View Full Version : "Critique my firearm picture" thread
TriggerFish
04-24-18, 16:42
https://i.imgur.com/UxLXTPg.jpg
mkmckinley
05-21-18, 20:13
The picture is centered, and off balance. Making the image square certainly isn't helping it. The pic itself isn't bad, and reshot with a different layout, I think it could be quite good.
I guess I had trouble figuring out what to focus on. What would you suggest focusing on in a grouping like this? Maybe I'll do another one with the cylinder in the middle.
https://i.imgur.com/UxLXTPg.jpg
Nice and clean... linear, but clean.
I guess I had trouble figuring out what to focus on. What would you suggest focusing on in a grouping like this? Maybe I'll do another one with the cylinder in the middle.
The concept of what to focus on is highly subjective. With images, you want to create lines and material which direct the interest to something specific. With something boring like my whitebackgrounds, the item itself tends to take over as there is little other choice.
ChattanoogaPhil
06-05-18, 10:28
https://i.imgur.com/MCorfWE.jpg
This was shot in my livingroom using a Galaxy S8. It is of my Benelli M4 SBS. I took the picture kindof as a "stock" type photo, meaning to showcase the shotgun as I've set it up as a whole, rather than emphasizing any one "thing". I am frustrated at how "reflective" the slab of a receiver is and tried to mitigate it as best as I could, I am both proud of how well I did, and annoyed at the other reflections that avoiding it reflecting led to. This in my opinion is part of what separates amateur hour from "decent hobbyist". Lighting control. The background is my rug. It provides relief and "texture" without being too distracting (my opinion subject to education and correction).
Slings normally don't photograph well, but I feel like I did okay with this one, considering the purpose of the photo.
https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/34822102_999514105161_5450995131408711680_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&_nc_eui2=AeE2Ey3w3debvgXuLpR7ISF0_12qgNpM00LE4z-mpuVcGhol86M_K3k6LMerqaDYARrCwGzkHTzOXV22yQ7GF63zhGG1hxlvNBG4TJRoSJQzyQ&oh=7c358f08b9f99812efe217a14dc722bd&oe=5BC50118
-Benelli M4 11724 (swapped C-stock out for PG stock with Limbsaver. I just prefer it.)
-Aimpoint H2 4moa in a Scalarworks SYNC mount
-Metal trigger guard (OEM...yeah, Benelli civilian/LE guns now come with polymer from t he factory. I had an OEM aluminum TG laying around...) with a black TTI safety
-Lead Faucet Tactical sling (I love this thing! It is by far better than any other sling I have used.)
-(not visible in picture) plain rear ghost ring LPA (vs. the OEM one with "ears and dots")0
-IWC Surefire Scout/Benelli M4 mount with Surefire 500 lumen M300C
-Tango Arms stippled forend.
My AR10 with an iPhone 6s
Just thought it was a cool roll mark shot...was a bit darker originally so I lightened it up some.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180611/8786744013be9dfb00178f4af3bbf839.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/jKfWwDp.jpg
I'm trying here, it's been a while. Took about 10 pictures trying to get the composition right. Threw away 9 terrible ones, and am almost happy with this one. I wish I had the sling tucked in neatly all the way in the frame, and I could have moved to the left an inch and rotated clockwise a couple degrees. Ran out of daylight and gumption. Otherwise I'm happy. Pretty close to what I wanted to capture. I like these two firearms, they each have blue and stainless, iron sights only, and possess simplicity yet difficulty to acquire. They are fun to shoot too. This AK is a lot of punch in a small package.
Thanks for the photog input Stickman!
https://i.imgur.com/MCorfWE.jpg
The blade detracts from the image, and the pistol is really framed a bit too tight.
This was shot in my livingroom using a Galaxy S8. It is of my Benelli M4 SBS. I took the picture kindof as a "stock" type photo, meaning to showcase the shotgun as I've set it up as a whole, rather than emphasizing any one "thing". I am frustrated at how "reflective" the slab of a receiver is and tried to mitigate it as best as I could, I am both proud of how well I did, and annoyed at the other reflections that avoiding it reflecting led to. This in my opinion is part of what separates amateur hour from "decent hobbyist". Lighting control. The background is my rug. It provides relief and "texture" without being too distracting (my opinion subject to education and correction).
Slings normally don't photograph well, but I feel like I did okay with this one, considering the purpose of the photo.
https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/34822102_999514105161_5450995131408711680_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&_nc_eui2=AeE2Ey3w3debvgXuLpR7ISF0_12qgNpM00LE4z-mpuVcGhol86M_K3k6LMerqaDYARrCwGzkHTzOXV22yQ7GF63zhGG1hxlvNBG4TJRoSJQzyQ&oh=7c358f08b9f99812efe217a14dc722bd&oe=5BC50118
-Benelli M4 11724 (swapped C-stock out for PG stock with Limbsaver. I just prefer it.)
-Aimpoint H2 4moa in a Scalarworks SYNC mount
-Metal trigger guard (OEM...yeah, Benelli civilian/LE guns now come with polymer from t he factory. I had an OEM aluminum TG laying around...) with a black TTI safety
-Lead Faucet Tactical sling (I love this thing! It is by far better than any other sling I have used.)
-(not visible in picture) plain rear ghost ring LPA (vs. the OEM one with "ears and dots")0
-IWC Surefire Scout/Benelli M4 mount with Surefire 500 lumen M300C
-Tango Arms stippled forend.
Two different light temperatures/ degrees Kelvin is one of the first things I see. Like you said, lighting is all important, and perhaps the blue is actually a reflection off the TV, your shirt, or something else. It is a shame you the receiver is illuminated well, because that degree of perfection is lost in the rest of the image. A portion of this is simply what you are shooting with, and the wide angle that is involved with your lens for this shot.
The background is busy, and certainly doesn't add anything to the image. Had this been shot on concrete, it would have created a MUCH MUCH better overall look.
I agree with you about slings, they just aren't all that good looking in pics, but this one isn't bad, though it does still detract from the overall image to a degree.
Clean up that background and swap it to concrete, shoot the same pic with fractionally better light, and you will be onto pure gold.
My AR10 with an iPhone 6s
Just thought it was a cool roll mark shot...was a bit darker originally so I lightened it up some.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180611/8786744013be9dfb00178f4af3bbf839.jpg
Horribly grainy, which might work better with a black and white shot. The artifacts and purples running through the grain are bad. Very bad. However, as offensive as that is, I'm more offended that my eye is drawn to the serial number instead of the good looking rollmark which I know is present, but is presented as an afterthought.
Don't get me wrong, I like where you were going with this, but it fell a bit short.
https://i.imgur.com/jKfWwDp.jpg
I'm trying here, it's been a while. Took about 10 pictures trying to get the composition right. Threw away 9 terrible ones, and am almost happy with this one. I wish I had the sling tucked in neatly all the way in the frame, and I could have moved to the left an inch and rotated clockwise a couple degrees. Ran out of daylight and gumption. Otherwise I'm happy. Pretty close to what I wanted to capture. I like these two firearms, they each have blue and stainless, iron sights only, and possess simplicity yet difficulty to acquire. They are fun to shoot too. This AK is a lot of punch in a small package.
Thanks for the photog input Stickman!
You have two pictures crammed into one picture, and it only hurts the overall look. That beautiful wood is charasmatic and wants to be the star of attention, and it deserves it!! However, you dropped a deuce deuce into the picture for no apparent reason.
My eyes are crying out for justice, retake the picture and show me the gorgeous orange glow. While you are at it, lose the pistol, and prop the underneath of the receiver up so the weapon doesn't look like it is falling away from us in the image.
Lighting is pretty solid, though it honestly needs a white card to work as a reflector for the muzzle of the krink. A little more definition there will make a legit difference.
Aside from the above, it is pretty good.
TriggerFish
06-29-18, 12:38
https://i.imgur.com/J6hC5lo.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/J6hC5lo.jpg
If only the pistol came across as grey, I think it would make more impact. Right now the human eye is pinging around off three things.
Thanks for the valuable input Stickman. Now I see it, agreed completely.
Here is version 2.0. Propped up the receiver 2'' which tilted the mag and muzzle down to the ground, aimed a white cardboard box lid into the muzzle to reflect some light in there, flushed the deuce deuce, and re-framed. Looks much better to my amateur eye.
https://i.imgur.com/4HxixcS.jpg
You have two pictures crammed into one picture, and it only hurts the overall look. That beautiful wood is charasmatic and wants to be the star of attention, and it deserves it!! However, you dropped a deuce deuce into the picture for no apparent reason.
My eyes are crying out for justice, retake the picture and show me the gorgeous orange glow. While you are at it, lose the pistol, and prop the underneath of the receiver up so the weapon doesn't look like it is falling away from us in the image.
Lighting is pretty solid, though it honestly needs a white card to work as a reflector for the muzzle of the krink. A little more definition there will make a legit difference.
Aside from the above, it is pretty good.
Thanks for the valuable input Stickman. Now I see it, agreed completely.
Here is version 2.0. Propped up the receiver 2'' which tilted the mag and muzzle down to the ground, aimed a white cardboard box lid into the muzzle to reflect some light in there, flushed the deuce deuce, and re-framed. Looks much better to my amateur eye.
https://i.imgur.com/4HxixcS.jpg
One million times better... said in my best Dr Evil voice.
https://i.imgur.com/8oZnZPj.jpg
Some dust, scratches on the plexi, and reflection issues. Would love to hear your thoughts.
https://i.imgur.com/8oZnZPj.jpg
Some dust, scratches on the plexi, and reflection issues. Would love to hear your thoughts.
Dust and scratches don't bother me as that sort of thing can always be cleaned up. I'm not a fan of the plexiglass genre, to me it always feels forced. HOWEVER, I understand there is a large amount of people who like it, and that subjectivity is key in that regard.
What isn't subjective is we have two objects showing at two different angles. If we look at the blade, and the pistol, we can see the underneath of the Glock, but the blade is almost flat on. I understand this is due to the angle of the lens, but that same wide angle robs us of even lighting along the blade length as well as creating a flat look for the blade and a heavy angle for the Glock.
An accent light across the top would have created a line of definition which would have made the sights look attached, instead of floating, and the third nipple appearance on top of the slice by the rear sight is questioning for people who aren't familiar with RDS on pistols, but due to the lack of highlight as mentioned, we don't really know if that is a cutout slide or not for a RDS.
There are other subjective things, but I like the negative space even though the paneling used tends to offset that a bit. Overall it is a clean, well processed image that is nicely shot.
Dust and scratches don't bother me as that sort of thing can always be cleaned up. I'm not a fan of the plexiglass genre, to me it always feels forced. HOWEVER, I understand there is a large amount of people who like it, and that subjectivity is key in that regard.
What isn't subjective is we have two objects showing at two different angles. If we look at the blade, and the pistol, we can see the underneath of the Glock, but the blade is almost flat on. I understand this is due to the angle of the lens, but that same wide angle robs us of even lighting along the blade length as well as creating a flat look for the blade and a heavy angle for the Glock.
An accent light across the top would have created a line of definition which would have made the sights look attached, instead of floating, and the third nipple appearance on top of the slice by the rear sight is questioning for people who aren't familiar with RDS on pistols, but due to the lack of highlight as mentioned, we don't really know if that is a cutout slide or not for a RDS.
There are other subjective things, but I like the negative space even though the paneling used tends to offset that a bit. Overall it is a clean, well processed image that is nicely shot.
Thank you Stick, I really appreciate the help!
Horribly grainy, which might work better with a black and white shot. The artifacts and purples running through the grain are bad. Very bad. However, as offensive as that is, I'm more offended that my eye is drawn to the serial number instead of the good looking rollmark which I know is present, but is presented as an afterthought.
Don't get me wrong, I like where you were going with this, but it fell a bit short.
Well, I learn something new with every critique. Most interestingly, what it is that a professional sees/looks for.
I think as an amateur, I get hung up on the subject matter itself. In other words, I see a pic of a cool gun...you see a shitty pic, LOL.
Enjoy your critiques, thanks for taking the time.
Well, I learn something new with every critique. Most interestingly, what it is that a professional sees/looks for.
I think as an amateur, I get hung up on the subject matter itself. In other words, I see a pic of a cool gun...you see a shitty pic, LOL.
Enjoy your critiques, thanks for taking the time.
There is 100% nothing wrong with getting hung up on subject matter, it is what makes people interested in the picture! I try to have good humor, and joke a bit with people while giving useful info. Some people are shooting at very high levels. People shooting at high levels may be interested in doing commercial work, or increasing their commercial work load. People who are trying to get cool pics of their firearms with their cellphones in natural lightings, or by throwing the pistol under a lamp in their bedroom are typically at a different level and are able to use a different format/ opinion / input of their shots.
There is 100% nothing wrong with getting hung up on subject matter, it is what makes people interested in the picture! I try to have good humor, and joke a bit with people while giving useful info. Some people are shooting at very high levels. People shooting at high levels may be interested in doing commercial work, or increasing their commercial work load. People who are trying to get cool pics of their firearms with their cellphones in natural lightings, or by throwing the pistol under a lamp in their bedroom are typically at a different level and are able to use a different format/ opinion / input of their shots.
Hey, the thread has the word “critique” right in it. [emoji846]
I actually enjoy the brand of humor. Just glad you take the time. [emoji106]
TriggerFish
07-11-18, 10:09
https://i.imgur.com/KzCFUse.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/jvLWG4R.jpg
-images are for future cover of The WA Arms Collectors GunNews Magazine-
First one I just wanted to show new ar308 off and the background was pretty awesome, 2nd one was just a quick snap at the range the other day I took a pic for Instagram and I hated the over satration on it and how I framed it but there was to much background junk getting in the picture. Both on my iPhone X
https://i.imgur.com/14SqLpf.jpg
and
https://i.imgur.com/MyPuHbE.jpg
Also, I need some advice with photos of this with coatings like this. I do gunkote coatings and this is done with a warlock customs color flip pigment in gunkote and I have not figured out how to shoot it effectively. Im sure it will take some lighting tricks but any advice on this one is greatly appreciated. These both were taken with my iphoneX, I have a sony alpha dslr with a bunch of lenses but havent broken it out recently and I really need too so I can snap some great content for my website. The knife I just got lucky on to tell you the truth
https://i.imgur.com/4bLGodU.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/L4CvsQD.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KzCFUse.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/jvLWG4R.jpg
-images are for future cover of The WA Arms Collectors GunNews Magazine-
The first pic is dead center, and while the rule of thirds can certainly be broken, it doesn't serve well here.
The lighting is great in both, though lacking in shadows which would have imparted a greater depth and more impact to the shots. HOWEVER, creating the shadowing while yielding that same clean lighting on a glossy pistol is not going to be a subtle change in moving lighting around.
The second pic is clearly better, and the only I would caution would be to allow enough room around the edges to give an editor the ability to place text where they need. I'm guessing you have the room for bleed over and are just c ropping for the web shots.
WAC should be very happy with those.
First one I just wanted to show new ar308 off and the background was pretty awesome, 2nd one was just a quick snap at the range the other day I took a pic for Instagram and I hated the over satration on it and how I framed it but there was to much background junk getting in the picture. Both on my iPhone X
https://i.imgur.com/14SqLpf.jpg
and
https://i.imgur.com/MyPuHbE.jpg
The second shot has good layout and character. If you find you have color and / or saturation issues, but still like the pic you took, change it over to black and white with one of your phone filters. While I am NOT a fan of doing that for professional images, it is a great way for people to be creative.
53039
The extra rounds do nothing for the overall image laying loose. I think they would have been better served in the mag, and with the mag pointed with the same angle, but towards the viewer.
Also, I need some advice with photos of this with coatings like this. I do gunkote coatings and this is done with a warlock customs color flip pigment in gunkote and I have not figured out how to shoot it effectively. Im sure it will take some lighting tricks but any advice on this one is greatly appreciated. These both were taken with my iphoneX, I have a sony alpha dslr with a bunch of lenses but havent broken it out recently and I really need too so I can snap some great content for my website. The knife I just got lucky on to tell you the truth
https://i.imgur.com/4bLGodU.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/L4CvsQD.jpg
It is hard to make a call on this one without seeing the finish in person. Overall, I would say you will need a neutral background, and then move the primary lighting around and change angles while your camera stays locked in place on a tripod. This will allow the color shift to be observed as realistically as possible by viewers.
It is hard to make a call on this one without seeing the finish in person. Overall, I would say you will need a neutral background, and then move the primary lighting around and change angles while your camera stays locked in place on a tripod. This will allow the color shift to be observed as realistically as possible by viewers.
Awesome, I will give it a shot. The color flip is pretty lighting angle dependant to show in one shot for sure. Natural day light shows it the best for sure but any recomendations on good lighting either bulbs or type of bulb and temp for indoor photos? The bulbs I have for my lights are ok but dont show the color of the item as it would appear in natural light all that great on any type of finish.
The first two were impromptoo photos and I relize I need to have my dlsr with me sometimes when I go out since the level issues killed me on the 2nd pic in the first photo. Never thought about flipping it to B&W, havent done any b&w stuff for eons and never did it much digitally. I will give it a go for sure.
Thanks for the input!!
54295
So difficult to photograph flats. Open to help.
54295
So difficult to photograph flats. Open to help.
Lacking all else, take a piece of white printer paper and put it in front of your flash.
54295
So difficult to photograph flats. Open to help.
Do you have a garage? If so, open your garage door part way, and watch how the light becomes a broad light source as opposed to a small one. This is what you need, as the small light, and close in wide angle shot you are taking are not going to make you happy.
I took this pic a while back when these Northtech lowers first came out. I try to use the rule of thirds with most of my photos and feel like this exhibits this "rule" perfectly.
Some Lightroom work is the only thing done to it.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3727/11320514155_7b5890079d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ifmAsx)Northtech Defense Billet Lower (https://flic.kr/p/ifmAsx) by Ryan T (https://www.flickr.com/photos/111069468@N03/), on Flickr
I took this pic a while back when these Northtech lowers first came out. I try to use the rule of thirds with most of my photos and feel like this exhibits this "rule" perfectly.
Some Lightroom work is the only thing done to it.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3727/11320514155_7b5890079d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ifmAsx)Northtech Defense Billet Lower (https://flic.kr/p/ifmAsx) by Ryan T (https://www.flickr.com/photos/111069468@N03/), on Flickr
Nice and simple with good use of texture. I think it might have looked slightly better based on the wedge shape of the lower if it were in the lower left corner, but that is subjective. It is a good picture.
Do you have a garage? If so, open your garage door part way, and watch how the light becomes a broad light source as opposed to a small one. This is what you need, as the small light, and close in wide angle shot you are taking are not going to make you happy.
Ill give it a go and re-post results, thankyou!
TriggerFish
11-02-18, 19:47
This was a shot for a cover of the W.A.C. Monthly magazine - max width of image has to be 7.25" or under.
https://i.imgur.com/RGXu6EG.jpg
-this configuration was rejected because it features a prohibited in WA binary trigger set.
A Smith & Wesson M27-2 3.5" 1967 Utah Highway Patrol will take its place-
This was a shot for a cover of the W.A.C. Monthly magazine - max width of image has to be 7.25" or under.
https://i.imgur.com/RGXu6EG.jpg
-this configuration was rejected because it features a prohibited in WA binary trigger set.
A Smith & Wesson M27-2 3.5" 1967 Utah Highway Patrol will take its place-
The pic is a little cramped, but the lighting is everything else is spot on. We both know that sling isn't adding anything to the pic, but I can understand why its there.
How do you like the binary trigger? I've been kicking the idea around....
-this configuration was rejected because it features a prohibited in WA binary trigger set.
A Smith & Wesson M27-2 3.5" 1967 Utah Highway Patrol will take its place-
By W.A.C., I'm assuming you mean Washington Arms Collectors?
TriggerFish
11-03-18, 08:57
Yes, that is the organization. I've been doing the graphic design and covers for almost 30 years. I do some of the cover photos, but a large percentage are submitted by authors of articles about their various firearms/blades.
I first bought a BFS for my 6945 last year and really liked the improved semi trigger and the binary mode is really amazing for double tapping steel. I enjoyed the one in the AR enough to research the HK version on HKPro to see what owners had to say.
The Franklin's improvement of the semi trigger action in the Z-5P is even more pronounced than in my Colt. Binary in the pistol is going to take more practice to get to the same level of rapid double tap as the rifle, but the practicing is damn fun. That is the main reason for the sling in the photo. I might have to SBR this one.
I'm not sure how to put into words what I wanted this photo to show. I want to pay my respects to John Moses Browning and his iconic 1911 and when others see the photo, to pause a moment and do the same. Maybe I'm over reaching because I don't feel I have the skill to create the image I'm striving for. The photo was shot with a Nikon 3000 on an overcast day. It was manipulated and cropped with a simple editing program with limited options.
https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hZzW3BS/0/c9ae041f/X2/i-hZzW3BS-X2.jpg
I don't think I got the composition right. I tried to not block the lettering on the headstone, but the reality is, there isn't anywhere to place the 1911 that it wouldn't. Perhaps I should have angled the muzzle of the pistol up?
I don't like the color of the 1911. I would like it better if it were more silver
I'm not sure the letters stand out enough.
I framed the shot too tight, limiting how it could be cropped.
There are spots on the grip that are very distracting.
Yes, angle up and just lay the pistol on the stone. Not so centered. I would suggest up and to right because that leaves his name and Jan, Nov exposed. People know a month by the first letters anyway.
But almost anywhere but where it is.
It does have a color cast That I too do not like for the same reason. It doesn't look like stainless and in that context the stainless 'color' would look good imo.
Yes, angle up and just lay the pistol on the stone. Not so centered. I would suggest up and to right because that leaves his name and Jan, Nov exposed. People know a month by the first letters anyway.
But almost anywhere but where it is.
It does have a color cast That I too do not like for the same reason. It doesn't look like stainless and in that context the stainless 'color' would look good imo.
Interesting take on it.
I'm not sure how to put into words what I wanted this photo to show. I want to pay my respects to John Moses Browning and his iconic 1911 and when others see the photo, to pause a moment and do the same. Maybe I'm over reaching because I don't feel I have the skill to create the image I'm striving for. The photo was shot with a Nikon 3000 on an overcast day. It was manipulated and cropped with a simple editing program with limited options.
https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hZzW3BS/0/c9ae041f/X2/i-hZzW3BS-X2.jpg
I don't think I got the composition right. I tried to not block the lettering on the headstone, but the reality is, there isn't anywhere to place the 1911 that it wouldn't. Perhaps I should have angled the muzzle of the pistol up?
I don't like the color of the 1911. I would like it better if it were more silver
I'm not sure the letters stand out enough.
I framed the shot too tight, limiting how it could be cropped.
There are spots on the grip that are very distracting.
While I don’t argue any of your points, it doesn’t change the larger issue is the lighting. In this case, side lighting would have made all the difference in the world.
Interesting take on it.
??? I got a different reply in my email. No publications, no commercial photography. Sorry if my comments were out line. It was just an opinion, not professional instruction. I won't post here again. Got a pretty bad batting average.
??? I got a different reply in my email. No publications, no commercial photography. Sorry if my comments were out line. It was just an opinion, not professional instruction. I won't post here again. Got a pretty bad batting average.
The original reply I made was based on a bad assumption on my part, and it very clearly showed what happens when I jump to assumption, because it made an ass out of me. You have a very sincere apology from me. Old injuries were giving me a very hard time last night, which is why I deleted my post right after I made it.
Please forgive a cranky jerk, I do honestly strive do be a better man. Please do not stop posting, there was nothing out of line about your post.
No problem. Been there and done that more times than I would care to admit. The Internet being what it is I didn't know what to think and I know I crossed wires in the past.
I appreciate your honesty and your craft which is why I visit and enjoy this thread.
Hope you feel better soon. Pain is not a friend and it robs us of who we truly are.
No apology necessary. The clarification is all good. 100%
thopkins22
11-19-18, 23:46
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181120/597cc9ccd23e080c3a9e41adad102a2b.jpg
I took this photograph for an organization that hires me for three weeks every year, during which I shoot well over 30,000 photographs for them. I have never managed to be in the building for this particular event before as the bulk of what I do happens during the rodeo and concerts, or during the other parts of the horse show and have certainly never attempted to catch muzzle flashes before.
I like that the shooter/rider is backlit with my strobes, and I really like that his face is somewhat lit up with the muzzle flash. I’m relatively pleased with the composition, though I would love to have a remote camera set up on one of the sticks with a super wide angle lens...I’m sure they won’t let me do that though.
I hate that I didn’t have a strobe set up in the corner he’s facing, because the ISO I had to run at left it somewhat grainy. Also if it had been a few fractions of a second later, I might have caught both the balloon popping and the flash. This year, I’m adding about 4000watts of speedotrons to the assortment of Einstein’s and profoto lights I hang in the rafters. Light shall not be lacking again....
I also wish I had his eyes, as I don’t tend to see many things published without eyeballs visible, but in this particular case I overlook that for the rest of the image.
It’s not as hard as catching balls on bats, but challenging nonetheless.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181120/597cc9ccd23e080c3a9e41adad102a2b.jpg
I took this photograph for an organization that hires me for three weeks every year, during which I shoot well over 30,000 photographs for them. I have never managed to be in the building for this particular event before as the bulk of what I do happens during the rodeo and concerts, or during the other parts of the horse show and have certainly never attempted to catch muzzle flashes before.
I like that the shooter/rider is backlit with my strobes, and I really like that his face is somewhat lit up with the muzzle flash. I’m relatively pleased with the composition, though I would love to have a remote camera set up on one of the sticks with a super wide angle lens...I’m sure they won’t let me do that though.
I hate that I didn’t have a strobe set up in the corner he’s facing, because the ISO I had to run at left it somewhat grainy. Also if it had been a few fractions of a second later, I might have caught both the balloon popping and the flash. This year, I’m adding about 4000watts of speedotrons to the assortment of Einstein’s and profoto lights I hang in the rafters. Light shall not be lacking again....
I also wish I had his eyes, as I don’t tend to see many things published without eyeballs visible, but in this particular case I overlook that for the rest of the image.
It’s not as hard as catching balls on bats, but challenging nonetheless.
It looks phenomenal on my iPad, let me get to the large monitors and I’ll give better feedback.
thopkins22
11-20-18, 16:29
It looks phenomenal on my iPad, let me get to the large monitors and I’ll give better feedback.
Thanks! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. As I think about it, part of the issue may well be that I was relying on the strobes to freeze action, and when I moved to have him backlit, that same light wasn’t quite freezing it as much I want...and I’m pretending that it’s noise instead of a teeny bit of motion blur for my own ego.[emoji23]
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
https://i.imgur.com/55dYK25.jpg?1
thopkins22
11-22-18, 18:29
https://i.imgur.com/55dYK25.jpg?1
It’s very nice. My criticism is that it’s a little hot on the deflector, which draws my eye to a less interesting part of the firearm. I’d like to see it burned back a little there. But a very nice and well executed high key photo with nice shadows and so forth. My gripe is extremely minor...and keep in mind that I definitely can’t do better...I’ve never done any product photography.
daddyusmaximus
11-22-18, 23:40
Thank you for this thread. I'm one of the non skilled photo takers who only has a cell phone (iPhone 7+) and a desire to share photos of a gun or knife whenever the subject comes up in a thread. I need to learn to come up with the good ideas of how to frame the shots, and how to work the limited settings on the cell phone camera. I took this for the AR pistol thread. The object is just to share what you have as an AR pistol. I did that. You can see the gun, and the parts on it, but it's not an interesting shot. As I have read in this thread, I fell victim to the "gun on the floor" mentality trying to get the whole thing in the shot.
https://i.imgur.com/mtqO2Zk.jpg
I have done some better shots with knives, but they are smaller...
https://i.imgur.com/izfY4S9.jpg
This was an awesome thread, sad to see that it died
Pulled out the DSLR and tripod today and this happened:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4822/45866325455_490c4af17d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2cT3UAK)Glock 19 (https://flic.kr/p/2cT3UAK) by Ryan T (https://www.flickr.com/photos/111069468@N03/), on Flickr
https://i.imgur.com/55dYK25.jpg?1
Looks like you desaturated the image.... which I can’t say as overly works for me. It is a nice and clean pic though, which is better than most pics.
Watch the safety position, that is a big deal to some poeple, though I’m not really one of them.
Thank you for this thread. I'm one of the non skilled photo takers who only has a cell phone (iPhone 7+) and a desire to share photos of a gun or knife whenever the subject comes up in a thread. I need to learn to come up with the good ideas of how to frame the shots, and how to work the limited settings on the cell phone camera. I took this for the AR pistol thread. The object is just to share what you have as an AR pistol. I did that. You can see the gun, and the parts on it, but it's not an interesting shot. As I have read in this thread, I fell victim to the "gun on the floor" mentality trying to get the whole thing in the shot.
https://i.imgur.com/mtqO2Zk.jpg
I have done some better shots with knives, but they are smaller...
https://i.imgur.com/izfY4S9.jpg
This isn’t bad at all, like you have already commented, the biggest sin here is the generic wooden floor.
Pulled out the DSLR and tripod today and this happened:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4822/45866325455_490c4af17d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2cT3UAK)Glock 19 (https://flic.kr/p/2cT3UAK) by Ryan T (https://www.flickr.com/photos/111069468@N03/), on Flickr
You have a few things going on here, but the dark front and rear of the slide are creating big issues here I can’t get past. I also think a plain piece of printer paper would have worked better than a paper towel.
https://i.imgur.com/TW9lIRw.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/TW9lIRw.jpg
In general, color desaturation techniques with selective color tend to fall flat unless there is a solid B&W conversion along with it. Dark deep blacks are needed, otherwise it tends to look like a generic iPhone filter.
I only do similar conversions / post processing very infrequently as it is hard for me to get the right B&W look to go along with it.
S&W 29-4 5" 1 of 500
http://i66.tinypic.com/23trsif.jpg
ChattanoogaPhil
01-25-19, 17:38
Since you guys are posting B&W....
https://i.imgur.com/CSJ8Qi2.jpg
ChattanoogaPhil
01-26-19, 13:40
https://i.imgur.com/crVZ2Pp.jpg
Since you guys are posting B&W....
https://i.imgur.com/CSJ8Qi2.jpg
The glaring issue here is the curviture of the image as it goes off to the right. It looks like the pic was shot was a cell phone at wide angle. The light bleed off in refraction and distortion to the end weapon is unsat. Other than that, its not bad.
https://i.imgur.com/crVZ2Pp.jpg
The first things I see are a VERY grainy image (with no redeeming reason) and a white balance which looks off. Additionally the image crop is too tight.
ChattanoogaPhil
01-27-19, 10:16
Thank you.
I'm sure these things are painfully obvious to you, but not so obvious to me until you point them out. Your critiques help me look at things a bit differently and hopefully improve. Thanks again for your time and patience.
thopkins22
01-27-19, 13:42
Thank you.
I'm sure these things are painfully obvious to you, but not so obvious to me until you point them out. Your critiques help me look at things a bit differently and hopefully improve. Thanks again for your time and patience.
Here’s the thing, the light is nice and the flashlight and handgun are posed well...and I’m assuming it’s natural or a hot light so you can’t just turn it up. But if you had a tripod, you could lengthen the shutter speed so that you could drop the ISO down to kill the noise/grain. What did you shoot it at btw?
thopkins22
01-27-19, 13:49
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190127/7ecbdfb9358c5e5800cfcc2eb1c5d187.jpg
I dunno. Same event as the last one. Can’t wait to try it again with more ability to put lots of light exactly where I want it this year...and a better idea of where they are pointed at various parts of the course.
I don’t really love this one, but felt like if I’m going to be handing out criticism I should throw some of my shots out there...and this one was on my phone for some reason.
Thank you.
I'm sure these things are painfully obvious to you, but not so obvious to me until you point them out. Your critiques help me look at things a bit differently and hopefully improve. Thanks again for your time and patience.
You are very welcome!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190127/7ecbdfb9358c5e5800cfcc2eb1c5d187.jpg
I dunno. Same event as the last one. Can’t wait to try it again with more ability to put lots of light exactly where I want it this year...and a better idea of where they are pointed at various parts of the course.
I don’t really love this one, but felt like if I’m going to be handing out criticism I should throw some of my shots out there...and this one was on my phone for some reason.
At a certain point, technical merit is outweighed by the subject matter itself. I think this is one of those cases. While there are various aspects of lighting that could be different, or hints of blur, or a desire to catch the balloon as it is about to pop... those things still pale to the point of knowing exactly what is going on in the image. This is very nice.
thopkins22
01-29-19, 19:52
At a certain point, technical merit is outweighed by the subject matter itself. I think this is one of those cases. While there are various aspects of lighting that could be different, or hints of blur, or a desire to catch the balloon as it is about to pop... those things still pale to the point of knowing exactly what is going on in the image. This is very nice.
Thank you, and that’s an excellent point...I need to remember that when thinking about my own work.
I was heading out to the range and had started to get my stuff together. I liked the way the natural light was hitting it thru the window, so I snapped a quick iPhone pic. (iPhone 7). I like the rustic feel of the wood as a backdrop. I can't recall if I tweaked anything, If I did it was with the Apple Photos App.
https://i.imgur.com/0Jok9V1.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/r8BTOJu.png
A couple more iPhone shots from back in my instagram days (cthomas791). I don't have the originals, and found these by searching my #. This thread is making me kick my self for not saving any of the originals. I had a few more that were pretty neat...
https://i.imgur.com/OZpfww7.jpg
Attempting to showcase the oil with the "Being on guard" concept...
https://i.imgur.com/k6bBZ5n.jpg
My sprayed-in Bedliner made for a really cool background. I did a bunch of similar shots with my SBR but I can't find them...
This was my 19L (17 Grip-chop to accept 19 mags). I ended up donating this one to a vet charity.
thopkins22
02-13-19, 14:49
I was going to follow you but I’m not sure that your Instagram name is correct. Showed zero posts to me when I looked it up.
I was going to follow you but I’m not sure that your Instagram name is correct. Showed zero posts to me when I looked it up.
Sorry - I should have clarified that I’m no longer on Instagram, or Facebook for that matter. The extended family political bickering kinda took the fun out of it.
FYI - if you do a google search for Instagram and your user name it will show you a bunch of other websites that use IG’s images. (I had no clue until I did it myself)
thopkins22
02-13-19, 22:15
Sorry - I should have clarified that I’m no longer on Instagram, or Facebook for that matter. The extended family political bickering kinda took the fun out of it.
FYI - if you do a google search for Instagram and your user name it will show you a bunch of other websites that use IG’s images. (I had no clue until I did it myself)
I hear you. I don’t Facebook for that reason.
It appears you’re absolutely right. I’m about to do a dig into the feasibility of suing some folks.
I know you don’t give up copyright when posting to Instagram, and they have some language about content may be reposted...but that’s generally understood to mean that they aren’t liable if someone reposts without permission.
Richard Prince’s defense doesn’t really apply to what I’m seeing out there. And frankly I disagree with the court’s findings in his various cases.
I was heading out to the range and had started to get my stuff together. I liked the way the natural light was hitting it thru the window, so I snapped a quick iPhone pic. (iPhone 7). I like the rustic feel of the wood as a backdrop. I can't recall if I tweaked anything, If I did it was with the Apple Photos App.
https://i.imgur.com/0Jok9V1.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/r8BTOJu.png
Good eye for lighting. The colors are over done in some areas, and muted in others, but that is just how it goes sometimes. I agree with you, the natural lighting works well in a shot like this.
A couple more iPhone shots from back in my instagram days (cthomas791). I don't have the originals, and found these by searching my #. This thread is making me kick my self for not saving any of the originals. I had a few more that were pretty neat...
https://i.imgur.com/OZpfww7.jpg
Attempting to showcase the oil with the "Being on guard" concept...
https://i.imgur.com/k6bBZ5n.jpg
My sprayed-in Bedliner made for a really cool background. I did a bunch of similar shots with my SBR but I can't find them...
This was my 19L (17 Grip-chop to accept 19 mags). I ended up donating this one to a vet charity.
Always hard for me to really get a feel for images which have a filter thrown on them. Do you look at the filtered image, the original shot, or something else? In the world of IG, even I use filters every once in awhile. It isn't a matter of overly wanting to, but if people enjoy a filtered look, it is easy enough to give it to them. With that in mind, I think those two filtered shots are pretty decent.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190223/aa6c40e9a67bf3279326a59539fab129.jpg
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
http://i.imgur.com/wc747lC.jpg
Unfortunately a rubber mat was all I had available for this shot, so I understand the background is probably a little busier than it should be.
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
http://i.imgur.com/wc747lC.jpg
Unfortunately a rubber mat was all I had available for this shot, so I understand the background is probably a little busier than it should be.
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
The main issue here isn't the rubber mat, it is the uneven flow of light across the subject. Had you dropped a reflector, or even a white paper plate on the left, a bit of fill would have brought in more light and made for a better presentation. Personally, I'm a big fan of rubber mats for pics (and for when I drop gun stuff).
TriggerFish
03-05-19, 13:18
https://i.imgur.com/Plw1Z4c.jpg
PretendOperator
03-24-19, 20:17
56566
56566
The human eye really goes to nothing when this image is first viewed. There is nothing that draws attention. Alternate layout, varying by just a bit would make a much stronger impact. Obviously the dust and hair on it does not contribute in a positive manner either.
https://i.imgur.com/Plw1Z4c.jpg
Shadowing, lighting, light direction and the selective color are all items gone wrong with this one. I know this is a very different shot for you, and I like the idea that you are pushing different things.
General Mazaki
04-06-19, 06:30
SMOS Arms GFY-15 in Sniper Grey
-Magpul STR
-Magpul MIAD
-Surefire Scout M600 w/ SR07 switch
-Arisaka MLOK Scout mount
-Magpul MBUS Pro sights
-Aimpoint Micro T-1 on Larue tall mount
-Surefire Warcomp
-Magpul MLOK covers
Planning to switch to a LPVO eventually, probably the Leupold Mk6 1-6x20 on a Scalarworks mount. I've got a 16" sub-moa stainless barrel, it's a waste to not put a scope on this beauty. I'll get something shorter for home defense duty.
https://i.imgur.com/bdn2FJH.jpg
grizzlyblake
04-06-19, 09:45
The furniture in the bottom left wrecks that shot in my opinion.
The house in the background is what catches my eye. The gun needs more front lighting against the bright background too.
SMOS Arms GFY-15 in Sniper Grey
-Magpul STR
-Magpul MIAD
-Surefire Scout M600 w/ SR07 switch
-Arisaka MLOK Scout mount
-Magpul MBUS Pro sights
-Aimpoint Micro T-1 on Larue tall mount
-Surefire Warcomp
-Magpul MLOK covers
Planning to switch to a LPVO eventually, probably the Leupold Mk6 1-6x20 on a Scalarworks mount. I've got a 16" sub-moa stainless barrel, it's a waste to not put a scope on this beauty. I'll get something shorter for home defense duty.
https://i.imgur.com/bdn2FJH.jpg
The background is what stands out, not the weapon. Even the bokeh isn't enough to save it.
General Mazaki
04-06-19, 18:01
Thanks for the critique fellas. It's an old offhand snapshot, but I just wanted to contribute to the thread. I do agree the background is more pronounced than I'd like and I should have moved the chair out of the frame. I was working with natural light, in hindsight I could have easily used a reflector to add more light to the rifle and help equalize it with the background's brightness. I need to recheck the EXIF, but I believe I was stopping down the lens a bit to make sure the rifle was all in-focus; larger aperture to blur the background further may have been the better call.
Thanks for the critique fellas. It's an old offhand snapshot, but I just wanted to contribute to the thread. I do agree the background is more pronounced than I'd like and I should have moved the chair out of the frame. I was working with natural light, in hindsight I could have easily used a reflector to add more light to the rifle and help equalize it with the background's brightness. I need to recheck the EXIF, but I believe I was stopping down the lens a bit to make sure the rifle was all in-focus; larger aperture to blur the background further may have been the better call.
Nice view though!
battlestage
09-22-19, 12:30
https://i.imgur.com/zLHw1bsh.jpg
I'm just going to go out a limb here and take a chance. To me... to my eye. I have never seen a lower with that 'emblem' and I'm confused. Is that your means of hiding personal info? If so, I would think that area would normally be the center of attention and that shot draws me right in.
If not ..the way the depth of field fades off on the numbers makes my brain want to keep going back and forth in unrest.
Is there a subtle nod to Buddy Guy? I would have continued the polka dot through the trigger guard. Cropped the left off some. I like the word proudly being seen.
I like it but just for personal taste. If I wanted it on my wall. I would have cropped it just left of the the roll pin on the trigger guard and included whatever happened to roll into view from right.
Oh, and I like the buckle and take down pin. they seem to compliment each other and keep my eye from wandering. Not sure if that was on purpose or not. If it was, it worked.
I'm severely left eye dominant and you might not think that looking at a picture on a computer screen would matter, but it does. Ironically, your picture draws my weak eye. The depth of field fade, the take down pin, the buckle, the polka dots, the emblem of course, and the general focus as cropped.
Overall I like it a lot. That emblem thing aside. I'm not sure what's going on there.
Diamondback
12-29-19, 22:29
I'll play. Given that all I have to work with is a Samsung Galaxy Tab A 6.0 with its crappy internal camera and flash and room light, and my backdrop options are bedspread or hardwood floor--I can't use outdoor light because I'm in a studio apartment and don't want attention from the neighbors--what can I do to improve this? For quick-and-dirty WIP photos this works, but when I shoot the "completion portrait" for the girlfriend I really want it to be the kind of thing that inspires "I can't wait to get on a plane and come try it out for myself" sentiments.
https://i.imgur.com/DFdXoVc.jpg
Obvious: Remove or rearrange sling, reposition or remove bolt-saver and BCG. (That BCG stays in the bag because I've set it aside for her to install; testing will be done with another BCG out of one of my other AR's. Intent is to give her a small token bit of "I helped build that" ego investment.)
I'll play. Given that all I have to work with is a Samsung Galaxy Tab A 6.0 with its crappy internal camera and flash and room light, and my backdrop options are bedspread or hardwood floor--I can't use outdoor light because I'm in a studio apartment and don't want attention from the neighbors--what can I do to improve this? For quick-and-dirty WIP photos this works, but when I shoot the "completion portrait" for the girlfriend I really want it to be the kind of thing that inspires "I can't wait to get on a plane and come try it out for myself" sentiments.
https://i.imgur.com/DFdXoVc.jpg
Obvious: Remove or rearrange sling, reposition or remove bolt-saver and BCG. (That BCG stays in the bag because I've set it aside for her to install; testing will be done with another BCG out of one of my other AR's. Intent is to give her a small token bit of "I helped build that" ego investment.)
To start, lets look at the lighting, which is going to (arguably) be the most important element of the image. In this case, the lighting isn't evenly crossing the subject matter, nor is it coming from a direction. It appears to be coming directly from you (or behind/ above you), which isn't going to ever help an indoor pic. You are also shooting in low light, you need to bump up the light output to help out that camera sensor.
If you are interested, try this exercise. Take a light source and place a coin directly underneath it, then take a pic. You will see the lack of shadow and contrast creates a rather "blah" pic. Next, take the same coin (or other small item)and put it to the side of the light. Using a table lamp probably works best for this. You will see the lighting now creates detail and shows ridges and texture. Lastly, take a pic with the light at the side, using the lamp shade or white plastic bag as a filter to diffuse the light. This should create the best overall look if you can get enough light onto your subject.
How does the above help you will your AR15 pic? To start, your light source needs to be coming from the side, preferably the side away from you (your 12 o'clock as you take the pic). Next, stop hunching over the shot so the image doesn't look warped and distended. You will want to zoom out to 2 or 3x, which means you might need to stand on a chair. These things alone will make a huge difference!
Moving onto the weapon and layout, pull the sling, the BCG, and orange plastic out of the pic, it only adds clutter. Take extra pics to show those things. If you can create an even background color and texture, the image will look better. The multiple shades of grey, combined with folds and design create a less than remarkable background.
Aside from that, I think you are good! If nothing else, remember to keep the light at 12 o'clock, and don't be so close. Those things will improve it a lot. Lots of light will clean up the shadows and grainy texture. Dump the clutter, and you isolate your subject, which all moves your pic into the win column.
Don't feel bad, when I critique myself I'm getting worked up over degrees of angle, or even fractions of degrees. Power ratios and on and on and rarely am I even liking my own work for any length of time.
I'll play. Given that all I have to work with is a Samsung Galaxy Tab A 6.0 with its crappy internal camera and flash and room light,)
On camera flash is bad, very bad. Room light is your friend, especially if you can move it around. If all else fails, take it in the bathroom as most bathrooms have better lighting than regular rooms. There is nothing wrong with leaning it against the wall and taking pics.
Diamondback
12-30-19, 15:43
Thanks all around, Stick. I'll give those all a go next time I have reason to shoot an Update Pic.
To start, lets look at the lighting, which is going to (arguably) be the most important element of the image. In this case, the lighting isn't evenly crossing the subject matter, nor is it coming from a direction. It appears to be coming directly from you (or behind/ above you), which isn't going to ever help an indoor pic. You are also shooting in low light, you need to bump up the light output to help out that camera sensor.
If you are interested, try this exercise. Take a light source and place a coin directly underneath it, then take a pic. You will see the lack of shadow and contrast creates a rather "blah" pic. Next, take the same coin (or other small item)and put it to the side of the light. Using a table lamp probably works best for this. You will see the lighting now creates detail and shows ridges and texture. Lastly, take a pic with the light at the side, using the lamp shade or white plastic bag as a filter to diffuse the light. This should create the best overall look if you can get enough light onto your subject.
How does the above help you will your AR15 pic? To start, your light source needs to be coming from the side, preferably the side away from you (your 12 o'clock as you take the pic). Next, stop hunching over the shot so the image doesn't look warped and distended. You will want to zoom out to 2 or 3x, which means you might need to stand on a chair. These things alone will make a huge difference!
Moving onto the weapon and layout, pull the sling, the BCG, and orange plastic out of the pic, it only adds clutter. Take extra pics to show those things. If you can create an even background color and texture, the image will look better. The multiple shades of grey, combined with folds and design create a less than remarkable background.
Aside from that, I think you are good! If nothing else, remember to keep the light at 12 o'clock, and don't be so close. Those things will improve it a lot. Lots of light will clean up the shadows and grainy texture. Dump the clutter, and you isolate your subject, which all moves your pic into the win column.
Don't feel bad, when I critique myself I'm getting worked up over degrees of angle, or even fractions of degrees. Power ratios and on and on and rarely am I even liking my own work for any length of time.
Stick, IME most cameras struggle with the light source directly at the 12. Is that what the diffuser is for?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
daddyusmaximus
12-30-19, 17:39
So glad to have stumbled onto this thread. I hate it when I go to share something in a post, and can't get the image I want. I'm so excited about my new gun, or there is something on it relevant to the conversation, but I don't know a lot about what it is that makes a good shot. I just know I like a shot, or don't when I see it. Other times I get lazy, and throw up a "gun on the floor" shot. I'm careful never to get any feet in, (lol) but of course they are still boring shots. Thanks to Stick for helping out on this. Always good work. No wonder it's your job...
I do need to go back, and look again, closer, and soak up all the tips. Sure "good light" is best, but what is "good" light? Sometimes you want a deep shadow, other times not.... Then there's the fact that I was just a grunt forever. Never got into real photography beyond pulling something out of a pocket to snap a photo. Hell, my first Army photos were with a 110 camera. Now, same excuse, different era, all I have is an iPhone. One day I can get a shot I like, the next I can't to save my life.
Anyway here's what I'm talking about. First one is a typical "I need to share right now" shot, (it was night time) and the second is one I tried to do a decent job on. I don't think I was even paying attention to any rule of thirds, or centering... just get the gun in the shot.
https://i.imgur.com/8OSt6fz.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/yFTJ3AS.jpg
daddyusmaximus
12-30-19, 17:42
I've had people say this one turned out, but other say its was just because the gun in it was interesting... Once again, dead center, close cropped...
https://i.imgur.com/VTdJYtt.jpg
daddyusmaximus
12-30-19, 17:51
No gun here, but an interesting shot. As I said, this was me, just seeing something cool, then pulling a cheep camera (little square digital Nikon, sold at PX) out of my pocket, and snapping the shot. I'm thinking the first Post 9/11 deployment, but it could have been the 04-06 Iraq one. Sometimes it just works. Now I want to learn how to MAKE it work when I want it to.
https://i.imgur.com/LjokhnP.jpg
Diamondback
12-30-19, 21:45
No gun here, but an interesting shot. As I said, this was me, just seeing something cool, then pulling a cheep camera (little square digital Nikon, sold at PX) out of my pocket, and snapping the shot. I'm thinking the first Post 9/11 deployment, but it could have been the 04-06 Iraq one. Sometimes it just works. Now I want to learn how to MAKE it work when I want it to.
DM, if you can get into File Properties, your camera should have saved Date Created as part of the metadata, that might help narrow the when/where. No critique to offer, but def a cool pic.
daddyusmaximus
12-30-19, 22:21
Forgot about going into "properties". Friday, October 19, 2001, so it's the first post 9/11 deployment. In Oct we were still at Ali Al Salem, in Kuwait.
This is my Colt 6940 Monolith with a Vltor E-Mod Stock, Ergo Tactical Grip, Harris Bipod, Leatherwood M-1000 ART Scope, (old school "long range" scope). It's one of my better AR's. I was trying to show off the Clinton era roll markings on the magwell. (RESTRICTED cops only, hide the women and kids, and all that). It didn't turn out very well, because I took the photo with my crappy little Sony Cybershot camera. Good when I bought it, but a certified POS by today's standards. (I'll admit I need a new camera). I envy some of the photos I see here. Afterward I realized the box of Remington brass shotshells had about as much place in that picture as a Kitchen Aid Mixmaster. The more I look at it, the less I like it.... (The picture, not the gun).
https://i.imgur.com/jqydqFH.jpg?1
Just for giggles here is my Kimber 8400 Police Tactical in .300 Win. Mag. in the kitchen. No Kitchen Aid Mixmaster however. But you can dig on the Jack LaLane Power Juicer in the background. (Same crappy Sony Cybershot).
https://i.imgur.com/Snn8CAm.jpg?1
ChattanoogaPhil
01-25-20, 13:13
https://i.imgur.com/tKWgF71.jpg
Now THAT is a nice picture!
https://i.imgur.com/2WQu4k1.jpg
Forgot about going into "properties". Friday, October 19, 2001, so it's the first post 9/11 deployment. In Oct we were still at Ali Al Salem, in Kuwait.
I can remember using The Rock to stage and run patrols. If you ever got outside the main gate, you could see the cluster bomb damage. It would have been a bad day to be out in the open when those strikes came in. The damage to the hardened shelters the French made for their aircraft from our penetrators was impressive as well. Somewhere I've got pics of me in them with my belt fed.
This is my Colt 6940 Monolith with a Vltor E-Mod Stock, Ergo Tactical Grip, Harris Bipod, Leatherwood M-1000 ART Scope, (old school "long range" scope). It's one of my better AR's. I was trying to show off the Clinton era roll markings on the magwell. (RESTRICTED cops only, hide the women and kids, and all that). It didn't turn out very well, because I took the photo with my crappy little Sony Cybershot camera. Good when I bought it, but a certified POS by today's standards. (I'll admit I need a new camera). I envy some of the photos I see here. Afterward I realized the box of Remington brass shotshells had about as much place in that picture as a Kitchen Aid Mixmaster. The more I look at it, the less I like it.... (The picture, not the gun).
https://i.imgur.com/jqydqFH.jpg?1
That rug and metal tin aren't helping that pic any, neither is the uneven lighting....
Just for giggles here is my Kimber 8400 Police Tactical in .300 Win. Mag. in the kitchen. No Kitchen Aid Mixmaster however. But you can dig on the Jack LaLane Power Juicer in the background. (Same crappy Sony Cybershot).
https://i.imgur.com/Snn8CAm.jpg?1
I'm not sure what you were going for with that shot, but my eye is drawn to the screaming mass of clutter, and not the weapon.
https://i.imgur.com/tKWgF71.jpg
Its a solid pic, but being that this thread is for critique, there are two major issues that jump out. First is that it is a very grainy image, and second would be that the flash light grabs the eye first due to its lighter and brighter color. Still a very good pic though.
https://i.imgur.com/2WQu4k1.jpg
I really like the weapon setup, but it doesn't appear to be the focal point of the image. There is a lot going on with colors, shapes, angles and various backgrounds. I think the weapon could have been put on the ground and you would have had a cleaner shot.
No gun here, but an interesting shot. As I said, this was me, just seeing something cool, then pulling a cheep camera (little square digital Nikon, sold at PX) out of my pocket, and snapping the shot. I'm thinking the first Post 9/11 deployment, but it could have been the 04-06 Iraq one. Sometimes it just works. Now I want to learn how to MAKE it work when I want it to.
https://i.imgur.com/LjokhnP.jpg
Fantastic framing and color captured with this.
daddyusmaximus
01-26-20, 21:47
Fantastic framing and color captured with this.
Thanks. It's one of the best photos I've ever taken. Used a little Pentax Optio 43WR I got at the PX on Camp Cedar. Still have it.
Hard to convey to people back home how you can be in some ****hole on the other side of the planet... hot, tired, and homesick, and still manage to take a moment out of the day to see something beautiful. Helps keep you grounded.
ChattanoogaPhil
01-27-20, 07:07
Its a solid pic, but being that this thread is for critique, there are two major issues that jump out. First is that it is a very grainy image, and second would be that the flash light grabs the eye first due to its lighter and brighter color. Still a very good pic though.
Thank you for taking the time to critique and offer tips. I very much appreciate it.
Thanks. It's one of the best photos I've ever taken. Used a little Pentax Optio 43WR I got at the PX on Camp Cedar. Still have it.
Hard to convey to people back home how you can be in some ****hole on the other side of the planet... hot, tired, and homesick, and still manage to take a moment out of the day to see something beautiful. Helps keep you grounded.
If you ever were outside the gates there were some hole in the wall buildings that stunk, and had holes in the ground for toilets. I can remember being so sick coming back in off patrol that I was curled up on those disgusting floors in a fetal position, wrapped around my beltfed, and groaning in pain.
Thank you for taking the time to critique and offer tips. I very much appreciate it.
You are quite welcome sir.
daddyusmaximus
01-27-20, 18:38
If you ever were outside the gates there were some hole in the wall buildings that stunk, and had holes in the ground for toilets. I can remember being so sick coming back in off patrol that I was curled up on those disgusting floors in a fetal position, wrapped around my beltfed, and groaning in pain.
Oh, I was outside the gates... a few times too many.
https://i.imgur.com/BQtoUOR.jpg
BangBang01
01-28-20, 01:05
I will never be able to take pictures like @Stickman however I do like firearms and taking pictures....https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200128/095271899b718b67b453fcf32f18c597.plist
daddyusmaximus
02-11-20, 08:57
Either I don't have a lot of interesting areas on my property, or I lack imagination... Didn't feel like going down by the creek. Still soggy from he last overflow. Somehow, I find this rock, and angle pleasing to me. It's "Princess Rock", where we bury our dogs. Either of these any good? I like the shadows better on the early fall shot... I also like the yard when it's not dead looking.
https://i.imgur.com/pwP9reS.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/yFTJ3AS.jpg
Either I don't have a lot of interesting areas on my property, or I lack imagination... Didn't feel like going down by the creek. Still soggy from he last overflow. Somehow, I find this rock, and angle pleasing to me. It's "Princess Rock", where we bury our dogs. Either of these any good? I like the shadows better on the early fall shot... I also like the yard when it's not dead looking.
https://i.imgur.com/pwP9reS.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/yFTJ3AS.jpg
A few things come to mind...
1. Change your angle and get lower. The alteration of the "typical" perspective will catch the eye more.
2. Use a larger aperture with your camera, this will blur the background and make it less busy looking.
3. You want lighting where the background is darker, and there is more light on the subject. This can work easiest on a cloudy day, or figuring out when the sun will be more in front of the rock instead of behind it.
daddyusmaximus
02-11-20, 14:58
A few things come to mind...
1. Change your angle and get lower. The alteration of the "typical" perspective will catch the eye more.
2. Use a larger aperture with your camera, this will blur the background and make it less busy looking.
3. You want lighting where the background is darker, and there is more light on the subject. This can work easiest on a cloudy day, or figuring out when the sun will be more in front of the rock instead of behind it.
1. I did that, but then there was a tree coming out of the back of the weapon, and it looked weird. I can try is again seeing as how I'm no artist.
2. Nope... my "camera" is an iPhone 7+ other than my very old little 4.3 megapixel Pentax, but I could play with that.
3. Devil's in the details. Thanks.
daddyusmaximus
03-15-20, 13:02
Same rock, but different lighting, (nicer day) different rifle, different angle so there isn't a tree coming out of the gun in the background, still just have a phone...
https://i.imgur.com/40p8zcY.jpg
daddyusmaximus
04-11-20, 13:29
My phone has a setting that blurs out the background. I like the effect this has on the subject in the photo. Here is my Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 in .223 both ways...
https://i.imgur.com/yyALY8C.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Ur2uLrl.jpg
This is my Benelli M4 H2nO.6218562185
62186
Hopefully this will be a better picture. I have a standard Benelli M4, with a Mesa Urbino Stock, Strike Industries ForeGrip, H20 Barrel, GG&G Follower, I am just waiting on my Full Length Carbon Fiber Mag Tube and enlarged boot release. What do you guys think?
62186
Hopefully this will be a better picture. I have a standard Benelli M4, with a Mesa Urbino Stock, Strike Industries ForeGrip, H20 Barrel, GG&G Follower, I am just waiting on my Full Length Carbon Fiber Mag Tube and enlarged boot release. What do you guys think?
The picture is so small, and so grainy there really isn't anything positive which can be said about it.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200507/524fac78a4786fd19bf30da9def731d3.jpg
daddyusmaximus
05-07-20, 09:28
^^^ I'm not the pro that's supposed to be doing the critiques, but that's a cool shot in my book.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200507/524fac78a4786fd19bf30da9def731d3.jpg
Simple and somewhat pleasing shot. I do think it would be better if shot horizontal as opposed to vertical. I also think targets which had been shot would create more "effect" in the image.
The pistol is lit well, and I'm guessing it is the result of a heavily overcast day. The sky working as a giant softbox is pretty darned hard to beat most of the time.
Simple and somewhat pleasing shot. I do think it would be better if shot horizontal as opposed to vertical. I also think targets which had been shot would create more "effect" in the image.
The pistol is lit well, and I'm guessing it is the result of a heavily overcast day. The sky working as a giant softbox is pretty darned hard to beat most of the time.
Thanks. It was a spur of the moment thing. It was taken with an iPhone 6(?)
iPhone pic
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200727/8f3c2d23ad577d9a90af6841b48c467e.plist
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
iPhone pic
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200727/8f3c2d23ad577d9a90af6841b48c467e.plist
I’m a big fan of this style layout, the largest issues I see here are that the color, and focus draw the eye away from the firearm itself. If the weapon had more detail, and the background was out of focus, this would be a great one. Overall, I still like it and think it has good appeal.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200729/daf16f6518a2005a6375aa0260792e67.jpg
A high key shot of my new KAC and T2. Maybe too tight a crop.
I’m a big fan of this style layout, the largest issues I see here are that the color, and focus draw the eye away from the firearm itself. If the weapon had more detail, and the background was out of focus, this would be a great one. Overall, I still like it and think it has good appeal.
Wow that is huge compliment and thanks for the advice.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200729/daf16f6518a2005a6375aa0260792e67.jpg
A high key shot of my new KAC and T2. Maybe too tight a crop.
I agree the shot is a tad on the tight side. The offset mount is killing the linear look and feel to the pic, expanding the pic out a bit further should help with that.
Black_Sheep
01-23-21, 21:44
I like this picture from a recent M5 build for a few reasons. It shows a lot of details on the gun without being too busy looking. I also like the way that the natural lighting highlights the contours adds some depth to the picture. Lastly, the the angle of the shot is a little more artsy than squaring it up with the frame.
64986
Diamondback
01-23-21, 22:08
Same crappy potato device, trying for a "Gunshop Counter as Natural Habitat" thing with some help from a preferred FFL. Hopefully I've improved a little...
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/655632728812683276/772247315561971723/unknown.png
Need to figure out where I put the C8's logbook flash drive so I can mount it...
I like this picture from a recent M5 build for a few reasons. It shows a lot of details on the gun without being too busy looking. I also like the way that the natural lighting highlights the contours adds some depth to the picture. Lastly, the the angle of the shot is a little more artsy than squaring it up with the frame.
64986
Phone pic?
Same crappy potato device, trying for a "Gunshop Counter as Natural Habitat" thing with some help from a preferred FFL. Hopefully I've improved a little...
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/655632728812683276/772247315561971723/unknown.png
Need to figure out where I put the C8's logbook flash drive so I can mount it...
The lighting is bad, which is giving you a VERy flat look to the items. The signs should be in or out, not partially in, the bright white of the floor on the left and the white signs heavily detract from the firearms and draw the eye away. Lastly, the focus doesn't look like its on the weapons, making them feel more like an afterthought.
I think side lighting from the right would make a world of difference, but you would need to drop the exposure by a half stop as well. I like where you are going with the idea, but it falls flat on this one.
Black_Sheep
01-24-21, 17:37
Phone pic?
Tablet IIRC
I took this picture under a barn against that old red truck hood to try get all the different colors on that gun. The green rail and gray stock want to come out black.
https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-nXwkwWm/0/X4/i-nXwkwWm-X4.jpg
I took this picture under a barn against that old red truck hood to try get all the different colors on that gun. The green rail and gray stock want to come out black.
https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-nXwkwWm/0/X4/i-nXwkwWm-X4.jpg
I noticed this pic in another thread and immediately liked it. The sling detracts a bit, as does the soil, but it is a super clean image with a fantastic background.
Very nicely done.
1_click_off
09-26-21, 06:53
66510
Picture was taken as an impulse. I liked the backdrop and rustic fence. This was taken with an older iPhone so it is as amateur as it gets.
Dislikes on the photo:
I should have wiped the gun down better first.
Don’t know if the phone had the ability to adjust exposure like current phone, but would have liked to have adjusted it some.
66510
Picture was taken as an impulse. I liked the backdrop and rustic fence. This was taken with an older iPhone so it is as amateur as it gets.
Dislikes on the photo:
I should have wiped the gun down better first.
Don’t know if the phone had the ability to adjust exposure like current phone, but would have liked to have adjusted it some.
I think the equipment limitations keep this shot as a pleasant memory, but just a snap shot. From a pro point of view, I can't say that having the image dead center is helping anything. Just a little more to the right and it would have been better.
1_click_off
09-26-21, 16:03
66512
Well if it is just pleasant memory quality, I would like to remember the scenery more than the VP9 as I ditched it a few years back. So here is another with less gun and more background. And a little to the right…. One day soon I will have access to the gear to shoot a quality photo….
Edit: Damn I just saw the “post any firearm” thread and realized I was in the deep end without my arm floats with my pics in this thread!!!
baffle Stack
10-19-21, 23:26
Took this one for an EDC thread. Was mostly showing off the watches. I like that there's a lot of reflective surfaces but not a lot of distracting reflections. I think bounced a speedlight off the roof for this one and shot a few different angles till i found one that worked. I dont like gun being propped up with a holster. It's distracting and blends in with the trigger too much. I remember having a hard time finding something inconspicuous to prop it up at the right angle. Overall I like this image and kept it for long after the watches were sold. Still have the gun and multitool though.
66677
Took this one for an EDC thread. Was mostly showing off the watches. I like that there's a lot of reflective surfaces but not a lot of distracting reflections. I think bounced a speedlight off the roof for this one and shot a few different angles till i found one that worked. I dont like gun being propped up with a holster. It's distracting and blends in with the trigger too much. I remember having a hard time finding something inconspicuous to prop it up at the right angle. Overall I like this image and kept it for long after the watches were sold. Still have the gun and multitool though.
66677
The parts are much greater than the sum in this case. Each item stands out well on their own, but when put together it just is too much and the pic is cluttered. We could go into technical discussions about angles leading all over and dis similar planes running amuck, but I think we can just leave it at cluttered. Again, very nice individually.
Each item only stands out if you're a watch person. I am not, so the meaning is lost on me. Also, the dichotomy of what "may" be expensive watches with a mult-tool doesn't make a lot of sense. The watch around the pistol seems strange. I'd suggest one pistol and one real knife or one watch. Either that or sprinkle some boolits on the table.
I took this photo to show off my first AR pistol which I built while we were living in our motorhome. Freshly painted, over gassed, under buffered and two hundred rounds away from complete extractor spring failure- and I was so proud of it!
I like how the colors look on my (uncorrected) screen.
https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JWJTNDb/0/da846dea/L/i-JWJTNDb-L.jpg
I took this when the sun directly overhead, without a cloud in the sky.
I took this when the sun directly overhead, without a cloud in the sky.
It really shows. Direct harsh lighting from the sun is very infrequently a good thing. Had the sun been out of play, and the sky been overcast, this pic would have looked a lot better. On a calibrate screen, this looks very "salmon"ish for colors.
Either that or sprinkle some boolits on the table.
For the love of Pete, please don't throw bullets in a pic. Its a look that never really works well.
It really shows. Direct harsh lighting from the sun is very infrequently a good thing. Had the sun been out of play, and the sky been overcast, this pic would have looked a lot better. On a calibrate screen, this looks very "salmon"ish for colors.
Thanks Stick
Thanks Stick
I will happily point out that I struggle mightily any time I'm using bales of hay or straw in any of my images. So don't take the above comments negative, you are in good company!!
I will happily point out that I struggle mightily any time I'm using bales of hay or straw in any of my images. So don't take the above comments negative, you are in good company!!
I haven't taken any of your comments in a negative way. I trust your eye. If I don't want the truth about my photos I shouldn't ask. I am truly grateful for taking time out of your day to comment.
For the love of Pete, please don't throw bullets in a pic. Its a look that never really works well.
Really?
You do this for a living so won’t question you other than why?
Really?
You do this for a living so won’t question you other than why?
It is my belief that throwing spent shell casings into an image creates a pointless filler, which stands out and really looks the part. I learned a long time ago from a photographer/ instructor.... His question about one of my images was simple, what does adding this item, or any other item into the scene add from the finished image? His yelling words were highly audible as he told the class, "If it doesn't add to the image, it can only detract from it"!!!!!!
The guy was a brutal instructor, everything had to be shot on slides and projected in front of the class, and you had better have a thick skin. I would guess that over half the class left at one point or another fleeing from the classroom in tears. He really didn't care, all that matter to him was creating photographers, and he had zero problem starting the class by saying that most people didn't have what it took, but at least they could learn the basics while they were there.
At the end of the course he held me off to the side and told me to drop whatever my major was and become a photographer. It was a basic 101 class, but he ran it like a 301 class.
His comments about things being detriments as opposed to useful filler really struck home with me. Another thing he felt people were too stupid to understand was negative space.
Really?
You do this for a living so won’t question you other than why?
My life has been filled with being in uniform, with most of it wearing a badge. I won't argue that I have done an additional 40+hrs a week with a camera, but my career has always been made carrying a gun. I don't want anyone to give me credit where I may not have earned it.
My life has been filled with being in uniform, with most of it wearing a badge. I won't argue that I have done an additional 40+hrs a week with a camera, but my career has always been made carrying a gun. I don't want anyone to give me credit where I may not have earned it.
Fair enough, I’ll just leave it at you’re leaps and bounds better than I am at product photography!
I wish to heck we had a like button on this forum.
I’ve been a proponent of less is more in many areas of my life.
I’ve been a proponent of less is more in many areas of my life.
I think a like button would make a difference on most forums, I’m right there with you.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211102/07be2dd3a32d8da2e085c7d1419ab654.jpg
Some graininess happened because res was lowered on my phone, but it is what it is.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211102/0cf28386bd3545747f9455af91f2bbf0.jpg
And another grainy one complainants of the phone.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211102/07be2dd3a32d8da2e085c7d1419ab654.jpg
Some graininess happened because res was lowered on my phone, but it is what it is.
Image quality is poor at best. The background gives nothing of interest, it tells no story. The weapon itself is held at an angle which makes the latches look like the stand far out and aren't closed all the way. The sling stands out, and not particularly in a good way. The rain drop/ wet background has the possibility of being interesting, but the excessive grain of the overall image negates it.
Overall, its a snap shot that doesn't tell a story or spark memories for the viewer.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211102/0cf28386bd3545747f9455af91f2bbf0.jpg
And another grainy one complainants of the phone.
This one suffers from grain to the point of making the focus look suspect. However, there is a large difference between this one and the previous. This one as a good background, and the warmth of wood is something people always find appealing on a subconscious level. While the weapon could have been wiped clean to help create a more pleasing image, it still works. A clean unprocessed and ungrainy version very well could be a winner with this pic!
This pic was shot because I try to keep hi resolution photos of all my guns. That and I really like the P7M8 with wood grips.
http://hkguns.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p3179033042-5.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211125/bd333c37c53151be8826a8d2a2666f31.jpg
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
This pic was shot because I try to keep hi resolution photos of all my guns. That and I really like the P7M8 with wood grips.
http://hkguns.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p3179033042-5.jpg
Beautiful pistol, but the uneven lighting doesn't flatter the overall image.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211125/bd333c37c53151be8826a8d2a2666f31.jpg
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Getting down lower and having the sky as a background instead of grass would have given this picture a lot more pop and really made it stand out
Black_Sheep
11-28-21, 15:57
https://i.imgur.com/lcwsn23.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/lcwsn23.jpeg
I like the even lighting, and the simple, clean layout. However (and you knew there was going to be one), the carpet isn't doing the subject matter any justice. Concrete would have looked fantastic.
daddyusmaximus
12-06-21, 09:01
https://i.imgur.com/XkKO6IP.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/XkKO6IP.jpg
Immediate reaction was "why is the front of the pistol dark"!?!?!?!
I'm guessing this was shot at a wider angle than it should have been. When we are taking pics, we need to remember than distortion based on focal length is a real thing. One of the reasons its important is that it has great effect on illumination of our subject.
daddyusmaximus
12-06-21, 11:16
Immediate reaction was "why is the front of the pistol dark"!?!?!?!
I'm guessing this was shot at a wider angle than it should have been. When we are taking pics, we need to remember than distortion based on focal length is a real thing. One of the reasons its important is that it has great effect on illumination of our subject.
Maybe I could adjust the lighting conditions.
Camera isn't a camera, (don't have one) it's an iPhone.
When we are taking pics, we need to remember than distortion based on focal length is a real thing. One of the reasons its important is that it has great effect on illumination of our subject.
How is that? I am aware of distortion/compression (https://nofilmschool.com/2011/11/lens-choice-affects-subjects-appearance) by focal length but not how it affects illumination.
How is that? I am aware of distortion/compression (https://nofilmschool.com/2011/11/lens-choice-affects-subjects-appearance) by focal length but not how it affects illumination.
Angle of incident equals angle of reflection, but getting in closer and shooting wide angle has an effect on the light as opposed to going farther away and zooming in. The light has no choice but to hit two different ways. It doesn’t mean you are going to see it in every situation, it’s a matter of what the lighting is that you are using.
ETA- walk in close and look at wide angle lines, they bend. They are bending more than just the lines, they are bending light waves as well.
Black_Sheep
12-11-21, 12:52
Stick I tried another shot without the busy carpet pattern as a background. The best natural light comes in that particular window so I tried using a different, more subdued background. It's not optimal, but getting closer. I appreciate the constructive criticism...
https://i.imgur.com/UwatefW.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NYrs5Ye.jpg
Stick I tried another shot without the busy carpet pattern as a background. The best natural light comes in that particular window so I tried using a different, more subdued background. It's not optimal, but getting closer. I appreciate the constructive criticism...
https://i.imgur.com/UwatefW.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NYrs5Ye.jpg
A million times better!! Very flattering light.
Black_Sheep
12-22-21, 22:21
Experimenting with detail shots and lighting, this is one of the better ones.
https://i.imgur.com/WRzx5sx.jpeg
I was working on this one tonight and as it was sitting on the bench I thought it was a nice angle so I snapped a shot.
http://hkguns.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p4016973639-5.jpg
My biggest challenge is needing a flash (because I no longer have white tile) but making sure it doesn't wash out / glare over the subject itself.
https://i.imgur.com/B8hIAVn.jpg
I also no longer have a proper "studio floor" with surrounding lighting vs. single overhead light that pisses me off most of the time.
I always liked this one because the Protech and P7 (unintentionally) almost match.
https://i.imgur.com/66w8xye.jpg
This was also my dress carry because I was staying at Boca Beach Resort.
I always liked this one because the Protech and P7 (unintentionally) almost match.
This was also my dress carry because I was staying at Boca Beach Resort.
What finish is that? It looks almost matte, brushed nickle? Nice pistol(s) and knife as well of course.
I like the one above as well as it shows a nice broad timeline of development.
What finish is that? It looks almost matte, brushed nickle? Nice pistol(s) and knife as well of course.
I like the one above as well as it shows a nice broad timeline of development.
Tripp Research Hard Chrome. The saddest thing about P7 carry guns is holster wear, especially on all the hard corners, in that beautiful blue. So when those $400 HK P7s were surplussing in with very little actual use I bought one that had some holster wear and did it in Hard Chrome. Really durable finish and looks very nice. Did a matte / satin so I didn't have a shiny carry gun. This also allowed me to keep my near mint P7s mostly near mint. I was also looking at a matte black option another company had and I wanted to grab a couple "purple" P7s and have them redone, but I simply had too many other things going on.
Was my intention to also do a few SIG P6 /225s but I just never grabbed extras before the supply dried up. That would have also made a nifty little 9 for hard carry.
Tripp Research Hard Chrome. The saddest thing about P7 carry guns is holster wear, especially on all the hard corners, in that beautiful blue. So when those $400 HK P7s were surplussing in with very little actual use I bought one that had some holster wear and did it in Hard Chrome. Really durable finish and looks very nice. Did a matte / satin so I didn't have a shiny carry gun. This also allowed me to keep my near mint P7s mostly near mint. I was also looking at a matte black option another company had and I wanted to grab a couple "purple" P7s and have them redone, but I simply had too many other things going on.
Was my intention to also do a few SIG P6 /225s but I just never grabbed extras before the supply dried up. That would have also made a nifty little 9 for hard carry.
Ah, gotcha makes sense. Yeah, my M8 mostly stays in the safe these days, although I did shoot some IDPA with it but quickly learned the capacity was a handicap in that game.
I picked up one of the $400 trade-ins and it already had a "T-25" finish on it, which is just like NP3, (It may even be NP3 for all I know) so I never did anything with the rest of the pistol.
My biggest challenge is needing a flash (because I no longer have white tile) but making sure it doesn't wash out / glare over the subject itself.
I also no longer have a proper "studio floor" with surrounding lighting vs. single overhead light that pisses me off most of the time.
It shows, and I don't mean that in a bad way, it is just a matter of fact. I think you will be very challenged to show of three pistols and get decent lighting on all of them.
One of the things I did when I didn't have studio lighting available was to use a shower curtain. You can take that shower curtain outside and throw it over the gun (and yourself!) and suddenly have a great big light source flooding in from almost every angle. I also made up a few to use as scrims with PVC frames. They were cheap and worked shockingly well for use with or without strobes.
A canopy bed with a white fabric canopy and a bounce flash works wonders too, if you happen to have them…
It shows, and I don't mean that in a bad way, it is just a matter of fact. I think you will be very challenged to show of three pistols and get decent lighting on all of them.
One of the things I did when I didn't have studio lighting available was to use a shower curtain. You can take that shower curtain outside and throw it over the gun (and yourself!) and suddenly have a great big light source flooding in from almost every angle. I also made up a few to use as scrims with PVC frames. They were cheap and worked shockingly well for use with or without strobes.
I'm here to learn, wouldn't have posted in this thread if I came to get my feelings hurt.
Never even thought of the "cloudy day" thing so I have a new trick to try.
I'm here to learn, wouldn't have posted in this thread if I came to get my feelings hurt.
Never even thought of the "cloudy day" thing so I have a new trick to try.
I've shot loads of catalog, ad and other print work using a cloudy day as my light source. The cloudier the better, and a foggy sort of light is almost magical.
I've shot loads of catalog, ad and other print work using a cloudy day as my light source. The cloudier the better, and a foggy sort of light is almost magical.
I've seen lots of your stuff on this forum. I know you know your stuff. One day I'll learn how to shoot my DSLR as intended rather than a point and click like I'm currently doing.
BrigandTwoFour
02-07-22, 20:17
Might as well put this up for review. I was trying to play with the blue/orange theme and leading lines. Was otherwise pretty happy with it, except I realized after the fact that I blew the focus a bit. I think I would have liked a bit more depth of field, too- but it was relatively low light and I was hand holding the camera (85mm equivalent). A tripod would probably have helped me get more stable for it.
https://everydaymarksman.files.wordpress.com/2022/02/minuteman-m5.jpeg
Might as well put this up for review. I was trying to play with the blue/orange theme and leading lines. Was otherwise pretty happy with it, except I realized after the fact that I blew the focus a bit. I think I would have liked a bit more depth of field, too- but it was relatively low light and I was hand holding the camera (85mm equivalent). A tripod would probably have helped me get more stable for it.
https://everydaymarksman.files.wordpress.com/2022/02/minuteman-m5.jpeg
I like where you were going with this pic. You've already noted the DOF as needing to be a bit higher, as well as a bit steadier.
I would add, I think you could replace the background with something else, maybe something black. You are doing good with your colors, but the background totally throws in another blue, then adds a bunch of lines which are all detracting from the natural focus of the human eye.
BrigandTwoFour
02-08-22, 18:38
I like where you were going with this pic. You've already noted the DOF as needing to be a bit higher, as well as a bit steadier.
I would add, I think you could replace the background with something else, maybe something black. You are doing good with your colors, but the background totally throws in another blue, then adds a bunch of lines which are all detracting from the natural focus of the human eye.
Thanks, Stick! I don't do a ton of tabletop photos like this, but it would probably benefit me to learn better techniques for it. I know there are some photo background things out there for just such a purpose.
ChileRelleno
07-25-23, 00:09
I've always liked B&W.
I purposely used the dappled sunshine to highlight the receivers.
The ammo can props don't distract as much in the B&W like they do in the color pics.
https://i.imgur.com/4biFQPm.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/dG3cVne.jpg
I've always liked B&W.
I purposely used the dappled sunshine to highlight the receivers.
The ammo can props don't distract as much in the B&W like they do in the color pics.
https://i.imgur.com/4biFQPm.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/dG3cVne.jpg
The use of the sunlight as highlights is a good move. Unfortunately, I think they are fractionally off, though the second is super close. Secondly, as nice as the pics are, I do feel that a 20 round mag (or 30 if you prefer) would add to the overall "feel" of the image.
With the second pic, I like the layout, but I wonder if the position of the rifle in the first picture might not look ever better with the ammo cans in it. Did you shoot any like that by any chance?
Both pictures are good, the above comments are made with the idea that I feel it would take the pictures and increase their awesomeness.
ETA- Focus needs to be a little more "spot on" in the first shot.
BrigandTwoFour
08-05-23, 20:19
Testing out some new techniques and equipment.
https://everydaymarksman.files.wordpress.com/2023/08/junkyard-a5.jpeg
Testing out some new techniques and equipment.
https://everydaymarksman.files.wordpress.com/2023/08/junkyard-a5.jpeg
There are a couple things going on here which make this a very good picture, but just missing greatness by a little bit.
The most important thing which comes to mind for me, is the figure is on the right side of the image, with negative space off to the left (point of view of the viewer). If the image were moved more to the right, the image would appear more natural.
Take a look at the below pic of mine where I made a similar mistake. Its close, and in hind sight I probably should have corrected it in post production. The only reason I didn't was that I had others in the same series which were better.
Next, we have an obviously empty brand new pouch sticking out like a sore thumb. Its not like you need to stuff a grenade in there, a couple socks or washcloths will fill the pocket well enough, and no one will no the difference. Its a little thing, but that is what we are talking about here, just the little things which need tweaking.
Third, the weapon is flat in the image. You have to look really hard to see if there is even a magazine in the weapon, and that is a problem. Tilting the weapon up to catch some light, or using an additional gridded light to highlight the mag and lower receiver would make all the difference in the world. You could have used the background light for that, and left the back dark, just to make a bit more mystery and intrigue in the pic. The typical portrait setup requires that background light to establish separation, but its not like we are trying to make people pretty in firearm shots.
An additional thing is just something to think about, and its a topic which is hit and miss in the minds of different people. Since there is no head in the pic (which can be a great thing!), the human eyes are drawn to the next brightest thing, which is the hands. There are times where you might want to show bare hands, but the question to ask yourself is what bare hands add to this image.....? I can't think of anything they bring to the table other than distraction, so as an old ad photographer guy I knew would say, "if it doesn't add to the image, get rid of it!" Whether you need gloves on the hands or not is something only you can answer, but it is one of the primary reasons I do it in pics. The flip side of this is that if there are scars, cuts, or extra dirty hands available, they can add a lot of depth and "use" to a shot.
Hopefully the above makes some sense, let me know.
https://64.media.tumblr.com/6471c3ed626bfc0292a0c6b8d353601b/f0e8f77565c1597a-c4/s1280x1920/7621e0dd024ee0cf9cf1c4e389fba23166b8fa04.jpg
BrigandTwoFour
08-07-23, 12:21
There are a couple things going on here which make this a very good picture, but just missing greatness by a little bit.
Snip.
Thanks, Stick! It does help a lot. TBH this wasn't even put together with much thought. I had just gotten a backdrop (my first one) and a strobe the day before. So I grabbed an unused LBE kit from the crate, a rifle from the safe, and just starting messing around to figure out how to use a flash. Good point on the bright object draw attention issue, I'll keep that in mind for sure. As for the balance and crop, I think one issue with this particular one was that the light was visible in the uncropped photo, lol. So I had to crop it like that to get it out of frame- but it's a good point for symmetry. The photo you posted is actually one I've looked at a lot on your Flickr account.
Thanks for the pointers! I'll keep plugging away at it.
BrigandTwoFour
08-14-23, 11:22
Hey Stick, here's another go at that style from last time. I tried to keep the points in mind and then do a similar one.
https://everydaymarksman.files.wordpress.com/2023/08/mm-pose2.jpg
And, as they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery- I tried to do one similar to the black background one you posted.
https://everydaymarksman.files.wordpress.com/2023/08/mm-pose3.jpeg
I think where I ran into issues is that I was much closer to the camera than yours, and I ended up with some light leak in the background. I was only about 3-4 feet in front of a 86" wide gray background and using a single light. I think a black background would give me more leeway to play with light and not have it spray across the background along the edges.
For what it's worth, I agree with Stickman on your first photo regarding mag and hands. The first thing I saw in that photo was his left wrist. At first glance and second close look the rifle looked to have no mag inserted.
On your last pic I would think this might be an add for an eye doctor. "when your eyesight saves lives"... etc.. That white eye is where my attention is drawn. After that you are selling the jacket, gloves, and cap. If it's not for an eye exam ad might as well get that guy some "cheap sunglasses". If you are selling that jacket imo, a little more light on his left shoulder / upper arm would be nice.
That's my non-professional 2cents. Just based on what my brain and eyes tell me.
BrigandTwoFour
08-15-23, 06:53
For what it's worth, I agree with Stickman on your first photo regarding mag and hands. The first thing I saw in that photo was his left wrist. At first glance and second close look the rifle looked to have no mag inserted.
On your last pic I would think this might be an add for an eye doctor. "when your eyesight saves lives"... etc.. That white eye is where my attention is drawn. After that you are selling the jacket, gloves, and cap. If it's not for an eye exam ad might as well get that guy some "cheap sunglasses". If you are selling that jacket imo, a little more light on his left shoulder / upper arm would be nice.
That's my non-professional 2cents. Just based on what my brain and eyes tell me.
Thanks, I'll keep plugging away. I think I made a mistake in that last photo in that I turned off the lights in my office to minimize light spill, but it resulted in my pupils dilating. It's hard to get right for self portraits because I'm basically setting the camera on a tripod with a self timer, triggering with with an app on my phone and then trying to get set before the timer goes off. Not ideal to do thing solo, lol.
Not sure what I can do about white skin and the lighting.
Hot spots and lighting control are issues you are going to face. Those two things can be partially worked on in post processing, but getting as much as possible dialed in via lighting in studio should be the primary goal.
BrigandTwoFour
08-16-23, 17:07
Hot spots and lighting control are issues you are going to face. Those two things can be partially worked on in post processing, but getting as much as possible dialed in via lighting in studio should be the primary goal.
Thanks! Any suggested resources for learning the lighting side of things?
Thanks! Any suggested resources for learning the lighting side of things?
There are a lot of books and youtube videos, lots to check out.
BrigandTwoFour
08-25-23, 18:00
More learning. Tried to suspend the gun from the ceiling with fishing line a few feet in front of the the background.
https://everydaymarksman.files.wordpress.com/2023/08/mcc-blue.jpeg
Uneven lighting across the subject for no apparent reason.
BrigandTwoFour
09-04-23, 20:21
Another go at this. Glutton for punishment, I guess, lol.
Trying to do a single light source behind everything, blocked with a piece of wood. Two white cards placed at angles just in front of the subject to bounce some light back. I was holding a black mask over the top to block extra light from blasting the camera.
https://everydaymarksman.files.wordpress.com/2023/09/gunslinger-test-shot.jpg
Another go at this. Glutton for punishment, I guess, lol.
Trying to do a single light source behind everything, blocked with a piece of wood. Two white cards placed at angles just in front of the subject to bounce some light back. I was holding a black mask over the top to block extra light from blasting the camera.
https://everydaymarksman.files.wordpress.com/2023/09/gunslinger-test-shot.jpg
If you had more light on the front of the weapon, as well as books, this would be a keeper. It comes across as probably a half a stop underexposed, maybe a tad more.
A bit more reflector or fill flash would bump it up to awesome.
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