"Best Knife Photos: 2010"

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David asked at the top, "What distinguishes a truly great (knife) photograph?"
Naturally there's no single answer but this very fine image by Coop stands out and there are two BIG reasons why - things you might not be aware of consciously.

The first has to do with the "Rule of Thirds." Take Coop's image and divide it into thirds, both vertically and horizontally. The dividing lines intersect about half-way toward each corner of the frame. The point here is that our human eye finds it more pleasing when the key focus points in the image are off-center. In Coop's image, two of the 4 intersections fall roughly over the center of the two hilts. Sure it's a beautiful piece of work on a gorgeous red background, but that's only mildly relevant. The composition of the image is critical. Don't be a slave to the rule of thirds, but respect the fact that in most instances its observation results in a better image.

Second, concerns the use of converging/diverging lines in arranging the knife/sheath and whatever else is in the frame. Again, using Coop's shot above, draw a line through the long axis of each sword and through the length of each guard. Imagine the various lines crossing outside the photograph somewhere. This creates a sense of depth or 3d-like effect. But the real power of converging/diverging lines is that it divides the frame up into triangles and triangles, it turns out, are very attractive to the human eye. In a painting or photograph they create sloping lines which have greater appeal than straight up and down or perfectly horizontal arrangements, which always make for a boring image.


Sure, there are other reasons this is a wonderful knife photograph, but IMHO, Coop made terrific use of two major design concepts that virtually guarantee a superior composition or 'layout.' Building on that with skillful lighting and good color balance gets one closer to the goal of a great image. The rest comes from one's unique creativity, knowing when to break the rules, and all the technical stuff like avoiding lens flare, perfecting focus and managing depth of field etc., etc., etc.

This is a different way of looking at the subject, not the only way, but certainly one useful and valid way of beginning to sort out what makes for a great knife photograph.
 
This was a good idea. It's just so hard for me to take in the picture as a whole, and the sill of the photographer in presenting all the fine points of the knife, without letting some of the more beautiful knives prejudice my opinion based solely upon the knife, itself. I'd love to see what some of these photogs can do with some mundane factory knife to really make it pop. Since I doubt anyone wants to do that, this will be a tough choice for me -- lots of beautiful pics and knives!
 
Buddy is pointing out things that, as he said, is often unconscious in understanding. I did not give it this much linear foresight, but after a gazillion images, I'd like to think I know what 'looks right'.

That is what you are seeing here. It's a great learning opportunity to view an image and really ponder why it appeals. More often than not there are visual 'rules' which come into being.

BB, without question the knife often supercedes the image. Not always. I often say: A Superstar knife makes ME look good! So true. But....

Let's look at two examples I did in 2009 of a relatively plain knife:

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orig.jpg


Both are clear, but the bottom photo has more depth and interest. (It also has more information as we see the spine.)

The sky is the limit. :D

Coop
 
Great example, Coop. It took me forever it seems, to finally grasp what you just illustrated.
I have to amend my hyperbole from above and agree with you that a truly outstanding knife, capable of grabbing the viewer's attention and holding it to the point that not much else about the image matters - that is photographer heaven right there - piece-o-cake. :thumbup:
 
BowieBooster said:
...see what some of these photogs can do with some mundane factory knife to really make it pop.
Click to expand...
While certainly not a mundane factory knife, this one shares some features such as the absence of glamorous and decorative enhancements. That exposes the basic lines of the knife - and you can't mess with those - no,no. What I did here is plant blurred uneven lines in the background as contrast against this knife's super-crisp lines, but in a way that is more or less unconscious to the viewer. Hopefully the viewer simply goes, "Wow, look at those lines. That baby is bad. I want one." (I love this knife. It belongs to my oldest son.)

orig.jpg
 
^^^ Brilliant. Effective. Unknowing.

Coop
 
I just got around to looking at this thread..and I see that John mentioned my work as a 'previous' semi-pro. Yeah I've done a lot of underwater stuff, taking pictures in very difficult situations as well as a lot of tough work on insects in Costa Rican rain forests.. but nothing has defeated me like knife photography. Other than the strobe work I've done underwater, I've never had to use much artificial light and it has been challenging for me. The thing I notice about the work of Coop and Ward and others isn't so much the compositions... which are wonderful... but I'm continually blown away by the clarity, sharpness and richness of detail in their work. When I first saw this stuff... my first impression was 'Hasselblad' or '8x10'... Anyway.... I have so much to learn.. and looking through this thread is humbling indeed.
 
How often, if at all, are professionals employing digital backgrounds such as Dr. Darom has shown? Is it possible to mimic a really good natural appearing background this way?

Coop, on your last two images - selecting the bottom photo, would you normally paste in one or two more cropped images such as spine or a notewothy detail?
David
 
Wow...some amazing pictures. Like any form of true art it has you questioning...how did they do that?!

Thanks for sharing and thanks for the tips for us newbies, I'm afraid knife photography has been a necessary evil to the trade because of our location. I'm inspired to put more time into learning the basics.


-HD
 
2knife said:
How often, if at all, are professionals employing digital backgrounds such as Dr. Darom has shown?

There are at least three other examples in this thread identified as digital backgrounds. Read again.

Is it possible to mimic a really good natural appearing background this way?

Funny, this question comes at me often. Crazily people always ask me if MY images have digital backgrounds. I do not like this question, no more than a maker likes being asked if he buys pre-ground blades. That said, yes. It is possible. After all the time spent in cutting out the inserts and applying a shadow, it is not easier, but harder. ;)

Coop, on your last two images - selecting the bottom photo, would you normally paste in one or two more cropped images such as spine or a notewothy detail?

Not sure what you are asking. There is no 'normal', sometimes that image alone is best. I would prefer using the upper image for insets, if needed.
David
Click to expand...

Coop.
 
Scott, Haley: Thanks for YOUR input. We ALL learn. :thumbup:

Coop
 
Thanks Coop, and sorry - i should have been more clear asking about digital photos. I was wondering to what extent what we see is digital vs. traditional backgrounds-? In other words, is it usually just that obvious?

On the perspective - i see what you meant about adding a depth in the 2 photos, but to me if the angle is increased as here:
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you lose or sacrifice something in the true picture of the profile/ handle and blade, which only becomes obvious to me in the first photo- though it also presents the knife in a very sterile way.
david
 
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Here's one of Adam's first twisted damascus chopper, it was taken outside on a cloudy day. The background is a nautical chart of our area, Excursion Inlet.

TwistedChopper.jpg
 
that is a GREAT picture:thumbup:
 
Yes, beautiful and crystal clear knife photo.
The background works well too IMO.
Any photos of the entire chopper?
Looks like quite a knife from what's showing.
 
Kevin Jones said:
Yes, beautiful and crystal clear knife photo.
The background works well too IMO.
Any photos of the entire chopper?
Looks like quite a knife from what's showing.
Click to expand...

I do have some... not that great I'm afraid, this was my first attempt at composition:o I have yet to master so many angles of damascus. My only consolation is that the customer will be delighted to find the knife is even cooler in person:)

IceBear.jpg


Here's another outdoors one just for fun...

Titan.jpg


-HD
 
Thanks for sharing that fine piece with us.
Don't know that I've seen much of Adam's damascus.
Particularly like the long clip and the fileworked spacer
adds a nice variation from the damascus.
Nice image as you picked up the pattern quite well.
 
Dear all. Thank you very much for the interesting topic, nice photos and useful discussion. :thumbup:
I would like to show you work of knife photographers from Russia. We would like to find out your opinion.
Please do not criticize it heavily due to first time ... :)



To be continued ... ;)
 
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