The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Hi

I've seen some really excellent watch pictures on this site and wondered if anyone can pass on any tips how to take close ups. I've been trying to take shots of my new Chronomat Evolution and whilst they are reasonable, I would welcome any advice from the experts.

Many thanks

Bob

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Chronomat Evolution
Omega Seamaster

This is a loaded question. This is like asking a good artist, can you teach me how to make a good painting....not how to paint. You can be taught how to take a photograph, but how to take a "really excellent" photograph is much more difficult. So here are a few tips on how to take close ups:

1. You want to make sure you compose the photo correctly, make sure the object you want to shoot is nicely composed in the frame. Make sure you capture the parts of the watch you want to capture and that nothing is cutoff, tilted, shadowed, etc.
2. If you have manual controls, make sure you have the settings correct.
3. Use a low ISO, with good lighting.
4. Set the lighting to the correct type of light you are using. Try and avoid flash in close ups, unless you have some type of flash that can be redirected.
5. Try out using Aperture priority and try to make the watch the obvious center of attention. Focus close to the watch and have the background out of focus.
6. Make sure ther isn't a distracting object or color in the background.
7. Try using manual mode and adjust the aperture and shutterspeed until the light meter reads a good exposure.
8. If you have a tripod and external flash that can be covered or redirected, use that. It makes a world of a difference.
9. Try and use your imagination. If you're a beginner, try and immitate pictures that you have seen in other places and like. Figure out why you like it and try and make those type of artistic shots.

There's a lot more to this, and what you are really asking someone is how to be artistic. That can only be taught to some extent. Learning how to take closeups just takes practice, but taking a "really excellent" closeup takes talent.

Everything above +

Use the "macro"-function. Also learn how to set the "white balance". Last but not least, try to avoid large reflections from the glass, and polished surfaces.

This is my "light tent". Simple, but effective


Picture taken:



If everything goes wrong....cheat using Photoshop


(...original photo: http://www.kenberg.dk/diverse/forums/ds2_original.jpg

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/Claus (Denmark )

See...something like this can't always be taught. This is talent.

Thanks man

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/Claus (Denmark )

Thanks guys

That's very helpfull. Great photo's, if I can get anywhere near that I'll be delighted

I really like the wet look

Bob

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Chronomat Evolution
Omega Seamaster

Actually I haven't done it justice, the 'wet ' photo is stunning.

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Chronomat Evolution
Omega Seamaster

I was talking about the watch....not the picture...

Just kidding...

Hehe good one

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/Claus (Denmark )