Critique my photgraphy

[Spots]

Ok so one side of making and selling knives is obviously being able to make a quality product. But the other side is advertising. This is a set I'm thinking about making into an ad, but I need to know if the pictures are decent, and how to tweak my techniques and backgrounds for better ones. Thanks guys

This is a set I'm calling "The Johnny Reb" collection

[img]http://i535.photobucket.com/albums/ee356/tnplowboy07/Jess%20pics/knivesandsuch035.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i535.photobucket.com/albums/ee356/tnplowboy07/Jess%20pics/knivesandsuch033.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i535.photobucket.com/albums/ee356/tnplowboy07/Jess%20pics/knivesandsuch032.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i535.photobucket.com/albums/ee356/tnplowboy07/Jess%20pics/knivesandsuch028.jpg[/img] Edited November 6, 2012 by Flatwoods Forge

[xRUSTYx]

You need a Light Box and a software called Light Room.

Whenever taking pictures of a single object that are relatively small, a Light Box will really make them pop and bring out all the fine details which I'm pretty sure, you want to be able to capture.

From your pictures -- Although neat, really don't capture the fine detail.

Example (From My Own Collection)

[img]http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o148/xcashmerex/Firearms/MK9-7.jpg[/img] Edited November 6, 2012 by xRUSTYx

[Spots]

I'm googling light box plans now..... that picture is awesome, thats what I need to be able to show my customers....

[xRUSTYx]

Ideally, light room can adjust color saturation to make your green's & brown's pop a bit more ... But I still feel, with something like a knife, gun, holster, etc.... A light box is ideal

[JohnC]

Background is distracting. Close as you can go and soften the background (either lens bokeh or blur tool in post processing).

[xRUSTYx]

[quote name='Flatwoods Forge' timestamp='1352231597' post='840210']
I'm googling light box plans now..... that picture is awesome, thats what I need to be able to show my customers....
[/quote]

The light box used is one of the cheapies found on ebay. I think I payed a whopping $30-$40 bucks several years ago. I'd say its made it's money back

Don't cheap out on a camera & software either. What are you using as far as camera & software?

[Spots]

Camera and software..... I'm using a cheap camera, and those pics are straight off the SD card. So it would seem I need some serious help.

Heres my camera specs

http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/camera/specification/566/show.html

Is light room a good software thats not going to overwhelm a beginner?

[xRUSTYx]

My wife knew NOTHING about photography .... And was able to learn light room relatively easily. Light Room is a good entry point for Photoshop & Beyond.

http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-lightroom.html

Your camera seems to be your weak point. My wife runs a Cannon Rebel XTi, and I run a NIKON D3000. Both are 3-4 years old now, but still take quality pictures.

With Cyber Monday coming up, and camera's being fazed out left and right -- I'm sure you can find a good deal. A budget of $400-$500 will get you exactly what you need.

[xRUSTYx]

This is what I run here at my office. I bought this back when it was a bit more expensive:

[url="http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D3000-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6G/dp/B002JCSV5I/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1352232608&sr=1-1&keywords=NIKON+D3000"]http://www.amazon.co...rds=NIKON D3000[/url]

$444.00 and you have a camera that can pretty much do anything you need it to

Looks like you can find used ones for about $275 - $300 ... I'd scour Craigslist to find one

Edited November 6, 2012 by xRUSTYx

[jcj]

[quote name='xRUSTYx' timestamp='1352232669' post='840232']This is what I run here at my office. I bought this back when it was a bit more expensive:

[url="http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D3000-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6G/dp/B002JCSV5I/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1352232608&sr=1-1&keywords=NIKON+D3000"]http://www.amazon.co...rds=NIKON D3000[/url]

$444.00 and you have a camera that can pretty much do anything you need it to

Looks like you can find used ones for about $275 - $300 ... I'd scour Craigslist to find one [/quote]

This...and a 50mm f1.8 prime lens. Should do nicely for this type of photography.

Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

[Spots]

I'll have to wait on spending the cash on the camera and on the software. We are a one income family right now, with to many bills to count due to a stupid youth. I'm loving the advice though. All of this stuff will help. I don't really plan to make photography even a hobby, right now I just need to be able to produce quality photos that make my products look as good as possible. All of this is a lil overwhelming, I had no idea there was so much to it. Looks like I'll have to start saving for a camera, software, and a light box setup. Edited November 6, 2012 by Flatwoods Forge

[S&WForty]

If you're a beginner, starting with Adobe PS Elements may be better. It's like Photoshop, Jr. It's usually under $100 even available at Walmart some times.

I have dabbled with trial versions of LR, but I still feel more comfortable tweaking with my old copy of PS CS4. LR really shines for pro's processing a ton of photos in a hurry. One friend used to work with PS CS5 exclusively, but now he post-processes a few hundred photos in an hour or so with LR and only uses PS for more intensive work on a select few photos.

If you plan to get more and more involved, you can pay more now for LR and consider it investing in your future.

[S&WForty]

[quote name='jcj' timestamp='1352232858' post='840235']

This...and a 50mm f1.8 prime lens. Should do nicely for this type of photography. [/quote]

Gotta love the depth of field from the f/1.8 lenses!

I recommend buying from B&H Photo or Adorama in NY. Excellent prices and customer service.

[xRUSTYx]

[quote name='jcj' timestamp='1352232858' post='840235']
This...and a 50mm f1.8 prime lens. Should do nicely for this type of photography.
[/quote]

[quote name='S&WForty' timestamp='1352233376' post='840245']
Gotta love the depth of field from the f/1.8 lenses!

I recommend buying from B&H Photo or Adorama in NY. Excellent prices and customer service.
[/quote]

+3 .... f/1.8 is one of my fav's.

B&H is a great company should you decide to get equipment

[peejman]

[quote name='S&WForty' timestamp='1352233376' post='840245']
Gotta love the depth of field from the f/1.8 lenses!

I recommend buying from B&H Photo or Adorama in NY. Excellent prices and customer service.
[/quote]

Another vote for B&H.

Check out their used gear... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/SLR-Digital-Cameras/ci/15488/N/4294182649

Here's the camera body .... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800902314-USE/Canon_2756b001_EOS_Rebel_XSi_Digital.html

And here's the lens.... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/740785-REF/Canon_2514A007AA_Normal_EF_50mm_f_1_8.html

Under $400 combined. And +1 to everything Rusty said.

[JohnC]

If you register, Nikon Cafe is a good forum to get ideas from.

Here is the gun & knife thread over there: http://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=296973

This one is mine, but it's a bit slow as it is still kind of new: http://photographyaficionados.com/forums

[R_Bert]

[quote name='Flatwoods Forge' timestamp='1352232861' post='840236']
I'll have to wait on spending the cash on the camera and on the software. We are a one income family right now, with to many bills to count due to a stupid youth. I'm loving the advice though. All of this stuff will help. I don't really plan to make photography even a hobby, right now I just need to be able to produce quality photos that make my products look as good as possible. All of this is a lil overwhelming, I had no idea there was so much to it. Looks like I'll have to start saving for a camera, software, and a light box setup.
[/quote]

Your products are portable.

Check around for family, friends, folks in church that can produce some decent photos for you to get started. For the price of pizza and beer, or a expertise swap (oil change, etc), you can get what you need. You may also find someone who is interested in your handi-work and your dad's place just for the photography opportunities in your collections, or the Belgian draft hoss.

[Steelharp]

You seem to have omitted the scantily clad models...

[G27ATT]

The knife in that second picture is amazing. Do you have a website? Thanks

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

[Spots]

[quote name='G27ATT' timestamp='1352250816' post='840478']
The knife in that second picture is amazing. Do you have a website? Thanks

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2
[/quote]

Yes here it is http://flatwoodsforge.webs.com/. For now I also sell through a local knife shop, and online through this forum. Thanks for the compliment Edited November 7, 2012 by Flatwoods Forge

[Guest Broomhead]

If I were closer, you'd be set in photography. Another hobby I dabble in. I'm a semi-pro, I've been paid for work, and I've been published...in my daughter's school yearbooks.

On things like this, you want your background to be mostly solid, like just the haybale and nothing else. Try taking your photos outside in the morning or afternoon when the light is the best. A lot of folk use the cut/flat end of stumps or large logs. If there were more light, I'd tell you to use the anvil as your background. You want your backdrop/ground to fill the frame. Edited November 7, 2012 by Broomhead

[jcj]

[quote name='Flatwoods Forge' timestamp='1352232861' post='840236']I'll have to wait on spending the cash on the camera and on the software. We are a one income family right now, with to many bills to count due to a stupid youth. I'm loving the advice though. All of this stuff will help. I don't really plan to make photography even a hobby, right now I just need to be able to produce quality photos that make my products look as good as possible. All of this is a lil overwhelming, I had no idea there was so much to it. Looks like I'll have to start saving for a camera, software, and a light box setup.[/quote]

I happen to have access to a good camera and the aforementioned lens. I'm not a pro, but I can take some decent shots. If you're not too far away maybe I could come out and shoot a few for you? Like I said, I'm no pro, but I'm willing to help if we can work out the logistics.


Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

[Spots]

[quote name='jcj' timestamp='1352261024' post='840706']


I happen to have access to a good camera and the aforementioned lens. I'm not a pro, but I can take some decent shots. If you're not too far away maybe I could come out and shoot a few for you? Like I said, I'm no pro, but I'm willing to help if we can work out the logistics.


Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
[/quote]




If your in La Follette just north of lake city then your about 20 min out from my old mans shop. You'll have a pm incoming about some pictures. Thanks man

[East_TN_Patriot]

You can do quite a bit with Picasa from Google. It's free and does the basic stuff you need to crop and tune photos. One bit of advice, shoot the shot wide and then crop it down.

[C.lunn]

You can make a decent lightbox out of 2-3 sheets of white poster board and a 2 continuous lights. Your problem will be your camera like ever else has said.