We started the photo contest to help everyone take better pictures. I don't care what kind of backdrop your picture has, if the knife isn't crisp and clear and the focal point of the picture, it doesn't matter what is in the background.

I remember Alexs' pics, even from before the contests. They were poorly lit snap shots. Now he is taking great pictures.

Jens pulled a great one out of his hat with the snakewood sheepsfoot. You need to step it back up Jens, but he probably would never have been inspired to take a nice pic with your motivation.

Look at my first pics...crap. The only reason I am taking better pics is because everyone was submitting these great photos that were well lit, clean and clear. I would not have even bothered without the inspiration of others.

Even Joel, who has always taken cool shots, is becoming more thoughtful in his pictures. The last one was a winner.

I have watched Steve adjust his philosophy and submit some pics that belong on the maker's web site or in one of the magazines.

I am not going to go down the list and talk about everyone, but you get the picture. I wish more people would participate in the contest. Remember, it is not about winning anything...there are no prizes here. It is all about taking better pictures and getting feedback.

Not everyone has professional equipment or special lighting or a high speed light box. I don't think that matters. A nice background, a functional camera, and available natural light (all my pics are done just as the sun goes down...doesn't cost me a dime:) ) are all it takes.

For a $1.50, you can buy a 12" X 12" slate or granite tile from Home Depot or wherever and you have a background. Household items or greenery from outside can be used to frame your knife. Twilight or a cloud cover gives you perfect lighting conditions. I don't think it takes much...just a little forethought and preparation. I am beginning to enjoy finding the right setting to match the knife. Just look at Fred's, Richard's or Terrill's submissions for week 7. The atmosphere brings focus to the knife. Those same knives, with the same lighting and exposure, but on plain backgrounds would not have the same power that they have as they are.

For those of you reading this that have not made an entry, it is time to come play. It can only help your business. I hate going to knifemaker's web sites and seeing blurry, poorly lit pictures. It is even worse when that knifemaker makes extremely high dollar knives. $2500 knife....50 cent picture...it just doesn't make sense. Not all of us can send every knife we make to get professionally photographed all the time. Send your marquee knives to them, but when you have a knife you want to put on your site, a great pic is the next best thing to someone picking it up at the show.

Nicely put Bob. I think what has happened is that folks here are learning the difference between taking a picture and making a photograph. The contest has forced everyone to look more closely at their work, and for me the biggest lesson to be learned in photography is really learning to look. If it's looking for a background or the reflections on the subject or the color balance for the final picture.

Knives are a difficult subject; they're small so you have to learn to maintain focus, you have the problems shiny blades and often dark handles. Plus so many of them look similar it becomes a challenge to give each one it's own personality.

I think these contests has raised everyone's vision for their own work and others. What was good enough just isn't good enough anymore. And for someone like me that loves knives and photography all I can say is, "Thanks."