Posing Handguns?

I've got a new revolver I'd like to get some good photographs of.

I'm looking for advice on posing of handguns.

I'm trying to avoid using things like dowel rods through the trigger guard that are obtrusive and obscure parts of the firearm.

I've got a table and light tent I built, so I'm not averse to building something.

Take a look at this thread for ideas...
https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1011912

A light tent would be a good start. Think about only lighting one side of the tent. I took a different approach in the knife & Browning threads here: FAQ - Studio Lighting

TeamSpeed wrote in post #18801264
Take a look at this thread for ideas...
https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1011912

I'm already following it and have posts in it.

What I'm looking for is technical suggestions for how to present the firearm in unobtrusive ways.

PhotosGuy wrote in post #18801336
A light tent would be a good start. Think about only lighting one side of the tent. I took a different approach in the knife & Browning threads here: FAQ - Studio Lighting

As noted, I have a light tent which I built.

I'm looking for technical suggestions on how to position guns for photography that aren't obtrusive.

Temma, you can use a round of ammunition or ball of clay beneath the firearm to prop it up at an angle off the bottom. Then shoot from an angle to disguise the prop. Or, lie it across some related props, i.e.: hunting vest, so the background leds more interest, too.

Naturalist wrote in post #18801570
Temma, you can use a round of ammunition or ball of clay beneath the firearm to prop it up at an angle off the bottom. Then shoot from an angle to disguise the prop. Or, lie it across some related props, i.e.: hunting vest) so the background adds more interest, too.

Hosted photo: posted by Naturalist in
./showthread.php?p=188​01570&i=i249008788
forum: Still Life, B/W & Experimental

Thanks for the suggestions.

I saw one suggestion on another site of using a bent paper clip, but that sounds dangerous to the finish. Maybe the thick rubber coated wire twist ties might work.

Naturalist wrote in post #18801570
Temma, you can use a round of ammunition or ball of clay beneath the firearm to prop it up at an angle off the bottom. Then shoot from an angle to disguise the prop. Or, lie it across some related props, i.e.: hunting vest) so the background adds more interest, too.

Hosted photo: posted by Naturalist in
./showthread.php?p=188​01570&i=i249008788
forum: Still Life, B/W & Experimental

I was going to recommend clay, as well. A little bit can easily hold up an object of weight...

Get some museum wax to help raise pistols at an angle and secure them so they do not slide down.

You can put a small bit of museum wax on the bottom of a 2" section of dowel, and also on the top of the dowel as well, the bottom secures the 'foot' on the tabletop, the top piece sticks to the gun, for example.

I took this one way back in 2005. I used some bunched up black velvet cloth to plop the pistols on to and used indirect lighting from a nearby window.

I eventually used a piece of small diameter wooden dowel to prop up the revolver:

Photo from Temma's gallery.
Image hosted by forum (960902)

Good job Temma!

Naturalist wrote in post #18827898
Good job Temma!

Thanks.

I have three 300w equivalent CFLs on articulated microphone arms, with DIY reflectors. They give out excellent light, especially with my DIY light tent.

This was taken in natural daylight on an easy chair draped in a British sniper's veil from the 70's or 80's. I used it for the texture.

Photo from Eidelweiss's gallery.
Image hosted by forum (964288)

Photo from Eidelweiss's gallery.
Image hosted by forum (964289)

Temma wrote in post #18827879
I eventually used a piece of small diameter wooden dowel to prop up the revolver:

Gallery photo (hosted):
posted by Temma originally in forum: Still Life, B/W & Experimental

This was shot inside my DIY light box.

I'm taking a break from my primary interest in macro photography, in favor of still life.

I'm building up my still life equipment and technique, building or buying what I need. I plan to do more artistic, as opposed to product type photography.

Very nicely done. Love the color case-hardened frame.

I have a light table, with soft boxes, for product shots. But to your original question ... you can also use accessories to stage your handguns. Shot below used a holster and box of shells.