Your assistance please

[SVanderkolff]

After spending many hours looking at knife pictures I have come to the startling conclusion that not only do I need to learn how to make nice knives but I need to learn how to display them. I have been concentrating on the first part of the excercise to the detriment of the latter. So to start to rectify this situation I need some advice and criticism of my current level of photography. I have gone in and read a many of the threads here in this forum and tried to put some of them to use. I am using a toshiba PDR-M71 with 3.2 mega pixels(I think I got that right).
Thanks in advance for all your help.


Thanks
Steve

[SharpByCoop]

Steve, you are off to a great start. Just recognizing that you will need to do this to survive is key.

Here's what I see, and some tips for your next:

1. You have got good coverage of the blade as a reflective surface, and that is good. But the light is much too hot. You need to move it back away from the source and/or use a larger diffuser. You NEED a diffuser. A cloudy sky is one of the best! Indoors, reflect a LOT of light off of a white ceiling if nothing else.

2. You need to get your camera angle more at a right angle to the subject--you have a blade dominating the focus and the handle is small and getting out of range.

3. The quilt is MUCH too busy and competes for your attention. It's an ugly mess. Try a muted background of maybe wallpaper, floor tiles, artist's paper, or even a professional photographer's background. Some light marbling is nice, and doesn't detract too much. I have a number of ALL of the above, and all have produced fine results. Look at the photo contest pics for idea's.

4. You still need a fill-in light in the front. The bolster is too dark in the rear and glaring in the front. (See #1)

5. Do you have a sheath for this? Why leave that out? As a buyer, I want to see what I'm getting. This can fill in some space without looking contrived.

I am very insistent on insets for the details of a knife. A side shot only shows the profile. There is always something else to give attention to. The most efficient and dynamic way to display a knife seems to be on a diagonal. This leaves two triangles of canvas to show more. Sheath, filework, etc.

Learn how to work your photo imaging software. It is a godsend for newbies like you and myself. I only wish I could make them look as good right out of the camera.

Please take my comments AND criticisms as support. We'd all love to see you shine!!!!

I'll close with one of many I've been working on to show what I mean.



Coop

[brendan]

Hey guys,

Steve, isn't it amazing how those little items that Coop points out really do make for a superb picture of the knife.

I'm looking forward to your second attempt so that we can get a really good look at that great knife of yours.

brendan

[KNAdmin]

Jim,

Great Pic!

Alex

[Terrill Hoffman]

Steve, I would say you are off to a good start. The main items that jumps at me would bethebackground. It takes away from the subject of the photo (the knife).
But the best part is that you have started. Play with it and move your lights around until you find that angle you like. The nice thing about digital isthat you can see your results instantly without cost.
Keep working on it.

[SharpByCoop]

In fairness I should have given credit for the above Bergh knife to a pending website:

www.TheCustomKnife.com

The new owners have been *very* fair with me as I have been working on pictures for them. They are pleased to see these works out there, but a mention is worthy. Good call!

Coop

[murrphy]

Stephen,

here is the same knife done quickly at the CKG Fall show

and just for Coop, here it is with the sheath

these are done with the same system as created originally by Mitch Lum and for which I am thankful and have great pleasure in doing decent images of custom made knives.