I tend to look at knife photography about the same as knife making. Knife makers are a different breed in that they love to share info. Most knife makers will explain how things are done, and help take the 'mystery' out of their craft. Since we have a knife photography forum here, I see no reason why the same thing cant happen.

I would like to start this thread for sharing those little 'tricks' you have discovered over time. It doesnt have to be a complete essay on knife photography, just a hint or 2 that we can all put together and learn from.

I will start with a little hint.

How many times have you taken or seen a really nice knife pic, only to see the photographers face and camera staring back at you ? :) The 'pic takers' reflection in a blade is one problem I see quite often, and have done it myself many times. Heres one way around that. First, set your knife up how you wish to shoot it. Before you ever pick up your camera, start deciding the angle you wish to shoot. Now, put yourself and your face in the exact spot you will be when you want to shoot. Do you see any reflections or unwanted shadows on the knife? If so, then chances are if you had shot the pic then, they would have shown up in your photo. If by looking, you see reflections, move yourself or the knife around until you see a set up you like with no unsightly shadows. Just as soon as you find one that looks great, then grab the camera and from that exact spot, snap your pic.....remember, in general, what you see is the same thing your camera will see.

This of course does not cover everything about knife photography, just a small part.

If you have any hints, please feel free to share. Together I think everybody can improve and be putting up great pics in no time!!!

Richard, I was hoping for a hint on how you retouched Alex's knife especially how you set the line on the top side of the blade. Thank you'
Steve Korn

Steve, the main thing I did was on the blade. Using adobe photodeluxe, I went to selection on the menu bar....then selection tools...then polygon. I then 'zoomed' in on the knife to 300% magnification. I then carefully outlined the blade using my polygon tool. That sectioned off the blade so that any adjustments I did with the software only affected the blade. After that is when I put the line on the back of the blade. In the menu bar choose tools, then line. It will ask for color....I selected a darker shade of grey matching the darker colors in the blade. Also, I left the line at 1 pixel thickness. Then just ran the line from tip to back. Hope that makes sense.

Thank you for your prompt answer I hope I can use this info.Photoshop can be a great help and a daunting one most of the time. Your photography is excellent pro or amatuer. I just bought a digital camera and it's driving me nuts.
Thanks again,
Steve Korn

Thanks for the adobe tip ,can use all of them you have.