Pen Photography: My Setup

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Todd in PA

Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2021
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781
Location
Port Matilda, PA
A few people commented that I "catch" the light just perfect in my pen photos, and I'm humbled to receive such bits of praise. I said I would share my setup, and it's finally been warm enough to take some photos. This is a trick. And an easy one. I will share it with those of you who want your pictures to look like just like this with very low effort. I promise.

#0741 - Red Maple Burl Fountain Pen 2025-02-28 006 (2560x1920).jpg


Here is my setup.
#0741 - Red Maple Burl Fountain Pen 2025-02-28 022 (2560x1920).jpg


Not fancy or complicated. I'm in the carport where I get good full-spectrum outside light, but no direct sun. A log. iPhone. Tripod. The tripod came with a bluetooth clicker (that's kinda important). 2 pieces of white Correx.
Labeled Setup.jpg


Now I pick up one of the pieced of Correx and block the light coming from behind the pen. Then I grab the other piece of Correx and reflect the light onto the shade-side of the pen facing the camera. I move that board around until I get the reflection I like. I'm not catching a good reflection by accident. This is the trick!! The clean white rectangle of light on the pen is the clean white rectangle in my hand. It's literally that straightforward. Here's what it looks like when I snapped the photo above.
#0741 - Red Maple Burl Fountain Pen 2025-02-28 034 (2560x1920).jpg


I taped the bluetooth clicker to the back of the Correx so I can hold the reflectors and click the shutter at the same time.

1-2-3 Side by Side.jpg

POST PRODUCTION is done right on my iPhone. For these photos, I went into edit mode then tap the magic wand to get some general levels. Then I usually usually bump up the Brilliance (+40), reduce the highlights (-20), decrease Shadows (+25), increase black point (+18), and then Vignette 100%. I would be embarrassed to hear a real photographer's opinion of these levels, but that's what looks good to my eye. Here's the rest of my photo shoot.

#0741 - Red Maple Burl Fountain Pen 2025-02-28 016 (2560x1920).jpg
#0741 - Red Maple Burl Fountain Pen 2025-02-28 018 (2560x1920).jpg



Happy shooting! I'm looking forward to seeing your photos after reading!
 

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  • #0741 - Red Maple Burl Fountain Pen 2025-02-28 028 (2560x1920).jpg
    #0741 - Red Maple Burl Fountain Pen 2025-02-28 028 (2560x1920).jpg
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A few people commented that I "catch" the light just perfect in my pen photos, and I'm humbled to receive such bits of praise. I said I would share my setup, and it's finally been warm enough to take some photos. This is a trick. And an easy one. I will share it with those of you who want your pictures to look like just like this with very low effort. I promise.

View attachment 382517

Here is my setup.
View attachment 382516

Not fancy or complicated. I'm in the carport where I get good full-spectrum outside light, but no direct sun. A log. iPhone. Tripod. The tripod came with a bluetooth clicker (that's kinda important). 2 pieces of white Correx.
View attachment 382518

Now I pick up one of the pieced of Correx and block the light coming from behind the pen. Then I grab the other piece of Correx and reflect the light onto the shade-side of the pen facing the camera. I move that board around until I get the reflection I like. I'm not catching a good reflection by accident. This is the trick!! The clean white rectangle of light on the pen is the clean white rectangle in my hand. It's literally that straightforward. Here's what it looks like when I snapped the photo above.
View attachment 382523

I taped the bluetooth clicker to the back of the Correx so I can hold the reflectors and click the shutter at the same time.

View attachment 382524
POST PRODUCTION is done right on my iPhone. For these photos, I went into edit mode then tap the magic wand to get some general levels. Then I usually usually bump up the Brilliance (+40), reduce the highlights (-20), decrease Shadows (+25), increase black point (+18), and then Vignette 100%. I would be embarrassed to hear a real photographer's opinion of these levels, but that's what looks good to my eye. Here's the rest of my photo shoot.

View attachment 382525View attachment 382526


Happy shooting! I'm looking forward to seeing your photos after reading!
 
Todd: You are right on, sir. I've had those photographic setups with lights and all for photos of pens and associated crafts, and, frankly, none of them can hold a candle to just plain outdoor ambient light. But, for taking photos outdoors, you gotta get up early or pick a day that overcast, as you don't want the mess that sunshine can make with shadows. Great pictures. (Do you tell the pens to SMILE?)
 
Thank you so much for sharing, Todd! I really appreciate it.

Your setup is really simple! I am intrigued that you use reflectors. I think they are one of the best ways to control the light and place highlight/reflection lines just where you want them.

I wonder, if your deck railing is what I've been seeing in the reflections that I thought was some kind of sunroom. That's actually pretty simple! I put in new railing on my deck last year. It is very similar, and might help me improve my reflections, which is one of the key things I am hoping to do better with.

I hope this helps others find simple ways to improve their pen photography. It really doesn't take much if you don't want it to.
 
I LOVE it! Simple, clean and effective! Gonna give it a try for mine, as I have few pictures of my stuff on line as I am never pleased with how they look - especially when compared to your pictures, which I find really nice!
 
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