What do you think?

Gebber · 06-04-2008, 08:19 PM

So this is a very old pewter box that my parents have and I thought I would shoot a few pics of it. I really like the detail but what can I do to make it look better? Whether it be in PP or when I am taking the picture.

I have a lot to learn

SeattleVet · 06-04-2008, 09:18 PM

The lighting on this is very 'flat' (equal all across the front surface). If you can get a difference of about 1/2 to 1 stop between the lighting coming from the left and the right it will bring out a lot more of the detail and give the relief work some 'depth'.

Focus is also being lost between the left and right sides.

If you can add some light coming at about a 45 degree angle from one side and either square up the box in relation to the camera or use a longer shutter speed and a smaller aperture to gain a little more depth of focus the relief work on the box would really pop out and show the textures (that's what is called 'modeling').

Robusto · 06-05-2008, 09:09 AM

try also different 'backgrounds' to see how a solid background (white vs grey vs black) affects the shot.

a while back I was shooting some macros of my mom's wedding ring, and for kicks, put it on different colored backgrounds, and it made quite an impact on the finished product.

also, use your tripod. it will keep the camera fixed while you play w. different settings and light/background options.

Gebber · 06-05-2008, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeattleVet

The lighting on this is very 'flat' (equal all across the front surface). If you can get a difference of about 1/2 to 1 stop between the lighting coming from the left and the right it will bring out a lot more of the detail and give the relief work some 'depth'.

Focus is also being lost between the left and right sides.

If you can add some light coming at about a 45 degree angle from one side and either square up the box in relation to the camera or use a longer shutter speed and a smaller aperture to gain a little more depth of focus the relief work on the box would really pop out and show the textures (that's what is called 'modeling').

Thanks! I will give it another try next time i am at my Parents house. This box just fascinates me for some reason. i am trying to find out some history on it too. Anyone know when Antiques Roadshow will be in town

balut · 06-05-2008, 11:34 AM

i use flickr, photobucket seems to lower the picture quality a bit

06-04-2008, 08:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
Gebber Member Joined: May 2008 Posts: 34 From: Beaverton, OR	What do you think? So this is a very old pewter box that my parents have and I thought I would shoot a few pics of it. I really like the detail but what can I do to make it look better? Whether it be in PP or when I am taking the picture. I have a lot to learn __________________ http://www.jpgmag.com/people/gebber

06-04-2008, 09:18 PM	#2 (permalink)
SeattleVet Member Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 83 From: Seattle My Camera: Konica/Minolta Maxxum 7D	The lighting on this is very 'flat' (equal all across the front surface). If you can get a difference of about 1/2 to 1 stop between the lighting coming from the left and the right it will bring out a lot more of the detail and give the relief work some 'depth'. Focus is also being lost between the left and right sides. If you can add some light coming at about a 45 degree angle from one side and either square up the box in relation to the camera or use a longer shutter speed and a smaller aperture to gain a little more depth of focus the relief work on the box would really pop out and show the textures (that's what is called 'modeling'). __________________ -- WARNING: Do not look into laser beam with remaining eye! You can see some of my images at http://seattlevet.smugmug.com

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06-05-2008, 09:09 AM	#3 (permalink)
Robusto Senior Member Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 102 From: Spokane	try also different 'backgrounds' to see how a solid background (white vs grey vs black) affects the shot. a while back I was shooting some macros of my mom's wedding ring, and for kicks, put it on different colored backgrounds, and it made quite an impact on the finished product. also, use your tripod. it will keep the camera fixed while you play w. different settings and light/background options.

06-05-2008, 11:34 AM	#5 (permalink)
balut Senior Member Joined: May 2008 Posts: 212 From: bellingham, wa My Camera: canon eos 40d	i use flickr, photobucket seems to lower the picture quality a bit