New sword, new photographer.

K

Kevin R. Cashen

Joined
Sep 9, 2003
Messages
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hsg10.jpg


I just finished a European piece from around the 4th -5th century and as always needed it photographed but, as always, was in a huge time crunch. Many of my best pieces have went out the door with no photo record because the way I work often has the customer chomping at the bit for shipping and I have never like the idea of shipping a customers brand new blades all around the country to anybody but them. This has always left me in a bind that has me driving all over the country and trying to match my schedule with the photographers regularlyfeatured in knife publications.

So last week I had one of those paradigm shifts in my way of thinking the problem out. I doubt anybody could make a lucrative living from just snapping photos for knifemakers, so I asked myself, why not see if there are any really good product photographers in my area? I looked up some in the Lansing area and found a website that had impressive pictures of glassware and I thought to myself- if this guy can shoot glass, he can shoot blades.

Well I gave him a call and was surprised to find how eager this guy was to work with me, so I made the 35 minute drive to his studio to discuss things. When I arrived I found out why he was so accommodating- the guy really digs swords and had actually attended a lecture I did at MSU with Hank Reinhardt back in 1996!

The actual shoot was a real joy, almost a collaborative effort, although he is definitely the expert. Since the guy guarantees your satisfaction anyhow, allowing me to look into the viewfinder before the final shutter snap was no problem. As we looked though his props and backgrounds we found an old weathered map of the Roman Empire and both had that eureka moment about how well it would go with this sword. To top it off he set up an FTP online so I instantly had my picture one week after the shoot.

Anyhow to make a long story short, I know –too late, I got my sword photographed and only had to travel as far as I normally do to get tools, welding supplies, or a good single malt, and I am helping out another Michigan business (we need all the help we can get here).

Oh, and the sword- O1/L6 (with a hint of O2 for accent), buffalo horn handle, with real bronze fittings.;)
 
I have about 30, "how did you do ........." questions and thats before I get to the blade !

thats a real piece of art:thumbup:
 
I never cease to be amazed when you post a bit of your work, sir. If I ever get even halfway to your level, I will consider mine to have been a good life!
 
Simply gorgeous. Thanks for taking the time to get it photographed and sharing the results.
 
Not too shabby. It's what happens when talent and hard work get together. Superlatives don't quite do justice to your creation. The sobriquet "National Treasure" comes to mind.
 
Kevin, once again I am seriously impressed!
Nice work, and as a professional photographer myself, your choice of photographer seems to be a good one.

-Page
 
Your work, as always, appears outstanding. I'm not always a big fan of pattern welding, but I'm really digging this.

I like the photography, I think it is competently done, and I applaud you for using a local business. I do feel some of the folks who specialize in knife photography may have more experience placing highlights on knives (perhaps because they're knife nuts and look at them the same way I do) and the composition looks a little different than I'm accustomed, but overall I think your crafty plan worked out very well.
 
I know from experience how hard it is to get a perfect finish on Buffalo horn. Sand and sand and sand and sand and...oh, gott'a snap out'a it!

Beautiful sword, Kevin, an all around beauty!

Dave
 
Wow fantastic piece! The pics do the sword justice. It was nice to meet and chat a bit at the Troy hammer-in. How was the photographers prices compared to "knife" photographers?
 
As always Kevin, I'm in awe of your work. What are the odds that this one will be shown off at Ashokan? :)

-d
 
oh gosh that's gorgeous!

nice photography too that guy is a keeper, kudos for going local too!
 
Kevin,

It's not just the sword, the handle and it's fittings, but the sheath as well. Thanks for the picture.

John
 
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