Better Rifle Photos

[Kittitas George]

We have many very good and knowledgeable shooters and reloaders. Do we have any super photographers? A short "how to take better rifle photos" for the Classified Section I think is needed. Many times the photos just aren't adequate, we all would benefit from a tutorial. Also something more on posting photos, it's is over my head and I'm standing on a chair. Computer speak and jargon doesn't work for us geezers. Type it slowly for us slow readers.

 

[Eagle Six]

T-a-k-e p-h-o-t-o-s i-n f-u-l-l r-e-s-o-l-u-t-i-o-n a-n-d c-l-o-s-e-u-p-s o-f d-e-t-a-i-l-s

Sorry I know you didn't mean that! Get lots of light on the subject and move the rifle and camera around so the glare is eliminated as much as possible. Shoot in large or full resolution including the entire rifle in the frame which will show better features and do close-ups of the details. Photo both sides, bottom, top and a few angles. If you have a descent camera or phone set it on automatic and let it set the exposure and most importantly assure the photos are focused.

 

[jepp2]

The most common issues I see and try to avoid:
- inadequate lighting and over reliance on the camera flash
- no editing of photos
- out of focus
- no close ups to show details
- not showing key use/wear areas

Basically do what @Eagle Six said. Takes me at least 20+ pictures to show a long gun adequately.

 

[jepp2]

Also something more on posting photos

HOW to POST an AD with PHOTOS

In the Classified Zone Click "Post Thread". The ORANGE Post Thread button is at the upper right. On a smartphone the Orange Post thread button may be left center just below the advert. [Note: There is a 30-day classifieds lock-out for new members who have not upgraded. Also, the Color...

forum.accurateshooter.com

 

[Richard Jones]

Search for 'photo light box'. You can build one cheaply. Hook your camera to a larger monitor so you can see what you're doing. Easier to edit that way, too. Single light source. No fluorescents. Small light stands are available, or use a clip on to get the light where you want it. Teeny f-stop if you want the entire gun in focus, or large if you want that 'fade away' look.

 

[wasskeet]

Outside in natural light is hard to beat in my opinion.

 

[jobhopper66]

Outside in natural light is hard to beat in my opinion.

^^^^ My girlfriend takes and posts all my photos and she has come to the conclusion that outside is definitely best if possible.

 

[dryhumor]

Rifles are long, which makes it a little harder to get the full details.

To me, I like to see the barrel crown and bolt face, followed by everything else. Full shot at an angle can get all of the rifle. Natural light as previously said.

Smart phones have the ability to edit. A full picture can be edited tightly on one spot, then reverted, and edited tightly on another spot. Light can be manipulated a little bit, but beginning with an in focus shot really is important.

This picture is an edit on a smart phone.

Of this picture.

This picture is an edit for color. The sunrise was already an eye opener, but a tweak made it an eye popper. It also brought out the rifle which was in shadow.

I still figure out something new on phone editing. It’s a lot easier to do and learn than moving photos to a computer and into a photo program.

 

[RCE1]

There is a very useful app called SnapSeed for phone and tablet cameras. Allows almost all image tuning, sharpening, cropping and a lot of special effects. Free.

Generally, firearms look better in indirect lighting. Like open shade or light bounced off a white surface. I use a lot of diffusion panels and bounce lighting when I shoot my collection. Simple backgrounds, careful attention to focus and camera shake. Tripods are very useful, even for smart phone shooters. There are adapters available.

 

[JerkyFreak]

...
View attachment 1544269

What is that?!

Looks very interesting.

Sorry for the hijack...

 

[Highdry]

A DSLR with a 50mm lense in outdoor light works for me. There are better lenses for taking
closeups but the 50mm will get the job done. A search for "phone macro photography" reveals
that one can take pretty good closeups with a phone camera. I did not know that.

 

[RCE1]

What is that?!

Looks very interesting.

Sorry for the hijack...

That's an XP100 in Lee Six fiberglass thumbhole stock in .30BR

 

[ronsatspokane]

These guys know how to photograph rifles and shotguns. Click on the pictures to see the detailed shots:

Smith & Wesson

English Shotguns

 

[RCE1]

These guys know how to photograph rifles and shotguns. Click on the pictures to see the detailed shots:

Smith & Wesson

English Shotguns

Their lighting is okay but (IMHO) the dark green background would be best left on the pool table. lol.
If you look closely, you will observe that most of the tricky aspects of firearms are shiny complex surfaces which tend to create specular reflections of the lighting used. The smaller the light source, the more concentrated the reflections, with direct sunlight being the sharpest commonly observable.

The good workman chooses a lighting scheme that illuminates the details but puts the reflections where they will not detract from the overall description. Although it is possible to use very direct and specular lighting, the angles must be observed and controlled to put the hot spots where they compliment the image, or where they can be conveniently edited out in post production. If you have a lot to do in a short amount of time, the softer lightings are more forgiving.

One of the things I discovered early on in my career is every image you see can be analyzed by looking at reflections and shadows and the lighting scheme deduced. What gives away poor photoshop composites is when the point of view, perspective and color interpretation and lighting of the various elements don't match up.

 

[ronsatspokane]

Their lighting is okay but (IMHO) the dark green background would be best left on the pool table. lol.
If you look closely, you will observe that most of the tricky aspects of firearms are shiny complex surfaces which tend to create specular reflections of the lighting used. The smaller the light source, the more concentrated the reflections, with direct sunlight being the sharpest commonly observable.

The good workman chooses a lighting scheme that illuminates the details but puts the reflections where they will not detract from the overall description. Although it is possible to use very direct and specular lighting, the angles must be observed and controlled to put the hot spots where they compliment the image, or where they can be conveniently edited out in post production. If you have a lot to do in a short amount of time, the softer lightings are more forgiving.

One of the things I discovered early on in my career is every image you see can be analyzed by looking at reflections and shadows and the lighting scheme deduced. What gives away poor photoshop composites is when the point of view, perspective and color interpretation and lighting of the various elements don't match up.

Hate to say this mate but I've been a student of photography for over 45 years. I see where the light coming from and it is some of the best balanced lighting I've seen. If you look at that first rifle you can see where the lighting is positioned via the reflections in the butt stock and the scope and the effect is a very even light across the subject. The reflections do not detract from the image and the detail is stunning. If you have a better example, I for one would like to see it. It is never too late to learn something new.

 

[RCE1]

Hate to say this mate but I've been a student of photography for over 45 years. I see where the light coming from and it is some of the best balanced lighting I've seen. If you look at that first rifle you can see where the lighting is positioned via the reflections in the butt stock and the scope and the effect is a very even light across the subject. The reflections do not detract from the image and the detail is stunning. If you have a better example, I for one would like to see it. It is never too late to learn something new.

We all have our opinions. I've been working professionally for 45 years doing product photography of all sorts for international clients. I still think the background color wasn't the best choice.

 

[Eagle Six]

Highlights and shadows offer pleasing depth. Harsh reflections and dark shadows can hide details. A pleasing background is simply one that does not distract from the subject. The best/easiest lighting for the non-professional is an outdoors under a light overcast day and let the camera do the work. Most late model camera phones have enough high dynamic range to balance the exposure. I like manual focus but most shots auto-focus simplifies the process. Zooming in on the photo will confirm a good or poor focus. You don't need to study Ansel Adams to take descent illustrative photos for listing guns for sale.

 

[RCE1]

Highlights and shadows offer pleasing depth. Harsh reflections and dark shadows can hide details. A pleasing background is simply one that does not distract from the subject. The best/easiest lighting for the non-professional is an outdoors under a light overcast day and let the camera do the work. Most late model camera phones have enough high dynamic range to balance the exposure. I like manual focus but most shots auto-focus simplifies the process. Zooming in on the photo will confirm a good or poor focus. You don't need to study Ansel Adams to take descent illustrative photos for listing guns for sale.

All good points. One thing I've had to deal with is people insisting what I steal images, rather than shooting the actual items for sale. I've had to show people shots of the set sometimes. LOL. Happened the first few times I was selling neck turners on this forum. That's ok. You can't be too careful.

 

[jxb]

For the average person trying to take photos with nothing more than a phone...
1. Unless you are trying to skew perspective or are far enough away it doesn't matter, assure the lens is perpendicular to the subject. This would be true for long guns, but as you get closer it's especially true.
2. Try to shoot it in diffused light, so a cloudy day only as bright as you need to get enough exposure (sharp photos with good color). If you need to get the photo and it's not cloudy then try to use the magic hour (just before sunrise and just after sunset) while you have enough light for exposure, but no direct or harsh light.
3. Remember to disable the flash if you see it going off. ;-)

 

[Eagle Six]

All good points. One thing I've had to deal with is people insisting what I steal images, rather than shooting the actualy items for sale. I've had to show people shots of the set sometimes. LOL. Happened the first few times I was selling neck turners on this forum. That's ok. You can't be too careful.

Yes understand. Your are benefitting from those photos and your description. I don't pay too much attention to reviews of the large online retailers, just a lot of folks buying I don't feel comfortable with. But here, I do read and depend on the Trade History as I feel the member/buyers are a higher standard than most other places. And, I notice you have built a gleaming reputation, well done.