Just was outside with a few of my knives. The pictures of the knives that weren't bright and shinny turned out OK. The ones that were bright and shinny had me and my bald head in them. Is there a coating I can put on them or something I can do besides grow hair. Ray

Your best outdoor lighting conditions are cloudy days......the sun is being fitered thru the clouds and the lighting is even. Give it a try........ ;)
Steve Korn

Knifephotography.com
"Great pictures sell knives!"

If you can't change the lighting conditions or the angle that you're shooting from you can try this.

store.yahoo.com/cinemasupplies/kryldulspray.html (http://store.yahoo.com/cinemasupplies/kryldulspray.html)

It works.

I assume that the only reflections you are having trouble with is your face and head showing up in the blade. If that is the case, then here is one thing to do. Get ready to take your pic, set the knife how you want it. Hold your camera and stand just how you intend to shoot. Now, peak over the camera and look at the knife. Do you see yourself in the blade? If so, then scoot back or squat down just a bit. Sometimes just moving an inch or so or just changing angles a tad is all it takes. As soon as you are in the desired position with no reflections of yourself or anything, stay just like that and shoot. Remember, when you are in position to shoot, examine the knife, see any reflections, bright spots or whatever? What you see is what your camera will shoot.

I'll give these tips a try next time I have one of my photo shoots. Thanks alot! Ray

I didn't read your whole question, sorry. I would change my shooting angle so my reflection on the knife disappeared and still shoot on a cloudy or overcast day if possible. If you have to shoot on a sunny day use a diffuser: try
www.bhphotovideo.com and ask for a"The Chamelion" or under Illuminator Reflectors: a diffuser. Also ask them to send you their catalog...it comes out once a month or evey other month. Their prices are very good and they will answer your questions about equipment. 1.800.947.9970 ;) ;) ;)
Steve Korn

My wife use to wonder why all my photos where upside down.
Try it, the reflection is going the other way.Just flip the pic over when printed.Hope it helps.

#### Gene there's a good idea! ;) Maybe that's why Pirela does all those angles.

My concept is easy. Work smarter, not harder.