Glock 21, first time using an off camera light

[Gr8outdrsmn]

Took my very first photo with my B800 today. This was a quick setup with a piece of black cloth purchased at Wally World.

Lighting was a single B800 w/32x40 softbox boomed directly overhead about 3 feet over the gun.

I am asking for critique of the lighting and composure. I know the cloth background is crap because I did not iron it and there are lots of wrinkles. I am just prepping for a shoot I know will be coming up of a musket. I will have a second light by then, but I just wanted to shoot something with the light since I haven't been able to use it due to weather/work, haha.

Thanks for looking.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a388/gr8outdrsmn/IMG_90238x10nosn.jpg

[tonyniev]

I do not know what it lacks but it did not pop out for me, I have seen more focused and lighted pistol shots. Where is you AF point?

But like your 21.

[Gr8outdrsmn]

Thanks, had to manual focus. For some reason it was not wanting to AF, well it would, but would take the shot. Like I said, I need some practice, haha.

ETA:Overall I think it is too dark. I need a brighter background, like a flag maybe...

[pcj]

For me, it's too dark - black background, dark green, dark gun ... try a brighter background for sure (a flag or switch out for white)

[Gr8outdrsmn]

Got ahold of my buddies 1911. How does it work with the black background?

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a388/gr8outdrsmn/IMG_9011.jpg

Still a little too dark I think...

[CafeRacer808]

Better, but still a little too dark, I think -- especially where the gun handle and the mags blend into the black background. A bit more definition here would be great. Maybe try a bounce card from the front and under the lens?

Those are two beautiful guns, however! Looking forward to seeing more shots...

[Mark1]

The first one looks underexposed to me. The highlights are gray. I would bring up the exposure to where it should be. Then if the black background it to bright, deal with that in post. But I would definitely get the subject right in camera.

[F-117HWK]

If you get the second light like you had mentioned, a "from the front" second light would bring out the handle of the Glock and the bottom of the barrel and trigger guard on the 1911. Also look out for the glare on the "Model 1911" as its harder to read in the middle from where the light is reflecting I think.

[Gr8outdrsmn]

Ok, how is this for the Glock? Is it lit better?

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a388/gr8outdrsmn/IMG_9031nosn.jpg


I bought 4 pieces of white foam core and made a little box.

Lit by single B800 in a socked HOBD at 1/8 power

[canonloader]

The first one is soft and too dark. Nothing you could not remedy with a piece of the white foam core board used as a reflector. Think of little beams of light and controlling them like bumpers on a table control a pool ball. Bounce it around, aim it, diffuse it till it does what you want it to. It really helps to have a camera with live view, but lacking that, take shots and preview them until you get it right.

This company sells Plexiglas (http://www.delviesplastics.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=DPI) in different thicknesses and colors. 1/8" is fine if it has a flat base below it. Use Translucent stuff, not smoked, mirrored or clear, as those will show a double image reflection that is very distracting. I bought the black and milk white sheets and it gives a really nice reflection of whatever is on it. also order the scratch repair and anti static liquids when you buy some, as the stuff is a dust magnet without it.

[Gr8outdrsmn]

Thanks for the link and info, canonloader! I have thought about using a sheet of glass under the product. Would that work? Or should I stay with the translucent plexiglas?

Here is my setup shot for the third image:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a388/gr8outdrsmn/IMG_1551.jpg

I am ordering another light today, so I will be able to better light the products.

Thanks again for the tips/info. You seem to be a wealth of information, but then again, looking at your post count, you have seen and done quite a bit on here, haha. I appreciate your willingness to help me.

[canonloader]

Glass will not work, even smoked glass you can see through. Check out Joayne's shot on a seashell on smoked glass lower down on this page (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=801607). The double reflection is almost enough to make your eyes water. That comes from the first reflection off the top layer of the glass, the second is off the inside of the bottom layer. Clear or smoked glass does this, translucent, meaning it's opaque but will pass light, is the only thing that works. If you can find a black piece of polished granite, that works, but is almost impossible to find granite without flecks in it, which show up in a photograph.

You might get away with really thin glass or clear plexiglass, like 1/16" stuff, but even then, you need to shoot from a low angle I think. Leaded glass type stuff is not smooth enough. Both sides have ripples.

I have spent a lot of time and money trying different things, don't waste your money on stuff that don't work. ;)

[Gr8outdrsmn]

Thanks! will order a sheet of translucent plexiglas asap.

[canonloader]

You might look at Home Depot, Lowe's or Menard's. They may have something. Look in the section that sells paneling. Like plastic paneling that they use for covering walls behind counter tops. It's flexible and comes in colors and you might find something that is shiny and smooth enough to use. Or if it's flat black or flat white, you can use a smaller piece for a sweep inside a tent or in an open light box. It usually comes in 4x8' pieces, but they might have smaller pieces cut or damaged and sells for cheap, like $10 a sheet. I am always on the lookout now, for stuff to use as backdrops or sweeps. :)

[Mossman6]

plexiglass will work. Here's a shot of a Sig in white. Granted I used 2 lights, the shimmer of the plexiglass will work if you expose it right.

Also use something behind the gun instead of the sharpie. It makes pp a lot easier :)

http://www.joshuadeeportraits.com/Personal/Photos/IMG2982/769347409_TjzU5-L.jpg

[Gr8outdrsmn]

Something like this board listed in the first article? http://www.zarias.com/?p=71 He has some really good info in the 5 articles on white seamless.

[Gr8outdrsmn]

Nice Sig Moss, thanks. Light 2 is on order, that should help me out.

[canonloader]

Something like this board listed in the first article?
That's the stuff. It's similar to Formica, maybe cheaper.

[Mossman6]

Nice Sig Moss, thanks. Light 2 is on order, that should help me out.

Try experimenting with placing the BD to the right and left. This would require you to tear down one of the foamboard sides. The foamboard from the other side would make a nice reflector.

And gratz btw on your new Bee's :) Your going to love them.

[Gr8outdrsmn]

Thanks guys. Just got home from work, going to shower, eat, and tinker with it some more tonight before NCIS comes on. Hopefully I get some better results.