The old rig brought out

[M&J]

Didn't want to lug the monolight and softbox this time out. An easy setup and breakdown for small shoots is nice. Remembering the old days brought out the 40x40" 1 stop diffuser and 750W hot light. The heat was to uncomfortable to work with. This time applied the two speedlights to see what could be done. Was pleased and realized how soft a light this results in. A bit flat though for knives, guns and such this works well. This what Jim Weyer had suggested when I started. Easy, economical with good results.

The speedlights made this really nice without any heat to deal with. As well those little flashes are easily moved so experimenting was a breeze.

[M&J]

Was doing some work up shots for practice today... Always a challenge to get what is in mind in the real capture. Almost there... want the fade on the bottle to taper more. Know how to get it, I ran out of light stands to hold stuff.

[jimmontg]

Never thought to use a cloth sheet to diffuse the light. Man you make some pretty knives.

[M&J]

Thanks Jim.

Bathtub curtains, white trash bags, white nylon fabrics, acrylic lighting panels and stretched artist canvas...work well too. The photo supply places love to mark up the diffusion materials. One can go to a fabric shop and get them very reasonably. Then build a frame from PVC irrigation pipes and fittings. Add in a single speedlite and a remote trigger for ~$100.

This time of year getting a rig to photograph their own pieces is easier on the wallet.

I use these triggers: (The camera has to have a hot shoe and manual capability.)
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...emote_for.html

Lightstands:
https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Photog...i+light+stands


Youngnuo flashes:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/searc...yongnuo+flash&

I would suggest an older model flash from the big players relative to your rig : Nikon, Canon, etc. Third party units like Yongnuo, Godox, Flashpoint, Orlit, etc are budget minded pieces that have nice features. Not sure on the reliability. I have a Canon 580EX circa 2006 that has been great, that's in the travel kit.

This Jim Sornberger flipper was shot with two-speedlites: Main above and then the second for shadow fill. Same as the Mel Nishiuchi higher in the thread.

[M&J]

The old Speer "flying ashtray".

Different finesse with this. Wanted to get the hollow point illuminated and wasn't inclined to get another speedlite out. Took the ambient exposure specs then dialed the flash back 1.5 stops.

[M&J]

A delayed photo of some recent pieces

[M&J]

Barry Dawson's neck knife taken with the rig:



A pretty similar flatish look. Have also used a mini softbox to shoot through the diffuser which softens it more. The bare speedlites can bring a bit better contrast when dialed up.

[M&J]

Two more

Bob Hajovsky "Bob Sky knives" semi skinner, nickel silver bolsters with buffalo horn handle scales.



Russel Easler MOP "swinger"

[M&J]

Shun Fujikawa Maki-e folder:

Shot this with the Canon M3 and 50/1.4.

[M&J]

Jim Martin lockback. Haven't done many of these composite mutli view shots so was good practice.

[M&J]

More practice with this one:

[M&J]

I like using the walnut background, doing the composites is easy.

[M&J]

An older Stan Fujisaka folder

[M&J]

Another one of Stan's with Jim Sornberger's engraving. This was made for the 1998 Guild Show in Las Vegas.

This is not a composite shot. BTW



Miss seeing Stan at the shows.

[M&J]

Getting some practice in. I like the floating feel and have figured out how I want to do them on capture. This one was shot on glass.

Since I have this knife back it is my frequent photo subject of choice.