From the beginning questions

[WriteON]

I'd like to get quality shots just for the fun of good close up table top photography. Is it macro or micro. Suggest a decent camera (whatever you like) and lens. Thanks, Frank

 

[its_virgil]

With my cell phone

 

[Hippie3180]

I'd like to get quality shots just for the fun of good close up table top photography. Is it macro or micro. Suggest a decent camera (whatever you like) and lens. Thanks, Frank

I take all of mine with a cell phone as well, key is good lighting.

 

[WriteON]

I can use my IPhone 14 … just looking to experiment/play around. I do have a photo tent. Interesting that the iPhone Pro models have a macro setting.

 

[Woodchipper]

Macro is only for reeeaaal close; think of bugs and worms. Experiment with different settings or Auto setting which will do all the work for you. A photo tent will be good. Main thing is to position the pens so there is no glare off the finish or components.

 

[bugradx2]

My current profile photo notwithstanding... Nearly all of my "good" photos are taken on a black tablecloth that was purchased to be a photo background. We (mostly my wife) set the table cloth up on a kitchen chair where there is great ambient light and use a pen stand to take photos that way. All our photos are taken with one of our cell phones. She has an iPhone that's less than 2-3 years old (newest model when she got it) and I have a Samsung S22. We have a really nice DSLR but have not found the need to use that for the pens yet.

The biggest trick is learning where in the house to take the photos. I have seriously bright lighting in the shop and it washes things out for photos.

 

[its_virgil]

I'm not a fan of busy backgrounds or props that moves one's focus from the pen to backgrounds or props.
Photoroom is a good photo editor. Check it out.
Do a good turn daily!
Don

 

[RunnerVince]

Someone who has posted really good photos: Would you mind sharing a photo of your lighting setup as well?