WriteON
Member
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
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- Thread starter WriteON
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its_virgil
Member
With my cell phone
Hippie3180
Member
I take all of mine with a cell phone as well, key is good lighting.
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WriteON
Member
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
Member
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.
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.
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
Member
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
Photoroom is a good photo editor. Check it out.
Do a good turn daily!
Don
RunnerVince
Member
Someone who has posted really good photos: Would you mind sharing a photo of your lighting setup as well?
WriteON
Member
How do you store photos/videos? The iPhone has a lot of storage but it keeps filling up.
Mojave Green
Member
Exactly. Don't use a macro for pens. Here is a deer fly I smacked after it bit me and took a pic. You can see the color dots in the background of the book it was on. I've found that natural light is the best for pics in my opinion. I prefer using a light background. I try to always use a tripod. But in the end, it comes down to experimenting with your equipment and seeing what you like the results of best. I took photography class through Udemy for like 20 bucks and it really helped me with my photography which I brought over to my pens.
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Woodchipper
Member
Love to experiment with photography and pen turning. Nice about digital, one never runs out of film.
Mojave Green
Member
I love that aspect of digital media. I remember how with 35mm you had to be so selective of your shots. Now I go to a rugby match and shoot like 500 images and delete half. Now its just shoot all you like it wont run out. I wish ammo was the sme way.
its_virgil
Member
Google Photos. Auto upload as I take pictures. There may be other similar services.
Woodchipper
Member
I download mine to separate files on my laptop. However, dated files are a hodge-podge of photos, mixed subjects. Now that baseball is almost over, evenings will be devoted to sorting photos, marking family photos (hundreds!) and catching up on my woodworking in the shop. All is dependent on what SWMBO comes up with on her list.
WriteON
Member
For now I upgraded the iCloud storage.
WriteON
Member
Products Photography Apps..... any recommendations?
WriteON
Member
Product app.... Snapseed for now....
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WriteON
Member
WriteON
Member
Thanks. I appreciate that.
GFHWoodWerks
Member
Looks clean to me.
Woodchipper
Member
I believe I have posted this before. The setup was originally photographing trout flies. Quite simple: clamp on lights from Harbor Freight, curly
Q bulbs and diffusers made by the wife from scrap material. The diffusers cut the glare. The lights clamp on the cabinet frame or doors which can then be positioned for the best lighting.
Q bulbs and diffusers made by the wife from scrap material. The diffusers cut the glare. The lights clamp on the cabinet frame or doors which can then be positioned for the best lighting.
Todd in PA
Member
I don't try to eliminate reflections in my photos (is that even possible?), but control them.
When I photograph my pens, I try to show off the finish using a reflection, while taking care not to obscure the material. I don't use a light tent or take any white background product photos.
randyrls
Member
Todd; That is a great photo. Crisp, clear, no blur.
randyrls
Member
To join the thread; I have an OLD light tent that folds and has 2 lights (Photo Studio - in a box). I have several different color cloths to act as a background, and a plywood scrap with a nail sticking up thru. For ball points and roller balls remove the ink and insert the nail into the nib.
Your modern cell phone will take great photos if put in manual mode for focus and exposure. I have a wireless remote for my cell phone and a mount to hold the phone on a tripod.
Your modern cell phone will take great photos if put in manual mode for focus and exposure. I have a wireless remote for my cell phone and a mount to hold the phone on a tripod.
