Photographing Guitars

[kccheers]

I am still learning and would really like some opinions on photographing guitars. I welcome comments from lighting suggestions to strobes, etc. Currently I have a 40D with 24-70 2.8 and 17-40 4.0. Here is a shot of one of my guitars. I did not shoot it. It was done with natural light from a skylight by the builder. Thanx in advance for any help.

Sam from KC

http://kccheers.smugmug.com/photos/217103501_NiDLt-L.jpg

[Ukuleleman]

I am still learning and would really like some opinions on photographing guitars. I welcome comments from lighting suggestions to strobes, etc. Currently I have a 40D with 24-70 2.8 and 17-40 4.0. Here is a shot of one of my guitars. I did not shoot it. It was done with natural light from a skylight by the builder. Thanx in advance for any help.

Sam from KC

http://kccheers.smugmug.com/photos/217103501_NiDLt-L.jpg

Hi Sam

It depends a lot on what you are photographing them for, if it's just for you, you photograph them the way you like to see them, if its for commercial purposes I guess you need a studio set up, here are a few pics of one of my Banjo Ukuleles,
There is a lot of chrome on this instrument, so any kind of lighting would have to be well diffused to prevent blown out spots in hard reflections, I really needed
a light tent for these shots (If I wanted them lit artificially) but I like the natural light effect which shows all the detail that I need.

These shots were made to post when I sold the Ukulele, but it looked so good when I took the shots that I never sold it.

The various angles were shot to attract any potential buyers.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n220/Ukuleleman_2006/Musical%20Instruments/Shellardfront1.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n220/Ukuleleman_2006/Musical%20Instruments/Shellardside1.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n220/Ukuleleman_2006/Musical%20Instruments/Shellardback1.jpg