Take a look ... tell me what you think

[FreeStar Houston]

Something I'm trying to work on is merchandise and art photography. Having worked in a museum, I really got to appreciate how things look on film, and I want to learn how to really do it right. I sat down tonight and worked on glare and reflections.

Take a look at this shot. Aside from the driftwood being too close in color to the watch, I really like it. I think I did a good job for the most part, and the front of the box it was in is barely visible in the glass.



This next one has a few flaws as far as reflections go. You can see a doorframe and a picture on the wall and the DOF is a little off, but my goal was to work on shooting the engraving. Talk about tough. I tried all kinds of different angles, gobos and other tricks. This was the best one, but the date is still pretty hard to read.





What do you think?

[divetex]

I think you did a very good job on this. Perhaps the background lacks a little contrast with the wood and watch, whereas using a dark green background might help a little. Other than that nit-pick from me, it's a great job on your part!

[FreeStar Houston]

Thanks for the feedback. I shot it with a 150mm at 1/2.5 ISO 400 f/11. The DOF is razor-thin, so short of buying another lense, I'll try backing up a coupls of feet and cropping it down.

[3n-Out]

I think a little USM would do wonders to these shots. Of course I'm the king of USM.. I am known to use a weeeee bit to much...but who cares! :)

[johnastovall]

Get a CP filter to knock down the reflections....

[SCone]

I'd put the whole set-up in a light tent. Helps get rid of shadows & gives a soft even light.

Nice composition, I like the fob. Did you take with the fob as the main subject?

[venchka]

You'll want a proper macro lens sooner or later. Something like this...



Disclaimer: I wish it were my photograph. A link to someone elses's photograph.

Keep up the good work.

[FreeStar Houston]

I had it in a tent with a light on each side at different angles. The left was pointing down and the right was at the same level as the subject. For the first one I used a bounce flash to camera right. The fob wasn't the main subject, but my DOF and setup kind of made it look that way. I think next time I will have the fob laying next to the watch.

For the second pic I had to turn on overhead lighting in the room (separated by the tent). Without it, the watch just reflected the blackness behind me and looked really bad.

A proper macro lens is definitely on my Christmas list.

[venchka]

Then you're gonna need a bigger camera.

Where does it all end?

[FreeStar Houston]

Where does it all end?

I know, right ... I've learned that photography is to my bank account like an addict is to crack.

[swanny338]

Nice looking shot. I like the idea just needs some fine tuning.

If you look at any photos of watches in magazine ads, online ads... You will find that almost all of them have the hands set at 10:10. That is where the hands seem to look the best.

[Photogasim]

Nice work. I have very little experience in still, product photography. However, I would tend to be careful with backgrounds, and props that distract from the subject to be photographed. It's sort of like the drummer in a band. Unless you are a drummer, he is just he guy in the back who can't sit still. He is the sizzle, NOT the steak. So, with that in mind, The background, or the props, should not draw attention to itself. You should hardly notice it. It should always be a subtle complement.

[bondarnes]

Keep in mind with reflective objects it is up to you to decide what you want it to reflect. Usually when using a tent like this the front is closed with an opening only large enough for the lens.