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Is There A Secret To Taking Guitar Photos?
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 6:28 pm
by 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.
Re: Is There A Secret To Taking Guitar Photos?
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 6:32 pm
by 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.
Re: Is There A Secret To Taking Guitar Photos?
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 8:22 pm
by rikk
Using a flash that's "in the camera" makes it look too stark. Using lights helps, or outdoors as others have suggested.
Re: Is There A Secret To Taking Guitar Photos?
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 8:36 pm
by 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
Re: Is There A Secret To Taking Guitar Photos?
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 8:48 pm
by 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...
Re: Is There A Secret To Taking Guitar Photos?
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 9:05 pm
by jps
tennis_nick wrote: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
Re: Is There A Secret To Taking Guitar Photos?
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 9:10 pm
by tennis_nick
jps wrote:
Why not just turn the sun back on
You wouldn't BELIEVE the paperwork involved in that!
Re: Is There A Secret To Taking Guitar Photos?
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 9:30 pm
by 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:
Re: Is There A Secret To Taking Guitar Photos?
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 10:17 pm
by johneek
Jeffery......oh Jeffery?
Re: Is There A Secret To Taking Guitar Photos?
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 11:25 pm
by kenposurf
Late afternoon outdoor light is the best...magic hour
Re: Is There A Secret To Taking Guitar Photos?
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 11:31 pm
by 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.
Re: Is There A Secret To Taking Guitar Photos?
Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 12:11 am
by 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.
Re: Is There A Secret To Taking Guitar Photos?
Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 1:47 am
by gibsonlp
You can use a flash as long as you bounce it from the ceiling with a soft box or something similar.
Re: Is There A Secret To Taking Guitar Photos?
Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 2:05 am
by 1965
gibsonlp wrote: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.
Re: Is There A Secret To Taking Guitar Photos?
Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 6:39 am
by 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.