Photography & Guns?

[DaveTN]

How many here are into photography and firearms?

I just built my first light box yesterday and tried it out tonight.

I’m not really happy with the results yet, I think I need different (and more) light.

Aren’t guns great models? They don’t move, don’t gripe, and you don’t have to pay them.

Here are my first attempts at using a light box. Shot with a Canon 20D, 580EX Speedlite, Sigma 18-50 EX Macro.

Post some interesting stuff.

And here is my DIY light box.

x

[nightrunner]

very nice photos!

oh, and the models dont complain if you fondle and fool around with them after your done taking photos:D

[Guest bkelm18]

Very nice. I'm into photography as well, but never built a light box. Something I've been meaning to look into.

[Mike.357]

THE LIGHT BOX LOOKS AWESOME AND VERY EFFECTIVE.

sorry caps, yikes

The pic looks a slight (very slight) bit blurry. I was expecting a more hi-def type pic, not a snapshot. ( not trying to be critical, yanno)

Also maybe try colored lights. I see some pics in gun rags that almost seem to have neon lighting. Makes for a good reflection.

[DaveTN]

THE LIGHT BOX LOOKS AWESOME AND VERY EFFECTIVE.

Thanks.

The pic looks a slight (very slight) bit blurry.

Have you been drinking again?

I was expecting a more hi-def type pic, not a snapshot. ( not trying to be critical, yanno)

Be critical. I’m certainly no professional.

These are unprocessed, as shot, except for resizing them down for the forum. I was playing with the light and white balance.

Also maybe try colored lights. I see some pics in gun rags that almost seem to have neon lighting. Makes for a good reflection.

I have all kinds of ideas for some cool shots.

[Mike.357]

I assume the pics were digital. Is the camera set to the highest resolution and whatnot?

Have you been drinking again?

Is it a day of the week that ends in Y ?

[DaveTN]

I assume the pics were digital. Is the camera set to the highest resolution and whatnot?

Those are mere thumbnails of the originals. I reduced them because the forum software does it anyway.

If it didn’t most here would not be able to view the originals without using slider bars. I can’t and I have a 24†widescreen monitor.

Here is a sample of the focus….

[StumpyBeagle]

Great shots. I love both as well. I have been into (very amateur) photography for several years. Couple of suggestions on your light box, I noticed you were using the clamp on lights for your light source and the metal reflectors can make the light look a bit harsh and uneven, if you paint the inside of the reflectors bright white it helps to tone it down a bit. Also if you are using a anti-vibration lens (not sure what Canon calls their version. I am a Nikon user and they call it VR for vibration reduction) turn that off while using a tripod it actually causes a blurry pictures since there is no movement of the camera and lens.

[Guest tlondon]

the pics are good but I like the gun better!!!

[Oh Shoot]

Main prob seems to be color balance.

What are the bulbs?

- OS

[TGO David]

I am very much into photography but it tends to almost be a seasonal thing for me. Fall, Winter and early Spring lend themselves well to really enjoyable outdoor photography.

My current rig is built around a Canon EOS 30D but I've been giving some serious thought to upgrading the body to a 40D.

[Guest mtsusean]

Photoshop will do a lot of corrections but nothing will replace the initial capture.

I'm applauding you on the setup. The softbox looks good.

Eliminating the harsh shadow is going to be key to success.

I would try turning off the overhead fluorescent. You're competing with different temperatures of light for one thing, and you're competing with your hot lights.

See if you can get that speedlight off-camera. It is your friend.

The macro lens is a good start. While this is the internet, and not print, you still need to do a little sharpening with the file. It was mentioned to turn off VR if that is applicable. I don't know that macro lenses have any VR built-in but try that.

I think it's a good start, there is a lot you can do with that set-up. The camera will behave, just need to tell it what to do.

[Guest GUTTERbOY]

White balance definitely seems to be an issue for all three pictures. Would I be correct in assuming that you're using preset WB modes on your camera? If so, check and see if your camera can do evaluative WB. (it should be able to) This allows you to point the camera at a known white surface with your expected light conditions, and then the camera evaluates the lighting and sets the WB accordingly. It's a better method for setting WB than the preset modes, if you're shooting in consistent light.

Keep up the good work; gun porn is FUN.

[Guest mikedwood]

Nice light box. I'd like to do that for Ebay stuff if I had the room for one.

I think it will work well for you as Ohshoot and Gutterboy said I think I would look into the color temp of the light you are using as well as and perhaps you did, adjust the white balance on the camera before each shot.

Ahh heck looking good so far play around with it and most of all have fun.

Edited August 5, 2008 by mikedwood
missed a statement

[Fivestring63]

Just a small suggestiuon is putting the S&W logo right side up.

[Mike.357]

you still need to do a little sharpening with the file

maybe sharpening is what I meant instead of blurry. I am sure you are having fun with it in any case. And unless I miss my guess having some fun is what it is all about.

Well that or the hokey pokey

[analog_kidd]

To me, what makes it look "blurry" is the multiple shadows under the gun. Get rid of those and I think the shot will be perfect.

Very nice otherwise.

[TripleDigitRide]

Don't make me bust out the Kodak 5.0 Mega Pixel on dat a$$!

You can't handle this 3X Optical Zoom.

Edited August 6, 2008 by TripleDigitRide

[GhstFace38]

[Guest GUTTERbOY]

Sorry, no lightbox. For that matter, no uber-cool DSLR either. P&S all the way, baby!

[DaveTN]

I noticed you were using the clamp on lights for your light source and the metal reflectors can make the light look a bit harsh and uneven, if you paint the inside of the reflectors bright white it helps to tone it down a bit.

Main prob seems to be color balance.

What are the bulbs?

White balance definitely seems to be an issue for all three pictures. Would I be correct in assuming that you're using preset WB modes on your camera? If so, check and see if your camera can do evaluative WB.

Yes I was playing with custom WB levels.

My problem is the light and not enough of it. I’m using three Sylvania BCA 115V 250W Daylight bulbs. I need more watts.

A lot of guys have been using cheap Halogen work lamps with good results. Here is a link to the thread that got me started on the DIY light box. Good info for anyone interested in this.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=281524

See if you can get that speedlight off-camera. It is your friend.

Absolutely. I’m in the process of getting the off camera cord and a wireless remote.

I’m really working on getting two more 580EX’s. Then I won’t need a light box.

Just a small suggestiuon is putting the S&W logo right side up.

Good eye. As I was processing the pics I noticed that and thought… No one will notice it.

My current rig is built around a Canon EOS 30D but I've been giving some serious thought to upgrading the body to a 40D.

I thought about that too until I saw the hit I would take on my 20D.

Other than the big azz live screen what does the 40D have you need?

Anyway here is what I played with tonight…