Is There A Secret To Taking Guitar Photos?

[firstbassman]

I'd imagine taking a picture of an instrument should be the same as taking any other photo but ...

When I take a shot of my guitars they look just ok.
When I see photos taken by others (including Paul's) they look amazing.
What am I missing?

I hate to admit this but a million years ago I actually trained others in filmmaking and photography.

[sloop_john_b]

I always take guitar photos outdoors, on sunny days. My camera isn't a very good one, but the natural light really does wonders.

[rikk]

Using a flash that's "in the camera" makes it look too stark. Using lights helps, or outdoors as others have suggested.

[tennis_nick]

I find that when the light comes from the same direction as the lens, it makes for that clownish looks we all know from oh so many eBay auctions.

If the sun is off, I like using a lamp placed either above, or to either side of the guitar, but not beside the camera

[wayang]

It's really the same as taking photos of babies...first, buff all surfaces thoroughly with a clean diaper...next, hand the subject an appealing toy, which can then be snatched away without warning just before taking the shot. This produces that classic look of surprise that characterizes the succesful, professional-quality guitar photos that are a hallmark of the work of cats like Dr. JingleJangle...

[jps]

If the sun is off, I like using a lamp placed either above, or to either side of the guitar...

Why not just turn the sun back on

[tennis_nick]

Why not just turn the sun back on

You wouldn't BELIEVE the paperwork involved in that!

[1965]

Don't use flash at all. Also, avoid any kind of indoor halogen lights because they'll throw off the white balance in most cameras that aren't adjustable. Use natural light, but avoid glaring sunlight outside, it creates more contrast than your camera can handle. Basically you want nice, soft sunlight and a simple background. I know I've been plastering these same two photos all over the board, but here they are again for reference:

[johneek]

Jeffery......oh Jeffery?

[kenposurf]

Late afternoon outdoor light is the best...magic hour

[brianeharmonjr]

Thanks a lot, Jeffrey. Now I really want a Casino. Could you take a picture of my bills? Maybe I'd be more excited about paying them.

[firstbassman]

You guys are amazing.

Those photos look fantastic and your ideas were great!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

I got to get to bed.

[gibsonlp]

You can use a flash as long as you bounce it from the ceiling with a soft box or something similar.

[1965]

You can use a flash as long as you bounce it from the ceiling with a soft box or something similar.

True, but I'm pretty sure most people here don't have one. People with cheap-ish digital cameras should go for natural light when possible.

[cheyenne]

Natural lighting seems to work the best for me. You just have to work with it. Sometimes I'll I'll be walking through the house and see the light coming through a window "just right", and I'll stop and take a quick pic.

Thats what I did with this one. One of my personal favorites.