New "studio lights" nad some results.

[wojtas_13]

This is it:

Effects:

Pimped Fehrman:

Some tacticals:

And Spyders:

Some conclusions.

Photos are stright from camera (changed resolution on a computer).

Photos should be a "click" lighter.
I should install two more lights at sides, the raw steel wouldn't be overburn (Spyderco picts). I should also turn off computer screen, some "blue" light apeard on raw steel.

Lamps have 150W bulbs.

Any comments?

Hope it's not a product placement .

 

[TALEL]

This is it:

Effects:

Pimped Fehrman:

Some tacticals:

And Spyders:

Some conclusions.

Photos are stright from camera (changed resolution on a computer).

Photos should be a "click" lighter.
I should install two more lights at sides, the raw steel wouldn't be overburn (Spyderco picts). I should also turn off computer screen, some "blue" light apeard on raw steel.

Lamps have 150W bulbs.

Any comments?

Hope it's not a product placement .

what can I say ????!!!!!
nice collection.....

 

[jtice]

Nice photos, and nice knives !

Thats pretty much the exact setup I used to run,
but with two 500 watt halogens.

I found it lit things well, but I am picky about color retention, and always took a bit of time tweeking the color balance.

Now, I am using remote slave flashes.
They do aLOT better job of getting the colors right.
Plus it is alot easier to move them around, or hold them in different positions to change the lighting angles.
Once you learn how to prevent flash glare, it works out great.

Here are a few I took. Think these were all with the flashes.

yea, I know, they arent knives, I havent started the new knife photos yet.
Waiting on the Ranger RD9 to arrive

Here is the slave flash I am using.
http://cgi.ebay.com/PRO-SLR-SLAVE-F...618309573QQcategoryZ48515QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

~John

 

[PerformanceFirst]

The pictures are pretty noisy. I did this too, but I just used a couple of desk lamps with 40 or 60 watt bulbs and mine came out similarly noisy. I suspect part of it is just having a point and shoot camera, and it can be taken care of with a computer anyway.

 

[HTMD]

I think your light diffusing material suspended above the knives is blocking much of the light plus the wrinkles could be an issue depending upon what blades you're shooting.

You might try something more translucent like drafting ('tracing') paper as commonly used by architects, draftsmen and artists. I get mine from an art supply store in 50 foot rolls by 36 inches wide. It's useful to have a roll of the paper since it will tear easily, become wrinkled or dirty and then need to be replaced. It works well on the sides as well as above the knives.

While you're at it, get some white foam board or a mirror. Use either or both to reflect light from your primary sources back onto the knife in areas that are darkened by shadows or need more illumination. This will also give you more freedom to experiment with light placement.

These things plus a lot of experimentation will likely give you excellent results regardless of the camera you're using, assuming you're producing images only for the net. If you're aiming for quality prints at high resolution the camera and lens requirements (as well as the cost) go up sharply.

 

[jtice]

I used to used sheets of white printer paper over my halogen lights.
Helped take some glare off, and make the light more evenly spread.

 

[nozh2002]

Best diffusion material - trash bags. However I don't think that light box is good solution to make knife pictures. You better point lights from different directions. Like put side lights way down to eliminates shadows.

In this case light sourse is pretty wide, so you may not have atually sharp shadows, so no need for diffusion filters.

Thanks, Vassili.

 

[PerformanceFirst]

I experimented with a light box some more. Here's the results. I had a fairly thick sheet with two desk lamps on either side. I also had a 3rd desk lamp with a piece of kleenex draped over it shining directly on the knife. I adjusted the curves in Photoshop and ran it through Neat Image to get rid of noise. Neat Image really killed the detail, notice the wood grain on the handle. It's darker on the right because it's cropped and my camera produces vignetting. Got any tips for me? I know the entire knife isn't in focus. Sorry for jacking your thread, wojtas_13.

And yes, that's one of those Winchester-branded fixed blades.

 

[wojtas_13]

Thanks for the hints. These photos was only for testing new lights.
For sure I'll use some thinner fabric. And next setup will be on a table, so I'll try to experiment with my favourite back and side light.

Noise came with saveing files for web.

 

[severedthumbs]

The pictures are pretty noisy. I did this too, but I just used a couple of desk lamps with 40 or 60 watt bulbs and mine came out similarly noisy. I suspect part of it is just having a point and shoot camera, and it can be taken care of with a computer anyway.

the pictures really aren't that noisy.

 

[Daniel Koster]

The best diffused light comes from two sources: 1 - direct diffused light (ie. light shining through a cloth/bag/whatever and 2 - indirect "reflected" light.

You don't have enough of #1 and very little #2 and so your pictures aren't as "bright" as they could be.

Move your lights closer to your cloth and put some reflectors on the sides.

But, in general, you are headed in the right direction.

:thumbup:

 

[ranger88]

I experimented with a light box some more. Here's the results. I had a fairly thick sheet with two desk lamps on either side. I also had a 3rd desk lamp with a piece of kleenex draped over it shining directly on the knife. I adjusted the curves in Photoshop and ran it through Neat Image to get rid of noise. Neat Image really killed the detail, notice the wood grain on the handle. It's darker on the right because it's cropped and my camera produces vignetting. Got any tips for me? I know the entire knife isn't in focus. Sorry for jacking your thread, wojtas_13.

And yes, that's one of those Winchester-branded fixed blades.

And just what's wrong with a Winchester knife? Yes, It's a bit smallish, But i like mine. Good work by the way.

 

[PerformanceFirst]

Nothing "wrong" with it, but many are quick to call knives like it off brand junk since it's of questionable origin, steel, heat treat, etc. I rather like it too, especially how it looks. Thanks for the props.