eBay

rickbfxx2014 · ‎09-15-2019

I would like to take some shots of a few wristwatches I am going to sell. And of course they need to be close up because of the fine detail. But I want just the watches in the shots without any background. To me it looks much more professional and nothing in the background is less distracting. I do realize this question is probably not without a complicated answer. But if someone could possibly guide me to a website or something of this nature. I'm a quick learner. I would have already looked at some websites but I don't even know what this process is called.

mr_lincoln · ‎09-15-2019

@byrd69er Thank you for the compliment ... I have actually shot pics through a magnifying glass to read text, like "STERLING" on pieces where they put it on the pice very, very small. However, that tube pic is absolutely awesome and I appreciate the detail of the insides. I understand the reason in using a darker background, much of photography is about contrast and being able to show the detail you want ... like manually over exposing bridal pictures so the bride's face is clear and proper color but the gown detail washes out from over exposure, not to mention the groom but who cares about him right? LOL!

Anyway, I am impressed ...

Best regards,
Mr. Lincoln - Community Mentor

byrd69er · ‎09-15-2019

Another helpful tip, to those who use a cardboard box.

It didn't take to long for the floor of my cardboard box stage to not sit perfectly level. I need a level surface so the vacuum tubes stand nice and straight, when stood up on the stage. I ended up placing a 16" x 16" x 3/8 " slab of marble on the stage, and then covered that with the appropriate colored paper.

Macro magic.

nj18roo · ‎09-15-2019

Thank you to all the contributors. I learned so much from your suggestions.

go-bad-chicken · ‎09-15-2019

@mr_lincoln wrote:
@rickbfxx2014 To avoid a glare on the watch face angle the camera so the camera flash light bounces away from the camera lens.

Great graphic and great explanation.

IMO Camera angle in relation to its subject is the #1 key element for eliminating reflective glare. I primarily sell contemporary books of value (signed books, 1st editions, limited editions, etc...) Almost all of those types of books have dust jackets I generally wrap all of those types of books in Mylar (high gloss) dust jacket protectors prior to photographing them. The only real way to eliminate reflective hot spots on those dust jacket sleeves is to position the camera slightly above the book, or subject in question. It works great and it works every time once you are able to figure out the angle of the dagle ( a little trial and error). For me this primary guiding principle has always been the key to my product photography success.

lja440 · ‎09-16-2019

@penguins_dont_fly wrote:
@mr_lincoln

Great pics 🙂

I always set my flash to "off" ... because my Glass and China items are highly reflective ... even at an indirect angle, it tends to wash out the color and leave ghosting artifacts.

My "office" is fairly dark, even with 2 windows (north and east facing). I have replaced the overheads and have added portable lighting with daylight bulbs for an overall indirect bright lighting scheme.

Hubby says it's like an operating room when all the lights are on LOL

I have the same problem with my house. Rooms are dark because of the angle that the house is set on the land. With the exception of small items where I can drag in several lamps and a light box or the sets of china that I will set up on the table as well as take close up shots of the patterns, everything is outside. Yes this means I list when the weather allows. But I also will take scads of photos and save the items to list later. Yesterday I took pictures of fall and Halloween items to list now and then took pics of the few Christmas items I have picked up over the summer though I wont list them until November. I also took picks of winter wear in 80 plus degrees.

lja440 · ‎09-16-2019

@chinohighcowboys1963 wrote:
Oh, yeah! The TEAPOT GUY!

LOL Yeah that guy. I was thinking toaster but it was a tea pot. Guess that proves the point that watching reflections are very important.

Funny I was less weirded out by naked teapot dude than the pics of items on the floor with feet that have nasty toenails also in the shot. But some of those are actually funny. Like the seller with the items poised on her staircase who listed as a smoke free/ pet free home and there was a little fluffy dog down the hall looking into the camera.

lja440 · ‎09-16-2019

@mr_lincoln wrote:
@byrd69er Thank you for the compliment ... I have actually shot pics through a magnifying glass to read text, like "STERLING" on pieces where they put it on the pice very, very small. However, that tube pic is absolutely awesome and I appreciate the detail of the insides. I understand the reason in using a darker background, much of photography is about contrast and being able to show the detail you want ... like manually over exposing bridal pictures so the bride's face is clear and proper color but the gown detail washes out from over exposure, not to mention the groom but who cares about him right? LOL!
Anyway, I am impressed ...

Yeah, with my set up I have a white sheet, a black sheet, a maroon and a lightish blue sheet (kind of a faded cornflower). I pretty much strive for a good contrast but complimentary color background.

penguins_dont_fly · ‎09-16-2019

@lja440 wrote:
@mr_lincoln wrote:
@byrd69er Thank you for the compliment ... I have actually shot pics through a magnifying glass to read text, like "STERLING" on pieces where they put it on the pice very, very small. However, that tube pic is absolutely awesome and I appreciate the detail of the insides. I understand the reason in using a darker background, much of photography is about contrast and being able to show the detail you want ... like manually over exposing bridal pictures so the bride's face is clear and proper color but the gown detail washes out from over exposure, not to mention the groom but who cares about him right? LOL!
Anyway, I am impressed ...
Yeah, with my set up I have a white sheet, a black sheet, a maroon and a lightish blue sheet (kind of a faded cornflower). I pretty much strive for a good contrast but complimentary color background.

I have different backgrounds for different items too.

For Crystal Stemware, black works best.

I also have a dove grey for white items that wouldn't contrast enough ... but most of the time, it isn't necessary. I can contrast with shadows instead.

And sometimes, I do want a bit of reflection ... to show the sparkle or to define a brilliant Cut pattern.