A small project

I've been working on shooting Paracord Bracelets for http://www.hahnssurplu​s.com/home.php
I'm using the 5D in conjunction with a fully manual, preset aperture 50mm Macro Takumar. The idea is to get enough detail so that workmanship is apparent.
Here's a group shot of them to give you the idea of what I'm working with.

Look good to me - just wonder if a shot of a single one might be better for workmanship details.
Brian v.

LordV wrote in post #10158918
Look good to me - just wonder if a shot of a single one might be better for workmanship details.
Brian v.

Thanks Brian.
I thought about that, and may do that later. The original thought from the client was to look like a wall of them. Hence the group shots with selective focus singling a few out.
-Bruce

I agree with Lord V. about shooting them solo. It would keep the attention on the target.

ShakenBlake wrote in post #10162504
I agree with Lord V. about shooting them solo. It would keep the attention on the target.

OK Guys, How about these?
-Bruce

These are definitely better. But I guess it depends on how they are to be used. If the pics are for online shopping to identify an individual item then I prefer the product to be by itself with a low distraction background or to show the item in use. Or if the pics are just for general marketing material to show off the entire line of product, having them displayed with other items or all together works fine. But most importantly is to do what the client wants. If your client is happy and gets what they want then all is good.

Thanks for the input guys.

ShakenBlake wrote in post #10242728
These are definitely better. But I guess it depends on how they are to be used. If the pics are for online shopping to identify an individual item then I prefer the product to be by itself with a low distraction background or to show the item in use. Or if the pics are just for general marketing material to show off the entire line of product, having them displayed with other items or all together works fine. But most importantly is to do what the client wants. If your client is happy and gets what they want then all is good.

Thanks. Do you think I should loose the grenade as well? I thought it added to the Military theme, but I'm open to suggestions.
-Bruce

Like I said, for me it sort of depends on how they are going to be used. If it's for a website or catalog and meant to show each individual item for sale I prefer the item being by itself (think Amazon) or shown in it's normal use. So in that case I would lose the grenade, take an angled shot, a close up of the medallion to show detail of it and the braided cord, and a shot on a wrist. But if it's for general marketing stuff meant to show the whole line I think the grenade works. But then I might also add other military gear to the mix, like boots, guns, knifes, etc. Having multiple items in the shot (like your first shots) works for marketing stuff too. And for all cases I would ditch the purple background. Pastel purple does not scream "tough, bad ass" to me. Either go for a generic white or gray, or go all out with a military inspired background with camo or OD green.

In fact, after writing all of this I just checked out the Hahn's Surplus link you provided. I saw a couple of shots of these bracelets that are pretty much what I'm talking about. Did you take those?

good shots, the second lot is much nicer

ShakenBlake wrote in post #10261514
Like I said, for me it sort of depends on how they are going to be used. If it's for a website or catalog and meant to show each individual item for sale I prefer the item being by itself (think Amazon) or shown in it's normal use. So in that case I would lose the grenade, take an angled shot, a close up of the medallion to show detail of it and the braided cord, and a shot on a wrist. But if it's for general marketing stuff meant to show the whole line I think the grenade works. But then I might also add other military gear to the mix, like boots, guns, knifes, etc. Having multiple items in the shot (like your first shots) works for marketing stuff too. And for all cases I would ditch the purple background. Pastel purple does not scream "tough, bad ass" to me. Either go for a generic white or gray, or go all out with a military inspired background with camo or OD green.

Just got back to these tonight. I thought I'd follow some of your advice. so I picked up some Multicam material for a background and see how they came out. What do you think?

Actually, no. Those are the one's we're trying to replace.
-Bruce

First up, a U.S.M.C. theme.