Best way to take photography of instruments...

[asuh]

I need some advice on the best way to take pictures of instruments, guitars specifically. I just invested a lot of dough on some custom made guitars and would like to take some nice pictures of them. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[snails]

I think it depends on how you want to shoot the guitars. If you are looking at something like a macro, I'd shoot the "important" parts of the guitar; fretboard, neck, head, and maybe the whole thing lying on it's side from the bottom end (sorry not too familiar with guitars)

If you wanted to go with something more akin to a "portrait" you're going to have to look for a background. Even if you shoot with a short DOF, it will need a background that will not take away from the shot. I would look for something that lends to the emotion and feeling of the type of music that you like to play. For example, if you play country I'd stand the guitar up in some long grass in a field, or next to a pair of boots. If you play something more urban, a dirty wall or concrete might feel more appropriate.

I'm just trying to lend you some ideas.