Product Photography - Firearm

[PhotoJourno]

I have seen through the years several very outstanding photographs of firearms displayed in different environments, used for Catalogs and other marketing campaigns. (CLICK HERE FOR EXAMPLE) (http://www.kimberamerica.com/images/wallpaper/wallpaper-1-800x600.jpg)

I always admired the attention to detail, and image quality of each setup.

With a desire to replicate those photos myself, I embarked on my own little research and project on my own. Now I still have half a million clicks to come to something remotely similar as what most well done photos in the industry show.

So here are my first attempts. It is hard for me, as the firearm is a tool. So it is not as much how it looks, but what it does for me that I really appreciate.

At any rate, C&C -About the photos, not the content or subject- are extremely appreciated. Being able to see where I want to be, and where I am, perhaps some critique will be extremely useful.

[PhotoJourno]

Last two:

[PhotoJourno]

Well, I might as well reply to myself:

#1 - The business end. I liked this setup, as it did not only display the firearm, but also some items commonly associated with its use (Tactical light, cuffs, a couple of mags, a few rounds, holster, etc). However, I am not sure how the DOF plays off this photo. Though I like it, I am not sure if I should have shot it at f4 and higher so all items would have been in focus. My thought behind this frame, was to dramatize indeed the end of the barrel.

#2 - This one makes me wish I had the same background of the first one. I do like the positioning of the firearm, somehow feels more pleasing to the eye, but the background is the issue. And the colors, I should be able to find a way to enhance the colors and the steel of the device. Looks too clear. A bit simpler than the first one.

#3 - Front Sight. I eventually took off the 50 1.4 , and swapped for the 70-200. So I was able to zoom in a bit. If I had a Macro Lens, I would have liked to get a few close ups -not microscopic, but close enough to detail specific components and pieces (hammer, extractor, etc)-. I wanted to simulate a bit of the visual effect of focusing on the front sight, something often done with a firearm. I liked the idea, but not the result as much.

#4 - Hot Fuzz. Again, the idea of the business end of the firearm, however this time with the device standing and out of its holster. I was able to use the holster to keep the firearm upright, and snap these pics. mmmyeah, I like it, but I am sure it could have been done better. More DOF?..

Nice Pics Mario !!

[PhotoJourno]

Thanks Mario for your response, it was quite touching and insightful.
You're the best.

[sandro9mm]

dude ur talking to urself :) good shots, I'm not happy with the 3,4, they look kinda not good :)

so here I like guns... my Holek:

It's called goodbye blue sky
http://www.sandrophoto.com/2007/11/18/goodbye-blue-sky/

http://www.sandrophoto.com/wp-content/gallery/conceptual/100_1714.jpg

[PhotoJourno]

Thanks Sandro for your comments. I start posting to my own thread once I get views but no responses. Not sure why, as the thread is not about advocacy or politics, but very abstract and technical aspects of a photograph.

Threads that get lots of replies have some 'xxxxxxx' pointing the gun to his head, or doing something stupid with it. Anyhow, I must go for the benefit of the doubt.

I like your photo, thanks for sharing. What was the background? Regadless, I like the PP, as it washes over the details and simply gives you a very simple concept.

Thanks for your input, commendatore.

[hockeyplaya13]

Well this is my opinion (which should be taken with a grain of salt):

The first one's DOF is too shallow, like you said. I would have shot with a slightly smaller aperture to get the other two bullets in focus, as well as a little more of the barrel. You could still dramatize the end, but it seems that an inch or so of the barrel is in focus. Just a little bit more might have been good.

The third one, you could have moved the camera over to the right just a tad, so that a little bit more of the barrel is in view. When I first looked at it, I thought, "Wait a second, what is this?" After I looked for a few seconds, I saw the tip. The back of the gun is just too distracting, so if you moved the camera over just a little bit, more of the barrel would be in view and it would be easier to see what you were going for.

The fourth one, I like, but maybe you could have shot with a slightly smaller aperture again so that about half way down the barrel, the gun goes out of focus. It's cool with just the tip, but I would like to see the focus extend a few more inches down the barrel.

Still, I like them a lot the way they are. Just what I would have done differently.

[PhotoJourno]

good points. Thank you !

[Travisj]

Well, I'm really undecided on #1. Part of me wants to think it's too busy but I understand what you are trying to do. I'm just wondering with that DOF if maybe different placement of the cuffs, light, ect.... might help it a bit.

The second one I would have gone as wide open as you could have and focused on the name on the slide and tried to blow everything else oof. The magazine and light are already soft.

The third one I think you missed on the focus of the front sight. I agree with what was said earlier about a little to the right. Aside from that I like it.

The last one seems like a normal run of the mill "looking down the barrel". Nice focus but the BG is too distracting for my taste, might have tried to isolate it on more of a solid color.

Just my thoughts, thanks for sharing. Can't wait to see the next set.

[PhotoJourno]

thanks travis. Getting some good pointers.

Thinking about doing a start shoot on a white background with artificial light. This should increase the contrast.

Or perhaps black on black?..

Gonna have to experiment with that.

[penodr]

Well here is my non-pro take on them.

1. Nice photo, its just not really of the firearm. More of a equipment photo if that makes sense.
2. Spot on, well done, it shows the firearm well.
3. The fact that so much of the photo is out of focus bothers me. My eyes keep trying to focus the center of the photo and I just have to look away. Nice idea just too much in the center out of focus and not much to grab your eyes attention.
4. Much better, my eyes are drawn to the main point and it grabs your attention.

Anway keep shooting, both pistol and camera, LOL.

Dave

[PhotoJourno]

Thanks Dave. The DOF comments are right on. This next time around I will have a much more studied setup, in which I will be able to use my remote -in addition to the already used tripod- and be able to work at better aperture values.

I definitely think I overdid the DOF issue. A main reason why below 2.0 lenses are really fun, but they can often detract from a photograph. (Much like a Bigma -on the other hand- can spoil us and make us take multiple shots at 500mm, when we could have walked and composed the same shot at 50mm or 100mm with a prime).

Well, got some really good pointers to work on the Version 2.0 of this. Thank you.

[JohnBrainard]

Hooya! My first post here, I think.

Very nice tool you have there. I agree with what the others are saying about the depth of field.

#1. I would have had the gun resting on top of the holster maybe. It took me a moment or two to realize I was looking at a gun. Other than that, I'd have to say I like that photo the most.

#2. I like what Travisj said about going wide open on the aperture and focusing on the Kimber logo. Another thing I might have tried was taking out the flashlight and the magazine and shoot just the gun and holster. The vest makes a nice background.

#3. What the others said about the whole center of the frame being out of focus. It almost looks like someone stuck a gun in the photo just as you hit the shutter release, kinda like this (http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n137/jfbrain/LOL%20Cats/funny-pictures-curious-cat-ruins-ph.jpg).

#4. I like it, but I think the holster is a little distracting. I'd try shooting this with the camera horizontal rather than vertical and with a little more room on the right side.

Take my comments with a grain of salt as I'm still very new at photography.

I'm anxious to see your 2.0 shots. I haven't attempted to "shoot" any of mine yet. I haven't really been able to figure out how best to compose them.

[PhotoJourno]

John, Outstanding !!...

Lots of homework for me to do. Exactly what I was expecting.

#1 is my favorite of the set, because of the whole setup. Agreed with all the points brought up so far though. I had not setup a wide enough area for the shoot, and so I was worried about using lots of DOF and then having bits and pieces of background that were completely unrelated.

I will re-try photos soon, and repost here and in a new thread. My kids are with me this week, and I do not like to display my firearm unnecessarily (Like nowaday children would say, "Safety Violation!"). But I will reshoot on the weekend and see what happens. I also have a product booth (with white and black background for catalog photography, that I plan on using -as said before- with artificial light.

The entire light range and colors, is a bit distracting. I will find some alternatives, perhaps the nylon shoulder rig if a holstered shot is necessary, just to agree with the tonal range. I gotta find the blue vest cover, and use that as well, as it would introduce a different type of photograph.

Anyhow, thank you for your input.

(JOHNBRAINARD: Welcome to the Forum Sir!!).

[Stickman]

#1. Depth of field is too shallow for my liking, and the layout is trying to push a little too much into the picture.

#2. Flat, static picture to my eye.

#3. It appears OOF, and there is nothing that draws my eye to anything in the picture.

#4. DOF is a little to shallow with a distracting background. The light coming in from the upper right corner tends to draw my attention. The holster looks very out of place.



I find similar faults in my own work with much of my firearm photography, so don't feel too bad.

[JohnBrainard]

Thanks Mario. I've been reading this forum off and on for a while now. Most of my time is spent looking at glass (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=141406), though. I'm always curious what my next lens is going to be.

I stopped into this area of the forum curious about film photography and saw your post. Being that I like the subject, I thought I'd respond.

[Rutha73]

Here is my take, keep in mind I am used to the potography style of American Handgunner (http://www.americanhandgunner.com/), I have been reading that mag for a long time and think thier photos are outstanding.
1) I like to see more of the pic in focus usually, but i think this works well with the muzzle and the ammo on focus in this set up.
2)Excellent display of the firearm, the mag and light all running the same way as the barrel don't do it for me. How aboutshifting the camera to the left and putting the light vertically in front of the muzzle (and possibly turning it on?)
3)I agree with others on this one. More DOF and move right more so you can see the side of the slide and ejection port. Keeping the sight to the port in focus should work, there is nothing intricate to distract from the front sight in that area. Maybe get up a little higher also.
4)I like this one also, I am a sucker for down the barrel shots (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=527509). the color of the holster is kind of distracting, but i have no idea how to support a gun upright like that, unless you screw a mag to a board or something.

That being said, when i get my guns out i sit there and look at them trying to figure out how to "pose" them and usually end up not getting anything as interesting as you have here! I think I am going to have to try again this weekend.

[Mark1]

1 great attempt. but way to shallow DOF. To many things in the shot to be left out of focus.

2 I like the best, but dont like the light and clip ligned up with the barrel. Ad some cross angles with them. The vest is a good background....for thoes who know what it is. There is nothing to tell the average guy what it is. So teh velcro spots are odd details. I saw try to find some old metal to use as a background.

3 looks like a miss fire ( pretty punny, i know. sorry)

4 is a good detail shot, just not overly interesting.

I say give it another shot. Just expand on what you have done. The first round is always the one you learn from.

[PhotoJourno]

That being said, when i get my guns out i sit there and look at them trying to figure out how to "pose" them and usually end up not getting anything as interesting as you have here! I think I am going to have to try again this weekend.

Exactly!!.. All about this firearm that is important is not necessarily shown in a photograph. I have played plenty for action images during trainings, or just at the range by myself.

But I wanted to do a product shoot, try and figure out the patterns for the photos you see in mags, books, and so many other sources. I figured my own trusty K. was up first on the line (well, I justified buying a new one, but now that for the first time I do not have to agree with anyone to buy it, ends up my funds are zero at best). So this one had to do.

But I think we all agree on that sentiment (bolded in your post). Once you just put camera and device in the same room, no matter what it seems the camera is too ashamed to take a good photo, or the other way around.

I keep getting great comments and pointers -which I do not mind at all, to the contrary- for the re-shoot. And this time I like changing the entire staging, I will probably go Carbon or Webbing for the holster, and metal background (bench, anything). For a moment I contemplated masking, but it could never look as good as the pro firearm photographers make it to be.

I have been looking at their photos for a long time. And it does seem to work when I pick one, and decide to replicate it. I can do that. But by myself, it somehow always ends up... well like these ones.

Already planning the re-make, so I will post by next mon or so.

Thanks again everyone.

[blam]

#1: DOF too shallow. would like to see more detail. I like the way it is laid out and the general idea of the shot.

#2. kind of boring, I am seeing either motion blurr or you've back focussed to the green laydown everything is place on. maybe re-arrange so the gun is front and center with the other items faded out in the background.

#3. I do not like at all. I am not looking at anything. my eye struggles to see what you are trying to capture. the WB is off from the others and looks to be some hand shake, as the image is quite soft.

#4. I like the idea. I don't think the crop is working for me though.

[Mark1]

Mabie if you try to directly copy a shot you like. Then work from that into your style.

Just curious.... Have you shot with the Kimber SIS? I want one, but everybody is downing it. But if LAPD is BUYING it, it cant be bad.

[Stickman]

I keep getting great comments and pointers -which I do not mind at all, to the contrary- for the re-shoot. And this time I like changing the entire staging, I will probably go Carbon or Webbing for the holster, and metal background (bench, anything). For a moment I contemplated masking, but it could never look as good as the pro firearm photographers make it to be.

I have been looking at their photos for a long time. And it does seem to work when I pick one, and decide to replicate it. I can do that. But by myself, it somehow always ends up... well like these ones.

Already planning the re-make, so I will post by next mon or so.

Thanks again everyone.



Keep working on different layouts, and you will start to pick up on things you really like, and aspects that just don't work at all for you. I think going with carbine fiber, and a metal background is an outstanding idea. Its one which hasn't been done over and over. Finding something new or fresh is one of the hardest areas for most of us.

Set it up, shoot in a series with angles that you like as well as ones you are sure you won't like, and find out what grows on you.

You got a good working selection of firearms to start out with, take it and have fun.

[PhotoJourno]

Keep working on different layouts, and you will start to pick up on things you really like, and aspects that just don't work at all for you. I think going with carbine fiber, and a metal background is an outstanding idea. Its one which hasn't been done over and over. Finding something new or fresh is one of the hardest areas for most of us.

Set it up, shoot in a series with angles that you like as well as ones you are sure you won't like, and find out what grows on you.

You got a good working selection of firearms to start out with, take it and have fun.


Will do !!

Thanks for the comments. :)

[Rutha73]

I have been patiently waiting to see V2.0, I am interested to see what you are going to do! :D

[PhotoJourno]

Thanks. I have been working on it, was able to get a metal sheet, and some other stuff to change the overall look of the previous version. I did get a bit distracted, but will be taking a few more pics here in the next day or so. I have also dug up some old american rifleman mags (NRAs publication) that show a huge variety of reviews, and photos of firearms in different positions. So as to have a clue of which angles are most used.

I have been unable to get any darkish type ammo, though I got some brass FMJs Ball rounds, perhaps that hue will work. If not, the other rounds may work better. Will try with both.

[Rutha73]

For the dark ammo, (I don't know if you are trying to get the whole thing dark) Winchester SXZ is black although the case is still shiny brass. It kind of looks like the Black Talons we used to be able to get. Try this link for a reference (http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPage?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&&mode=article&objectID=32208&catID=48&cmid=OLREVIEW_32208_TITLE_HOME). I found them at Bass Pro Shop here in Mesa.

[PhotoJourno]

For the dark ammo, (I don't know if you are trying to get the whole thing dark) Winchester SXZ is black although the case is still shiny brass. It kind of looks like the Black Talons we used to be able to get. Try this link for a reference (http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPage?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&&mode=article&objectID=32208&catID=48&cmid=OLREVIEW_32208_TITLE_HOME). I found them at Bass Pro Shop here in Mesa.


Uuuuh, you just gave me a great idea. I will stop by the armory tomorrow, and see if I can fish out some white (silvery) cases, and couple them with the dark projectiles. Would never fool the naked eye, but as a part of the photograph I may get away with it. I may get a few variants, just to see how it accentuates the photo (who knows, in the end it may not matter anyways). Worth a shot though.

[Rutha73]

Now I am really curious to see the new set! I need to find a decent background and try some new stuff also! can't wait to see how you get the nickel cases to look!

[PhotoJourno]

'nickel' !!!.. That was the name. I really should not do heroin and talk guns on the same day. :rolleyes:


j/k. :lol:

[Alex007]

oh, oh, I'm clearly out of my league here as I notice you're getting some really pro-photo feedback here. Nonetheless, here are my 2-cents.

I like the first pic - my eye is drawn to the one bullet and the pistol barrel; the background is a bit busy, but I don't mind it at all.

The second pic is very nice, and I can see it displayed in a catalog or a gun enthusiast magazine; the ony thing is, the cocked hammer seems out of place here b/c the gun is just laying there by itself. In otherwords I would expect to see it like that if it's in someone hand... don't know if that makes sence.

Pics 3 & 4 don't do anything for me. #3 is kind of an abstract, and #4 is similar to the issue with #2, it should be in someone's hand...

Any way, this is a rookie's view so take it with a grain of salt. thanks for sharing.

ag

[PhotoJourno]

oh, oh, I'm clearly out of my league here as I notice you're getting some really pro-photo feedback here. Nonetheless, here are my 2-cents.

I like the first pic - my eye is drawn to the one bullet and the pistol barrel; the background is a bit busy, but I don't mind it at all.

The second pic is very nice, and I can see it displayed in a catalog or a gun enthusiast magazine; the ony thing is, the cocked hammer seems out of place here b/c the gun is just laying there by itself. In otherwords I would expect to see it like that if it's in someone hand... don't know if that makes sence.

Pics 3 & 4 don't do anything for me. #3 is kind of an abstract, and #4 is similar to the issue with #2, it should be in someone's hand...

Any way, this is a rookie's view so take it with a grain of salt. thanks for sharing.

ag

Hey, no comment is a silly comment (except for my own, earlier on ;) ).

first photo, thanks for the comment. I like it too, personally I digged the shallow DOF (because it directs your eye to the barrel), and though the background is busy, I did not mind. Actually waiting to see how the new 'Locker room' set is going to look with less items. Hopefully it will turn out ok with less items by it.

Second, I think you bring up a terrific point. For me, pulling the trigger on a firearm is a very serious procedure. The safety is on, and the normal resting place of the hammer is back. However, you made me look into the details. And it is obvious that there is no magazine in the well (pistol hole). The excuse that the pistol is empty and yet could hold a round in the chamber is not sound from the photo point of view. I am writing down to replicate this shot on the second time around, and leave the safety off, and hammer down. Specifically when the mag is off. It will probably look more consistent.

And for shots 3 and 4, I doubt I will retake them in the future. They were a bit more experimental than anything else. 3rd image I was going for sight picture, how it looks to the eye when one is holding the firearm and focusing on the front sight. But it did not turn out anything like I wanted. who knows, maybe I will find a better way to do that this second time.

So thanks for the post, stick around, and keep them coming.

[Rutha73]

Just a thought, maybe throw a tactical looking knife in there somewhere for a layout like #2. I have seen it done and I think it looks pretty good. And I think that instead of dropping the hammer, throw a mag in the well and keep it cocked and locked. I like that look better personally

[PhotoJourno]

noted. got a tac knife right here. And will compare both conditions, 1 and 4 to see which one you folks like better.
Thx for the input.

[P.E. Kelley]

If I may offer another opinion.

Photo #1 Increase DOF and place more emphasis on the product with a little more separation of the items from the pistol.

Photo #2 is getting on track but needs more light to detail and define the pistol.

Keep playing with different backgrounds, arrangements and lighting angles (including colors) and see where that takes you.

The magazine American Handgunner is THE place for the best in firearm photography. The suggestion to copy others work and find your style is a great idea and one I have followed.

Good luck.

http://multigunmedia.com/img/v0/p325988466-4.jpghttp://multigunmedia.com/img/v2/p127435128-4.jpg

[PhotoJourno]

uuuhhh... Great information !!.. Thanks for sharing, specially as it seems you have snapped one or two firearm pics before ;).

I like both photos, and specially on the second one, the display of related items without overdoing the background. Well, even the first one, I can see all the details and the seamless fit of all parts. Looks like a great piece of machinery !!..

Thank you for your comments. I just brought some constant lights (as oppossed to my strobes) in order to have better lighting control. By the look of your pics, with some good difussion I should be able to reach the desired results.

Can't wait to shoot some photos for the v2.0 !!

[PhotoJourno]

Ok, I thought a quick update was in place.

I am finalizing details for Version 2, it's been a slow going but today I finally go two more textures, steel and a very interesting black rubber surface.

I will be playing with these shortly, and will post in this thread.

[Apshiso]

Hi Mario,

First my thanks for posting this "product genre" as it is of particular interest to me.

Second - I read through all the other posts so forgive me if I don't call out the images specifically by number but;

I agree with the DOF comments mostly and err on the side of more dof is better for the subject and less for the background. I also tend to think simple is better. A gun and another item or so but not too much. Maybe just the gun and the cuffs - or the ammo - but not many things at once.

I'm not sure if it is possible for you but I was thinking that the seat of a car (as to imply a police car) would go well for a background. Also maybe the inside of a case or other relavent themed item - if that is what you are going for.

Also might I suggest using some black cloth material for a backdrop and setting the gun on its butt while having a piece of wood or something stick up through your table material (wood?) into the mag well. This would hold the gun in the upright position and allow you a bit more flexibility with angles and such.

Happy shooting (x2) and thanks for posting.

[PhotoJourno]

ApsHiso, Thanks for your comments, Sir.

I am actually about to start setting up to photograph, so your pointers came at the right time. I did find yesterday exactly what I was looking for in the realm of Black Backgrounds.

Best of all, I have enough materials and ideas to make a more serious setup, where increasing the DOF will not include foreign backgrounds (aka my living room) which would make it distracting. I have a couple of surfaces that are rugged and yet large enough not to have to worry about the surroundings.

While last time I was playing with the wide open aperture values, this time around I am lowering ISO, closing f values (anything from 4 to 11), and seeing how it works out.

I have put all the 'accessories' in a box (BTW, thanks for the case comment, that is now in the box to take a few pics with), and I will start with the firearm by itself, and then add a few items at a time, so that I can tell what's the right amount.

As far as lightning I have gotten some cool (as in the opposite of warm or hot) lights, which should help aliviate the yellowish hue present in most photos of the first series.

Don't expect to see an out of this world series, but by day's end there should be another few photos of this learning series.

And by the way, if anyone's feeling like taking their own pics and sharing, please go ahead (just be safe, be appropriate, and have a babe in a bikini hold the device while you photograph it, if you can). Just remember they have to be your photos (like Patrick posted above), and you must provide some insight about the photography aspect of it.

Ok, done typing, back to getting these pics done.

[PhotoJourno]

Here we go !!!... Decided to post the first one, as I just get going with the several ideas I have to photograph. So please forgive this first result, hopefully it will get better.

Right off the bat, I can tell you the 50mm lens is going out of the camera. It is just crap at f9. Who knows, maybe not intended for 3-4ft long photography.

So I am getting the 70-200 2.8, and setting a couple of feet further back.

Here is a pic of the first try, and a pic of my setup (for now at least).

PLEASE POST NOW IF YOU GOT IDEAS !!.. I will be doing this for another hour, hour and a half. (So when it says that this post was made 2 Hs ago, I will probably be doing something else).

[Mark1]

The shadows are a bit harsh. Can you find something to diffuse it with? I am torn with the background changing colors.

[PhotoJourno]

The shadows are a bit harsh. Can you find something to diffuse it with? I am torn with the background changing colors.

Good point. This is one of four backgrounds I will be shooting with. Just ran into some Computer trouble, so it delayed everything (as I want to play with the photos before continuing to experiment).

Following I will post a couple more, and then the background change.

[recrisp]

Mario,

I like the last shot, (version 2) that is a GREAT improvement over the first ones.
I liked where you were going in the Version 1, but everybody already said what I would say, so no use repeating that. :)

I would like to mention that different textures might help you out, and it can be fun, not that I have tried it on any firearms.

Try these for some good effects for your background/base if you can, or maybe this'll give you an idea of two.

Sand, large grain, and possibly mixed in with other gritty stuff, just don't use kitty litter... heheh
Definitely place your 'stuff' where the sand can't get to it, or scratching the subject matter, I know you know that, but just in case someone didn't... :)

Gravel too...

Sand, gravel, and larger rocks can be a REALLY good combination, I used it a few times shooting watch/knife displays a few years ago.

Bricks, rocks, or whatever you can get that is similar is also a really good contrast to a shiny subject.
We have several stone companies around where I live, they will sell individual rocks as well as tons of it, they have almost any kind you can imagine too.
Buy 4 flagstone rocks and you automatically have 8 different looking surfaces as a base or a backdrop.

Barn wood, or at least weathered wood, something that is really textured would be best, and you might look around your neighborhood for someone tearing down an old fence, they can have a LOT of use in photography.

Glass base/black background, (for reflective shots) you can use it for shots that you want to appear more 'classy', high tech, etc.
(Bought cheap for a couple of dollars at Home Depot, etc)

Grass, dead grass can be a good background, you don't have to take your gear outside to shoot, just grab handfuls and place it in a plastic bag and rearrange it inside.
Straw would be better actually, a feed store may have some that they'd give you, or you may be lucky enough to live close to some in a field.
(Landscape bark too is a good texture)

Rusty metal would look really good in my opinion, or old discolored aluminum, 'specially diamond plate, new or old.

I HIGHLY recommend this guy's site (http://prophotolife.com/video-library/) for what you want to do, he doesn't do firearms maybe, but he makes some really informative videos for free that others 'might' make us pay for.
I can't wait for Mondays 'cause that's when he always has a new video, I love his stuff, I have learned a lot from him.
(Start at the bottom, which on this page, it's number 1 anyway...) :)

To make sure your subjects 'stay' where you put them,. use "Blu-Tack (http://images.google.com/images?gbv=2&hl=en&safe=off&q=blu-tak&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi)", or plasticene clay. (oil clay for kids will work fine, use gray if you can find it though, colors 'may' get in the shot from your hands)
Jewelry used to be shot using wax as a photographers choice to make things stay put or balanced, but I believe that Blu-Tack has replaced that.
(You can find Blu-Tack in Home Depot/Lowe's/Hobby Lobby/Michael's/CVS/Wal-Green's, etc., usually in the picture framing stuff is...)

This place (http://photoshoptextures.com/) may give you ideas as to what to look for, or, if you like playing in Photoshop, you can add some really good effects using textures.
With a good texture, you can use new base/background material and make it look as gritty as you want, it's actually the easiest way maybe, but it all depends on your thoughts on this process. It's not for everyone I know.
(Here's my Google Search (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=photoshop%2Btextures&gbv=2&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=iw) for "photoshop+textures")

I know I rambled on a lot, but I am interested in what you're doing, and I'm just trying to help some. :)
I'm looking forward to the next ones, and I hope the computer glitches are remedied now too.

Randy

[PhotoJourno]

Awesome. I still have everything up, as I did not get to finish -not by far- with the textures I had. So I will probably be taking more photos today. I have a black smooth matte texture, some steel plates, lapd blue windbreaker, etc.

Thanks for the pointers, I will start thinking about how I might be able to reproduce some of the backgrounds you mentioned. Always apreciate input.

[PhotoJourno]

Here are the last photos from that particular background.

Though I am not sure about the texture, I am extremely pleased with the improvement from the last attempt. Still to come, a few select photos with metal backings, a shot target paper, etc.

Thanks once more to everyone who's contributed ideas and comments to help make better photos of this type.

(And yes, I need difussers on th lights to kill harsh shadows, found the white umbrellas this morning, and might end up bringing out the strobes if I feel like wasting electricity). Thanks you for bringing that up, I am really crap with lighting (another good reason why I spend 99% of my time outside taking pics and not in a studio).

[PhotoJourno]

...

[recrisp]

You are definitely getting there!
To me, your first shot (in Version 3?, the last session) is close to a good product shot, as far as placement, lighting, and minor stuff, a few tweaks and you'll have it.
Like what was already said, the harsh lighting will fix a lot of the bad stuff.
The depth of field needs to be increased, it's too shallow still.
The background might be O.K., but you have it at an almost 90 degree angle, if it was more of a 'swell' than an abrupt turn up, it would help I think.
(I hope that makes sense)

It looks a lot better than the last shots you were doing, so at this rate, you will be getting it in another session or two I think.
I think that maybe it might be a good idea if you kept the same shot, but changed up what needed changing, that way not only can you see what changed, we can too.
That's not necessary, and it's not as fun, but it's a good way to see where you are... :)

Randy

[PhotoJourno]

Thanks Randy, shooting's suspended for 24 Hs due to a visit over here at my place (remember, the most effective defensive firearm is the one that can never be seen). So I will resume tomorrow afternoon.

But I completely agree with your thought about doing the same thing, but with different settings. It will surely help see the difference in shadows, DOF, details, etc.

I am happy that I feel that the elements needed to take a good product photoghraph of this type are here, they just need to be arranged in the proper manner.

The only concern I have at this point, is nylon umbrellas as difusers just 12-18 inches from continuous 500W lamps. It often feels like they are going to burst in flames (which would give it a special effect for a short time, followed by some panicky photog running about with firearm in one hand, and camera in the other). ;)

So I may have to try these with the Strobes, which I feel fine with difusors and reflectors near them.

[P.E. Kelley]

You could make use of natural light.

Shadows controlled (much like a tree) are not a problem so long as they fall where you want them too.

Now if I could just control the damn lint!

http://multigunmedia.com/img/v1/p351716975-4.jpg

[PhotoJourno]

Interesting stuff, Patrick. Will have to look into that.

Now that's the daddy of all Glocks, huh.

[Rutha73]

I really like the first pic in post 45 and the one in the holster. the second one looks like the light wsa a bit harsh right in the midle of the pic. you said something about getting some used cases for one of the shots, how about getting a bunch and using them as a background, get a little box to keep them contained or something?

[Mark1]

Excelent idea Rutha73. Not sure how it will go in the shot. But I love the idea of a bunch of spent cases as the background.

[Jon Foster]

There was another thread going a while ago with some fantastic firearm and knife shots you would be interested in.

Edit: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=130783&highlight=pistol

Jon.