Multi Pen Photos

[Todd in PA]

I was hoping the IAP community might share some multi pen photos that they're proud of.

In submitting applications to juried shows, you must provide product and booth photos. It strikes me that using photos that show multiple pens would be a better way to show the expanse of my work, rather than, say, 3 individual pens. But am I never as happy with my photos showing multiple pens. They are either too linear, or the composition feels cluttered. My multi-pen photos never seem as elegant as the ones of individual pens. Here are some I've rejected for use in applications.

The eye lands on the natural imperfection of the wood on the yellow pen. Plus I didn't take the pricetags off.

Feels cluttered and out of focus.

I don't like the pattern of the circle.

This isn't terrible. Still, I went with a singular photo of one of the pens and the in-house poured resin as a way of showing my craft.


For reference, comment, and criticism, and here are the photos I have been submitting this year. All of these were pens made in 2024, and none of them are the same as previously submitted last year. One does include multiple pens and was taken on my workbench with some pens in progress in the background. Compositionally, this one is the best I've come up with to show multiple pens, pens in progress, and the element that these are handmade items.

 

[jttheclockman]

Not sure what you want but have to say your photos are always very well taken. You show your finishes very well. If you show people how to photos they are not going to understand what they are looking at. Send them photos of your booth and that should be fine. Anyone of the other photos showing multiple pens should be fine also. I wish I could take photos like that.

I will say this though, when taking photos for the forum, showing the entire pen in both open and closed form counts more than showing close ups of nibs and one section of a pen unless you are showing for proof of something. members here want to see a finished pen. This gives us more perspective as to how the kit looks or how your kitless pen looks. Everyone of those photos are what I call Artsy photos made for a magazine or things like that. Even shows would not care about that unless they want to use them for advertising their show.

Just an aside question, what is your finish you are using? You really have it down to a science. Your photos does it justice too.

 

[wolf creek knives]

My only criticism on your photo's, some are posed on wood rounds. As I've mentioned here in the past, I'm color blind and when you put a wood pen on a wood background it's very hard for me to see them. I can tell colors but when you put wood, or like colors, together, my brain tells me that they are the same color and they blend together. One Doctor told me I was "color dumb" if that's even a medical term.

 

[Hippie3180]

I'm really drawn to the very first "group" shot. The yellow pen is gorgeous and I always view wood as extra beautiful if it has a beauty mark. Maybe that's just me, but I love knots and stray grain/interesting figure. I think that's image shows the beauty and versatility of the wood very well.

I'm also drawn to the third one, I feel it shows the scope of your work very well.