First watch pic posted

42mm Planet Ocean taken with my new Canon T3i dslr.
First time posting a watch picture & have alot to learn. Was going to post in WURW but decided to slap it here instead.

Now I've got to figure out the photobucket thing (and taking better pics).

Looks good to me!
Now line up the bezel please.

foghorn wrote:Looks good to me!
Now line up the bezel please.

Done, thanks foghorn. Couldn't see the tree because the forest.....

Not bad. I'll offer the only photography tip that I know. Take a lot of pics, and some will turn out okay. It's the law of averages, (or the sun shines on a dog's ass once in a while-as grandpa used to say.)

If you want to take better watch photographs invest in one of these. "Light Box" Much easier to control all the reflections. Also a product like Adobe Photoshop Elements for post processing your pictures. You can get a book from Amazon that will teach you how to use the Adobe Software.

Light Box, Adobe Software and Teaching Book for Probably less than 150.00 bucks. Your pictures will become Wall Hangers.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Softbox-Light-Box-JS-20-Cube-Photography-Lighting-Photo-Studio-Box-JTK109-/260968240233?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cc2eb5469#ht_4606wt_1398

Thanks guys for the help. Looks like I'll need to invest in some time as well (after afew other projects are completed).

codguy wrote:Thanks guys for the help. Looks like I'll need to invest in some time as well (after afew other projects are completed).

I use a regular lamp and a flashlight for lighting!! Leather portfolio acts as a back drop. Most important is getting the right camera settings.

foghorn wrote:Most important is getting the right camera settings.

My lense collection is probably wrong as well: 50mm & 18-55mm???

I'm not sure what camera your using. A 100mm or larger lens will allow you to focus up close. A lens or point and shoot camera with a macro feature is even better. You can get really up close and personnel. Also invest in a tripod, the number one tool on the list for taking good pictures. I just checked the ebay link. The light box comes with a tripod. If your not using a heavy 35mm camera the tripod will probably be OK. If your using a heavy 35mm camera and lens you'll need to invest in a heavier, metal tripod to support the weight of the camera. Happy Shooting

very nice watch Codguy!
Dave

codguy wrote:

42mm Planet Ocean taken with my new Canon T3i dslr.
First time posting a watch picture & have alot to learn. Was going to post in WURW but decided to slap it here instead.

Now I've got to figure out the photobucket thing (and taking better pics).

Nice Omega. A classic

Gear:Get a 100mm macro or a 60mm macro (I use a 60mm), a 3 sided light box (open top), fluorescent lights for the sides and a boom light for the top. Also, get a decent and sturdy tripod. DO NOT mix lighting.. should all be the same type or you will get all sorts of anomalies (color shift, flare, etc)

Camera: Use a custom white balance, aperture priority mode (adjust shutter speed to get your light meter centered).

Post processing software shouldn't be used, ideally. Only use it if you can't take a good pic or want to get artsy with it.

I'm passing this info along as I'm learning this craft as well. Most of this advice has been passed down to me and some is from trial and error.

Also, (as I've most recently learned) stainless steel will reflect any color nearby. Use a black backdrop (behind the camera) to keep other colors from showing up on the case/bracelet.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents...

INRI, that is well-written, concise advice and I intend to put it to use.
Codguy, your watch is beyond beautiful and I am looking forward to your photos.

Cod, that picture looks great to me...

Mark1 wrote:Not bad. I'll offer the only photography tip that I know. Take a lot of pics, and some will turn out okay. It's the law of averages, (or the sun shines on a dog's ass once in a while-as grandpa used to say.)

Great advice! (AND it's exactly what I do, too, though this dawg's ass'll never have to worry about sunburn...)

codguy wrote:

42mm Planet Ocean taken with my new Canon T3i dslr.
First time posting a watch picture & have alot to learn. Was going to post in WURW but decided to slap it here instead.

Now I've got to figure out the photobucket thing (and taking better pics).

Codguy you took a great on the fly picture of your beautiful Omega. My post was not meant to offend or degrade your photograph in any away. If you or other member of the forum took it that way I sincerely apologize. I was only offering ideas learned through my own experiences trying to photograph watches, trains, people, landscapes, etc.

The decision to use photo editing software rest entirely with the photographer. There are two schools of thought. I choose to use photo editing software. It allows me to organize my photographs with a time stamp, subject matter, location etc, for future reference. This is really valuable for taking family pictures etc. I also have the ability to make multiple copies and store my photographs in other locations for safe keeping. There are a multitude of other reasons. I'll just provide a couple of links and leave the decision up to the photographer.



http://www.brighthub.com/multimedia/photography/articles/103350.aspx

http://www.streetarticles.com/photography/why-you-should-learn-to-use-a-photo-editing-program

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xg6ddy_viewing-your-digital-photos-why-would-i-edit-my-photos_creation

Mortuus wrote:

Mark1 wrote:Not bad. I'll offer the only photography tip that I know. Take a lot of pics, and some will turn out okay. It's the law of averages, (or the sun shines on a dog's ass once in a while-as grandpa used to say.)

Great advice! (AND it's exactly what I do, too, though this dawg's ass'll never have to worry about sunburn...)

Ditto. I shoot a lot of pics, outside, in natural light. If I'm lucky, it's sunny on my Doberman pitcher's wrectum.

Excellent looking PO, and a nice pic of it!

Thanks guys for the posts and advice, need all the help I can get.
Will look into macro lenses, light box, etc. and try to find time to learn all the gizmo's and features of this DSLR camera (Canon T3i):



At least I was able to keep my tattoo's out of the frame:
Brenda
Jennifer
Debra
Julie

I is what I is.......

If you ever want any help, just send me a PM and I'll do my best.

Spanky, I agree with using software for workflow and organization. I'm an Apple guy and I use Aperture for just that...plus other reasons (it syncs with my Apple TVs).
I tend to stay away from post processing if I can help it... I'm more of a purist, I suppose.
You're right though...it's totally up to the photographer.

I also use a Mac. They make working with photographs so enjoyable. Thanks for your comments and happy shooting.

MacBook Pro

codguy wrote:MacBook Pro

Plus 1 Same Here

2011 Mac Pro & 2009 iMac, here. Shooting with a Canon 7D and using Aperture 3.

You have a very nice set-up for taking and processing photographs. I'm expecting to see some wall hangers of your wrist candy. "All joking aside, you have some nice gear". Congratulations.

Good gear and shot.
I've been using this guys site for a couple years for pointers and simplicity. He hawks his over-priced shit here, but offers some good tips for overcoming obstacles.

http://www.mkdigitaldirect.com/tips/new-tips/watch_photography_tips.html

Thanks RR, appreciate the link.

ThatWatchGirl wrote:I travel a lot and constantly see this advertised... Is it worthwhile or just a crock? Anyone know?

http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=102700431&c=

Lots of watch photographers use that type of set-up. Or they make a home made version that does the same thing (diffused/indirect lighting).

Don't need to spent the price as shown in your link, many other places sell these for way less than $100 (ebay is one choice).

ThatWatchGirl wrote:I travel a lot and constantly see this advertised... Is it worthwhile or just a crock? Anyone know?

http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=102700431&c=

I may do one of these one day...

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/07/how-to-diy-10-macro-photo-studio.html

Frankly, both the pic and the watch look great.

As for that skymall photo setup rig: It's not a crock, but it is vastly overpriced. I have several friends who are pro photogs; the concept behind the kit is correct, but it's limited - foghorn's ideas are on the money. You'd be shocked what you can do with various regular household items as backdrops and faux snooges.

In my opinion the light-box in the sky-mall mag is way overpriced. Much better deals on E-bay for the same items.

I also agree with Temerity-B, I don't use a light box. I shoot my watches mainly outdoors. Search for scenic spots in the shade on sunny days or pick out spots to use on the overcast ones.

You will be amazed what you can use for nice backdrops (items around the house) without spending a lot of money. Just use your artistic side and get creative. Happy Shooting.

Love the watch. Thanks for sharing.

ThatWatchGirl wrote:I travel a lot and constantly see this advertised... Is it worthwhile or just a crock? Anyone know?

http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=102700431&c=

I think Tim Temple and Jim Skelton use that. Ask them about it. They also like to use photoshop, so you may want to mix that into the conversation too.

Nice cod....