photos were awesome. Detail out o' sight and no shadows. No flash backs/glint.

That is called a light tent. Almost a necessity when photographing mirror polished knives.

[ChurchandSon]

http://knifedogs.com/showthread.php?26536-Our-Light-Tent-Setup-at-USAknifemaker-com

Tracy over at KnifeDogs uses this one from PVC pipe....Also good reading on his computer setup, allows instant pics to computer...No messing with cards....
Hey Cliff, hope you are buzy....

[outrider]

I finally remembered what the diffuser is called.  It a "puffer" diffuser and it is used with cameras with pop up flashes (like my Nikon D-90).  Can be found on Amazon.  Also..in the old days I used to use polyethylene milk bottles for diffusers.  But as previously mentioned an old pillow case on a make shift frame makes a great light tent

[Cliff Fendley]

I've got a makeshift light tent made of PVC with white screen that filters/defuses the light. I don't know what you call the screen but I got mine from Bowiemaker. He is a great photographer. In professional studios like his they have a big box with lights reflecting different angles.

I generally try to take my photos outside on a fairly bright but overcast day. I use the light tent to soften the light and prevent reflections.

[santee]

Great info!

[bowiemaker]

The portable diffuser I use, like the one Cliff uses, is a kind of a lean-to arrangement. It basically just a PVC rectangular frame with a couple of supports attached that hold it up at about 45 degree angle.

The frame is covered with Rosco white diffusion material. This is a special heavy plastic film that lets light through but diffuses it and spreads it evenly eliminating hot spots, harsh shadows and unwanted reflections. It is available through larger photo supply stores but it is fairly expensive. A 48" x 25' roll runs around $100.

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Howdy All

       I like to use a photo box. I made my photo box from PVC for the frame, and covered it in cheap white sheets, you don't want to use flash, just natural light, by using the clamp on light you can get the look you want just by there placement , and the sheet DEFUSES the light giving you a more natural look , without the glare and bleached out look that takes away from the beauty of of your work, colors are what they are instead of what they look like with flash, I use a DIGITAL camera for best results, with digital you can edit and make any adjustments you need to on your computer, for smaller items I also use plastic tubs , the kind that are clear, but you can't really see through, cut the bottom out so you can get your camera in for the shot, and use your lights the same way by placing them where you get the look you are after, this photo box ( both ) will give you professional results at cheap price, hope this will help those that want to do there own photo shoot with great results, and it's fun. The nice part about this, is the box all comes apart , so it doesn't have to be in your way if you don't have room to leave it up.


                    tEN wOLVES  

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Here's a closer picture of my photo box above.

   tEN wOLVES

[santee]

Interesting, TW. Thanks for the pic. Might make one of those.

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Interesting, TW. Thanks for the pic. Might make one of those.

    Santee, they're easy to make, and easy to take down when you want the space back, for me I had the space and just left it up, I hope you will give it a try, it makes all the difference in the quality of your photo's...

        tEN wOLVES 

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Thanks for the pics, TW. That looks to be very effective. I'll make one next time I want a good photo.