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WIP photo poll
- Thread starter Burt Foster
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 31, 2005
- Messages
- 436
Burt, are you kidding ? Did you think a single minute that we could say "no, please, don't bother us with to many pictures..." ?
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2003
- Messages
- 270
OK guys. Sounds good. I'll put the first few together....
Here's the thread:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=616035
Here's the thread:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=616035
Last edited:
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2006
- Messages
- 13,363
the more the merrier. :thumbup:
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2008
- Messages
- 19
As a novice maker, and an information and how to junkie, I say open the flood gates!
Bring forth thine efforts noble smith!
Bring forth thine efforts noble smith!
- Joined
- May 9, 2000
- Messages
- 29,205
The more photos, the more educational it will be.
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2002
- Messages
- 1,705
OK, I'll be the contrarian.
Burt - This is like a concert where the fans would keep the musicians on stage and performing all night if they could. And that's a whole lotta work for not much payback.
Here are a couple of different thoughts:
- It depends on your goal. Too many pictures will definitely cause some people to pass on a WIP (or other photo intense) thread. It can be a "data dump" that simply exceeds a not-insignificant-number of folks' attention spans. If the goal is to draw positive attention to the inner workings of your art and craft, IMHO that goal is served just as well with fewer (and more thoughtfully selected) images. As a collector, I'd prefer a short series of images showing that you put the quality and attention to detail inside the knife as well as on the outside. It supports above average prices for your work and separates you from your true peers who also work at your very high level in this business.
- Now, if your goal is to teach fellow knifemakers including some of the above posters, you'd be better off putting that energy into a video (and/or print) series and then offering it for sale. It's about ROI (return on investment).
Burt - This is like a concert where the fans would keep the musicians on stage and performing all night if they could. And that's a whole lotta work for not much payback.
Here are a couple of different thoughts:
- It depends on your goal. Too many pictures will definitely cause some people to pass on a WIP (or other photo intense) thread. It can be a "data dump" that simply exceeds a not-insignificant-number of folks' attention spans. If the goal is to draw positive attention to the inner workings of your art and craft, IMHO that goal is served just as well with fewer (and more thoughtfully selected) images. As a collector, I'd prefer a short series of images showing that you put the quality and attention to detail inside the knife as well as on the outside. It supports above average prices for your work and separates you from your true peers who also work at your very high level in this business.
- Now, if your goal is to teach fellow knifemakers including some of the above posters, you'd be better off putting that energy into a video (and/or print) series and then offering it for sale. It's about ROI (return on investment).
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2002
- Messages
- 12,297
Pictures are good but don't forget about us poor souls who live where DSL isn't available 
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2006
- Messages
- 1,061
I know that a pic heavy WIP thread is alot of work on the maker, but as far as a reader and viewer it's not possible to have to many pics
I agree. I'd like to see all the pics with a brief description of what is photo'd as you have done so far. I do understand this is a lot of work though.
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2001
- Messages
- 12,347
WIP photos are informative and educate the buying public. They are journalism. I love them as much as the next guy.
But, the final knife in completed form should NOT be shown. That's right.
You only get one chance to make a first impression. I suggest holding back showing the completed knife until it's done, and you have taken drop-dead photos of it. (Burt, you have shown you are capable.) This is advertising, not journalism. Most excited makers make this critical mistake.
Then, SLAM us with the final presentation!
:thumbup:
From one who understands.
Coop
But, the final knife in completed form should NOT be shown. That's right.
You only get one chance to make a first impression. I suggest holding back showing the completed knife until it's done, and you have taken drop-dead photos of it. (Burt, you have shown you are capable.) This is advertising, not journalism. Most excited makers make this critical mistake.
Then, SLAM us with the final presentation!
:thumbup:From one who understands.
Coop
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2003
- Messages
- 270
Buddy, good thoughts. I had no intention of taking this many when I started. You shoot a lot and throw out a lot, but I found that I came up with a lot of cool photos, and each one showed part of the process.
I had no intention of dumping the unedited contents of my camera's memory card on the good folks here, but I thought it would be interesting to see what the reaction was to a really thorough photo diary - especially if I could keep the image standard high. And though makers will likely see things they want to steal, uh I mean use, I actually was thinking of collectors as much as makers. So much of what we do as bladesmiths (and even stock removal makers) has a lot of "ooohhh" factor with the fire and the sparks and all that good stuff. Just though I might catch good photos.
For instance, this photo:
I mean, no one's going to learn anything from this photo, and I'm the world's worst welder to boot, but it's a cool shot and educational or informational or not, I like looking at it.
Give me your thoughts as the thread plays out.
I had no intention of dumping the unedited contents of my camera's memory card on the good folks here, but I thought it would be interesting to see what the reaction was to a really thorough photo diary - especially if I could keep the image standard high. And though makers will likely see things they want to steal, uh I mean use, I actually was thinking of collectors as much as makers. So much of what we do as bladesmiths (and even stock removal makers) has a lot of "ooohhh" factor with the fire and the sparks and all that good stuff. Just though I might catch good photos.
For instance, this photo:
I mean, no one's going to learn anything from this photo, and I'm the world's worst welder to boot, but it's a cool shot and educational or informational or not, I like looking at it.
Give me your thoughts as the thread plays out.
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2005
- Messages
- 275
Burt, we all like to see WIP pictures, so send them on.
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2003
- Messages
- 270
You hit the nail, Coop. Nothing's worse than getting all worked up for a big finale and the last photo of the completed knife is a quick snapshot. I'd never do that to you Jim!