Pleading a case for props

[Hippie3180]

I know many of you DO NOT like the use of props in pen photos, and that's all good. I've done photos with no props and have sold pens with those, but hear me out. The use of props can set the mood, create an atmosphere or send a subliminal message if you will.

In the first image, I created a flat lay that may be more suited to the ladies. Often ladies are shy to pop on wood pens because of the masculine vibe, by making the pen not as chunky and large, a wood pen is more palatable, and by adding more feminine friendly props it changes the feel of the image.

Also, many who are into fountain pens are equally into journaling and inks, therefore it makes sense to tie inks and journaling with pens.

The second image has a more clean, modern masculine feel. The pen is more modern and suited to either gender, but the reality is most wood pens are purchased by men, anyway I like the use of props and find they add interest and are helpful to set a mood.

 

[jrista]

The ink bottles is a sublime move, IMO! Especially since those are fountain pens. The way you have the bottle only part way in the frame is also superb.

I like the top down view, and the way you have used "flat" as key characteristic. Both the stamps and the feather are great. I think you chose well.

Only think I think you could do, to improve, is get some fill light going. You don't necessarily want to eliminate the shadows, just...soften them a bit.

 

[tomtedesco]

Props are makers choice. Do what you like best and is pleasing to you. Your work speaks for itself with or without a prop.

 

[Hippie3180]

The ink bottles is a sublime move, IMO! Especially since those are fountain pens. The way you have the bottle only part way in the frame is also superb.

I like the top down view, and the way you have used "flat" as key characteristic. Both the stamps and the feather are great. I think you chose well.

Only think I think you could do, to improve, is get some fill light going. You don't necessarily want to eliminate the shadows, just...soften them a bit.

Thank you. I was going for a dark, moody image on the second one. I don't mind the shadow and I can manipulate them a bit to be more or less within my phone.

 

[Hippie3180]

Props are makers choice. Do what you like best and is pleasing to you. Your work speaks for itself with or without a prop.

Thank you, I actually do some of both, it's just lately I'm kind of feeling props.

 

[RDHals]

Thank you for your post on this. I've never used props but never really given them much thought. Your post has given me some insight to research and consider.

 

[jrista]

Thank you. I was going for a dark, moody image on the second one. I don't mind the shadow and I can manipulate them a bit to be more or less within my phone.

The simplest way to manage shadows, IF you want to, is some reflectors. They just take your existing primary light source and bounce it back into the scene from the other side (or AN other side.) Cheap (you could even make your own if you really wanted to...some black cardboard and some paper glued onto them will do!)

 

[Curly]

I prefer jets. I hit the propeller blade with my head too often when walking around a plane.

 

[Hippie3180]

I prefer jets. I hit the propeller blade with my head too often when walking around a plane.

 

[Hippie3180]

The simplest way to manage shadows, IF you want to, is some reflectors. They just take your existing primary light source and bounce it back into the scene from the other side (or AN other side.) Cheap (you could even make your own if you really wanted to...some black cardboard and some paper glued onto them will do!)

I do have a makeshift reflector, I just don't mind some shadows, sometimes I allow more than others.

 

[Hippie3180]

Thank you for your post on this. I've never used props but never really given them much thought. Your post has given me some insight to research and consider.

It's really a fun thing to play with photos, there's no need to stick with one genre of photos. They should be part of the expression of your art.

 

[d_bondi]

I really like what you are doing with your photography and presentation of your pens in instagram. Keep it up!

 

[Drewby108]

I am a fan of props as you've used them. They accentuate but do not distract from what you are taking a photo of. If your focus is in any way obscured (like if you put the feather partly over the pen), then I would have a problem.

 

[bugradx2]

I prefer jets. I hit the propeller blade with my head too often when walking around a plane.

making your choice of screen name and profile photo all the more appropriate!

 

[Darios]

In my opinion, there is no need for pleading. To grossly* paraphrase Hank's excellent summation of the different opinions from the previous thread :
Buyer's deserve to be woo'd with lingerie. Pen turners just want to see 'em neekid.





* absolutely gross exaggeration and exceptionally off-base and off-color paraphrasing, to be more precise.

 

[Hippie3180]

In my opinion, there is no need for pleading. To grossly* paraphrase Hank's excellent summation of the different opinions from the previous thread :
Buyer's deserve to be woo'd with lingerie. Pen turners just want to see 'em neekid.





* absolutely gross exaggeration and exceptionally off-base and off-color paraphrasing, to be more precise.

 

[sorcerertd]

The bottom line is to not distract from the subject, that beautiful pen that you put all the work into. Honestly, only a pen on a boring background does nothing for the pen, but what's in the picture has to serve a purpose. Your first picture works for me, but the feather in the second one is just sitting there. It's prominence in the picture makes it feel equal to the pen instead of complimentary to it, so my eyes aren't drawn directly to the pen. I think just setting the pen and ink bottle on a piece of parchment would be quite effective. I like the deckled edge paper for visual texture. That's just my opinion, though. You've seen my little piece of wood and fake rock a few times. I have been working on a new "rock", but not very earnestly.

Props to you for this post, though.

 

[Hippie3180]

The bottom line is to not distract from the subject, that beautiful pen that you put all the work into. Honestly, only a pen on a boring background does nothing for the pen, but what's in the picture has to serve a purpose. Your first picture works for me, but the feather in the second one is just sitting there. It's prominence in the picture makes it feel equal to the pen instead of complimentary to it, so my eyes aren't drawn directly to the pen. I think just setting the pen and ink bottle on a piece of parchment would be quite effective. I like the deckled edge paper for visual texture. That's just my opinion, though. You've seen my little piece of wood and fake rock a few times. I have been working on a new "rock", but not very earnestly.

Props to you for this post, though.

Your opinion is fair and matters, but I like the feather and feel it's a beautiful natural element in a color palette that works.

 

[MRDucks2]

I prefer jets. I hit the propeller blade with my head too often when walking around a plane.

Yeah, but jets suck!

 

[jrista]

The bottom line is to not distract from the subject, that beautiful pen that you put all the work into. Honestly, only a pen on a boring background does nothing for the pen, but what's in the picture has to serve a purpose. Your first picture works for me, but the feather in the second one is just sitting there. It's prominence in the picture makes it feel equal to the pen instead of complimentary to it, so my eyes aren't drawn directly to the pen. I think just setting the pen and ink bottle on a piece of parchment would be quite effective. I like the deckled edge paper for visual texture. That's just my opinion, though. You've seen my little piece of wood and fake rock a few times. I have been working on a new "rock", but not very earnestly.

Props to you for this post, though.

The feather serves no purpose, other than that they too, were writing instruments in the past, and functioned akin to a fountain pen! I thought it was rather appropriate myself.

 

[MillerTurnings]

I think you stated the key in the first post - who is the audience? Female or male, magazine ad or juried show, etc. Each has its own purpose.

 

[Woodchipper]

I would think the props would depend on the subject matter. Food photography is one area that uses a lot of props. I use props for outdoor photos as fishing tackle, etc. Not into pen photography but might do some this year.

 

[howsitwork]

Yeah, but jets suck!

Give a decent blow job to speed drying of the pens lacquer though Mind you it can lead to a few dust spots on the surface