Straight Dublin With Bent Stem. I Took These Pics With One Extra Spot Lamp To See If I Could Improve. I Don't Own A Good Camera Just My Iphone

[shikano53]

After reading a number of articles about taking pictures of your pipes, I realized that I need a Camera, A lightbox, at least 4 spots with 6500k daylight bulbs at minimum to get started down the picture taking road. However, for now, I tried my Iphone with one extra reading lamp to see if I could hopefully improve the quality. I did not use the flash. In the second picture you can see a horizontal line going across the bowl. I have no idea what this is. I tried and tried removing it with both my files and various grits of sandpaper to no avail. It doesn't go through and is not a leaker but it is nevertheless still there.
This a straight Dublin with a bent stem. The one currently on the bench is a full bent Dublin. Anyway, comments always appreciated.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Excellent photos!

I think you've disproved your statement that you don't have a good camera. As you've noted, set up and lighting are key. (and exposure, of course).

 

[shikano53]

Thanks jp
VE6ENR

 

[Chasing Embers]

Dang Chris, you're on fire!?

 

[ChuckMijo]

Really great pictures!!! Taking good pictures Is a big part of our hobby or any hobby. My brother is a coin collector and has a crazy setup to take micro pics of his coins. Fantastic post! Everyone enjoys good pictures.

 

[Country Bladesmith]

I have a line like that going across a freehand I carved from a hobby block. It doesn’t hurt anything, so I never worried about it. Just quirky grain. Pipe looks great!
If you don’t mind me being nosy, can you tell more about your setup. I desperately need to build or buy something for photographing my knives. My photos suck. I’ve found that both pipes and knives are very hard to photograph in a way that shows details, and glossy surfaces, without being overwhelmed with glare.

 

[warren]

The photos are outstanding. It's not as though you are shooting shots ofr elarging on paper. You're h=just shooting for computer monitors. I suspect, other than Jesse, I, and possibly a couple others, no one is using no one is using extreme quality monitors. I lot of members use pads and laptops. Guys, don't be afraid of using phones, the current quality exceeds pro-level cameras from a few generations back. As the OP shows, lighting is the critical concern.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Did, but then I seldom have to proof for print, and most Mac monitors are quite decent out of the box. I also still have the (forgot the thinamabob's name) to calibrate monitors, but haven't bothered in a while.

 

[shikano53]

countrybladesmith, I read a number of articles on the pipemakersforum and made the following changes. I would like to buy a lightbox. Probably this one on Amazon. It's dirt cheap.

https://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-24in-Photo-Soft-Light/dp/B001TKEUNI/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1369458720&sr=8-9&keywords=light+box+photography

These 6500K daylight light bulbs found at any Home Depot. and a minimum of 4 stands for the lights.

LUXRITE 45-Watt Equivalent BR20 Dimmable LED Flood Light Bulb Damp Rated 6500K Daylight White (6-Pack) LR31845-6PK - The Home Depot

LUXRITE LED BR20/R20 Flood Light Series Light up your home with LUXRITE's R20 LED light bulb which is constructed with a durable design and will flawlessly illuminate every corner of your home with vivid

www.homedepot.com

But all I used to try and help out my lousy photography was this diode desk lamp and a bath towel that gives a better background (IMHO) than a white bed sheet. That's all I used. I haven't got the funds for a new camera or any expensive gear. I have to use what I have.
Warren, thanks for the nod of approval. I consider that high praise coming from someone with your talents and abilities.

 

[kcghost]

Sure look like good pictures to me.

 

[shikano53]

Oops! I meant halogen desk lamp.

 

[saltedplug]

Guy's got skilz!

 

[gamzultovah]

Looks more than excellent to me. Very nice and desirable pipe.

 

[cigrmaster]

Those are very nice looking pictures. Ten times better than I can take. I am completely useless when it comes to taking a decent picture. Nice to see someone really trying to improve his skills.

 

[Country Bladesmith]

countrybladesmith, I read a number of articles on the pipemakersforum and made the following changes. I would like to buy a lightbox. Probably this one on Amazon. It's dirt cheap.

https://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-24in-Photo-Soft-Light/dp/B001TKEUNI/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1369458720&sr=8-9&keywords=light+box+photography

These 6500K daylight light bulbs found at any Home Depot. and a minimum of 4 stands for the lights.

LUXRITE 45-Watt Equivalent BR20 Dimmable LED Flood Light Bulb Damp Rated 6500K Daylight White (6-Pack) LR31845-6PK - The Home Depot

LUXRITE LED BR20/R20 Flood Light Series Light up your home with LUXRITE's R20 LED light bulb which is constructed with a durable design and will flawlessly illuminate every corner of your home with vivid

www.homedepot.com

But all I used to try and help out my lousy photography was this diode desk lamp and a bath towel that gives a better background (IMHO) than a white bed sheet. That's all I used. I haven't got the funds for a new camera or any expensive gear. I have to use what I have.
Warren, thanks for the nod of approval. I consider that high praise coming from someone with your talents and abilities.

Thanks! ?

 

[warren]

Nappy material is nice as it soaks up light. Rather than a bunch of lights use one with a reflector, experiment with the position to reduce the dark shadow. One doesn't need a bunch of equipment to take good "product shots. You can also use thin, nearly transparent, cloth to soften your single light source. Too much equipment simply complicates what should be a fairly simple exercise. Unless you are the type who likes lots of "stuff" keeping your shooting simple, visualizing what you want, is the way to do. I've done plenty of jewelry shots using one light (diffused, and a reflector. If your really want to reduce shadow problems get a square of black velvet for the pipe to rest on and provide back ground. Velvet really sucks up light. You can actually use any color for this but, beware of "casting" reflected color and adding an unwanted hue to the overall look.

You've certainly got the basics down pat. Have fun!

 

[jpmcwjr]

Yup! And you can make a reasonable diffuser by cutting a gallon milk jug. Two cut in half makes an ok light box.

And not using a white background is very sound. Although a non-reflective b/g for meerschaums might work well, and grey a touch better.

 

[olkofri]

Those are much better pictures!!

You don't need tons of lights. I only have three flashes, but you can take decent photos with only one light and sheets of foamcore and mirrors.

I only used one light and a mirror for this:


BTS:

 

[Old School 3319]

I am definitely not a photographer but my wife sells puppies and she bought a light ring that connects to her IPhone and it takes great pics. She had several people comment on the quality of the pics

 

[shikano53]

Warren, jp, great information. I’m going to cut and paste your comments into a word doc, print it, and tack it to the wall in my shop.
Great information from all the others as well.
Thank you all.