Photography advice?

[Vergeltung]

I was wondering if any of the more experienced collectors could give some photography advice to the newcomers among us (myself included in that group). Links to some information, or some basics would be appreciated.

For one thing, just as a general observation, I have noticed that most of the firearms presented on red or pink backgrounds seem to make for the nicest contrast. I noticed white seems to be bad (unless presented as clear or opaque).

So of you guys take great photos, and I was just wondering if you could pass along some information to the rest of us. Many thanks in advance!!

 

[mrfarb]

First question, what type of camera do you have? Lighting is the biggest hurdle for taking gun pics, that and having the right camera (or a good one).

 

[Vergeltung]

I have a GEx500. it's a digital with zoom lens & flash, and multi-type picture selection.

lighting seems tricky. too much and there's nothing but glare.

 

[Bob in OHIO]

A decent camera with a macro feature for close-ups, and a nice overcast sky is my advise. No direct flash or direct sunlight... Also, Photoshop can adjust exposure, color balance if you're close. Photoshop also is good to resize and crop.

 

[James K]

If you don't have a manual for your camera, get one.

A good general photography book will help; doesn't have to be digital specific, the digital revolution has not changed the basics.

Hold the "art" work. Whether asking for an ID or just bragging a bit, straight side, top, bottom shots generally work OK. Odd angle shots, or those taken with colored lighting, are worthless.

For decent ID, close-ups are best for markings. It is pretty hard to tell if a rifle is a genuine G.33/40 when the picture shows something that might be a gun of some kind, or maybe a 2x4, leaning against a wall twenty feet from the camera. Markings can/should be highlighted in white, by using white crayon, white china marker, or white powder or chalk.

Use a decent camera. Many of the cell phone cameras are pretty good, but some are really terrible. And even good lenses don't work well after having been pawed over by the munchkin with sticky fingers.

Mount the camera, or at least get a good rest. You wouldn't hold a gun off hand and expect the same accuracy as a Ransom rest, so why do you expect camera work will be different.

Last and important! One good thing about digital is that the results are available immediately, no need to drop the film off at the local drug store and wait a week. So LOOK at the picture(s) on your computer. If you want us to see the markings on your K.98k, make sure YOU can see them. If you see a dark blur, what makes you think others will see the pictures of that nice G date you want to share with us?

As to background, I have found light blue to be good. White tends to wash out the picture. And use some light or better backlight to prevent shadows. (Again, general photography knowledge.)

Jim

 

[RyanE]

If you don't have a nice setup or just don't want to invest in one, then outside in the shade is best. I take mine indoors and my setup is as follows: an entry level DSLR (Nikon D3100), a flash unit (Nikon SB700) pointed at a white ceiling, and a cheap white muslin background. I have zero knowledge of photography, but the photos seem to come out ok.

I use Nikon's free photo software ViewNX2 for cropping and exposure and color adjustments. Works great as long you remember to set to camera to use the raw format.

 

[Turbo Archie]

Markings can/should be highlighted in white, by using white crayon, white china marker, or white powder or chalk.

Jim

I'm going to respectively/strongly disagree with this...

..

 

[George R.]

I am going to agree with TA on this, good macro outside non-direct sunlight works great. Sony digital still camera with tripod. GR

 

[Bob in OHIO]

6000 pics on the CD now and never a mono/tripod.... the're cumbersome and get in the way. Hand-held with enough light and ASA... and you're okay... unless you plan to publish a book.

 

[mto7464]

As Bob say the cloudy but bright days work best. Wait until the sun goes behind the clouds on a partly cloudy day and the shadows disappear. I took these in the exact light I described with an old cannon 8 meg powershot and hand held,

 

[Vergeltung]

thank you all, for the great responses and information. I really appreciate it!!