MartinPens
Member
I've gotten a few PM's asking about my methods of photographing pens since submitting a winning photo in the bash Photo Challenge.
My method is not a cheap route and there are many who take stunning photos without a light tent and with a point and shoot digital. But this is my method for what it's worth.
I use a Canon 20D and a Canon 100mm fixed lens. (sometimes I use the standard 50mm with good results)
I use the ExpoDisc for light metering and the Alzo Digital 2 lamp setup with their tent. I always use a tripod and I always use a timer for shutter release. Below are some great links for how this is done. Alzo has some great learning resources for lighting and metering.
I upload to my system with Adobe Lightroom and export from Lightroom.
Like I've said.... there are many other ways to get good photos. I've chosen this route and have spent the money. It is consistent and I can shoot a photo and go straight to upload with little to no changes in exposure or sharpness. My biggest problem is dust and dog hair!! (I have two dogs). If I could do this in a vacuum (I'm kidding here) it would eliminate the need for any correction at all.
Here are some links. Hope this helps in some way. Happy shooting!!
Alzo tent and light setup
http://alzodigital.com/online_store/alzo_300_2light_tent_kit.htm
How to set up objects/ lights and meter with -/+ exposure.
http://alzodigital.com/photo_guide/tent_application_guide_white_background.htm
White balance with the ExpoDisc
http://www.expoimaging.com/product-detail.php?cat_id=1&product_id=2&keywords=ExpoDisc_Neutral
p.s. If you are as OCD as I am - and don't mind overkill - you can check out this article on Mirror Lockup for a truely crisp focus. (The reason this isn't really necessary is because the forum doesn't allow a high resolution upload. But I'm used to producing prints for Graphic Design publishing and they have a really high standard when it comes to sharp product photos)
http://www.slrphotographyguide.com/camera/settings/mirror-lockup.shtml
Have fun
Regards, Martin
My method is not a cheap route and there are many who take stunning photos without a light tent and with a point and shoot digital. But this is my method for what it's worth.
I use a Canon 20D and a Canon 100mm fixed lens. (sometimes I use the standard 50mm with good results)
I use the ExpoDisc for light metering and the Alzo Digital 2 lamp setup with their tent. I always use a tripod and I always use a timer for shutter release. Below are some great links for how this is done. Alzo has some great learning resources for lighting and metering.
I upload to my system with Adobe Lightroom and export from Lightroom.
Like I've said.... there are many other ways to get good photos. I've chosen this route and have spent the money. It is consistent and I can shoot a photo and go straight to upload with little to no changes in exposure or sharpness. My biggest problem is dust and dog hair!! (I have two dogs). If I could do this in a vacuum (I'm kidding here) it would eliminate the need for any correction at all.
Here are some links. Hope this helps in some way. Happy shooting!!
Alzo tent and light setup
http://alzodigital.com/online_store/alzo_300_2light_tent_kit.htm
How to set up objects/ lights and meter with -/+ exposure.
http://alzodigital.com/photo_guide/tent_application_guide_white_background.htm
White balance with the ExpoDisc
http://www.expoimaging.com/product-detail.php?cat_id=1&product_id=2&keywords=ExpoDisc_Neutral
p.s. If you are as OCD as I am - and don't mind overkill - you can check out this article on Mirror Lockup for a truely crisp focus. (The reason this isn't really necessary is because the forum doesn't allow a high resolution upload. But I'm used to producing prints for Graphic Design publishing and they have a really high standard when it comes to sharp product photos)
http://www.slrphotographyguide.com/camera/settings/mirror-lockup.shtml
Have fun
Regards, Martin