Photography session: Trying new shots!
Today I wanted to try out a few different things:
A table shot with a cleaner frame and more of a close-up view of the watch.
A once upon a watch shot (never tried before)
Flatlay with non-geometric elements framing the watch
The table shot is the one I'm the most happy with how turned out:
Background's perhaps a bit too bland, but other than that I'm quite happy with this.
Continuing with the once upon a watch shot:
The lighting is on the wrong side, but I love the depth in the picture, the colours and the composition.
Lastly, the flatlay. I feel this is one of the hardest types of shot, I just can't get a feel for it.
The thing of it is, usually I know what I want to improve, but with this, I don't even know where to start. I don't think it's a particularly good picture, but I wouldn't know what to change, either. Perhaps having fewer colours and more of a theme to the props.
In any case, still learning, still having fun! Bonus picture behind the scenes:
The lighting setup I got for Christmas makes a world of difference. None of the pictures I took today would be possible without it, save for the two hours or so of decent, indirect sunlight we get during winter here. I've read that photography means "painting with light" (don't quote me on though, I haven't double-checked), and moving around the softboxes, reflectors, finding angles etc: Loads of fun! I'll probably wish for a proper camera at some point, but for now this is more than sufficient to learn the basics!
Constructive feedback is, as always, highly appreciated. I learn a lot from you guys and welcome your input 🙏
Watch enthusiast from Norway
Nice! Good move with the reflectors / softboxes - they make life a lot easier!
A couple of thoughts:
Pic 1:
The watch comes out excellent. Background is a bit distracting. The pen is not really properly visible and is slightly angled - meaning in this case it takes the viewer’s line of sight outside of the frame (instead of drawing it in). The red booklet (?) is a nice color but also raises questions, I.e: what am I looking at / what is the relation with the watch? And lastly: the two side objects have an angularity to them and point ‘upward’ which is a bit of an odd contrast with the round watch.
Pic 2:
Agree with you; lighting should ideally be from above and left, to really light up that gorgeous dial. But still a very nice pic and good use of background.
Pic 3:
The light on the watch is superb! Well done. The ‘props’ around the watch now are more of a distraction than an added value. What you could experiment with: a more playful arrangement / other objects (coins work well, or a small metal or wood object) or go the other way: choose an interesting surface (block of wood, a blueprint…) and use that as background for your flatlay instead of livening things up with other objects.
Just some thoughts, as always feel free to ignore; pictures are already very good!
Nice! Good move with the reflectors / softboxes - they make life a lot easier!
A couple of thoughts:
Pic 1:
The watch comes out excellent. Background is a bit distracting. The pen is not really properly visible and is slightly angled - meaning in this case it takes the viewer’s line of sight outside of the frame (instead of drawing it in). The red booklet (?) is a nice color but also raises questions, I.e: what am I looking at / what is the relation with the watch? And lastly: the two side objects have an angularity to them and point ‘upward’ which is a bit of an odd contrast with the round watch.
Pic 2:
Agree with you; lighting should ideally be from above and left, to really light up that gorgeous dial. But still a very nice pic and good use of background.
Pic 3:
The light on the watch is superb! Well done. The ‘props’ around the watch now are more of a distraction than an added value. What you could experiment with: a more playful arrangement / other objects (coins work well, or a small metal or wood object) or go the other way: choose an interesting surface (block of wood, a blueprint…) and use that as background for your flatlay instead of livening things up with other objects.
Just some thoughts, as always feel free to ignore; pictures are already very good!
Thanks a lot, really good feedback 🙌
Pretty good I’d say already. And amazing watches you get to photograph :)
What camera and lens are you using? That can definitely make a big difference. As well as editing software. I’d recommend playing around with natural light that’s diffused. Also recommend some sort of portable light source so you can make quick on the fly adjustments without having to move around a big lamp each shot
I'm terrible at photography - composition, lighting, etc. this looks beautiful and that's a proper set up!
Pretty good I’d say already. And amazing watches you get to photograph :)
What camera and lens are you using? That can definitely make a big difference. As well as editing software. I’d recommend playing around with natural light that’s diffused. Also recommend some sort of portable light source so you can make quick on the fly adjustments without having to move around a big lamp each shot
Thank you!
Yeah, there is nothing wrong with the watches, that's for sure 😄 I am shooting with my phone, for now. Editing software: Android Lightroom (free).
As for portable light sources, what exactly are we talking about? Could you please post a picture or a link?
I'm terrible at photography - composition, lighting, etc. this looks beautiful and that's a proper set up!
Thank you!
Lovely #jaegerlecoultre
Lovely #jaegerlecoultre
Thank you! In my opinion an underrated and excellent watch 😍
Congratulations on the continuing progress. Your doing some good things and your expanding your portfolio. And you got some really cool watches
Congratulations on the continuing progress. Your doing some good things and your expanding your portfolio. And you got some really cool watches
Thank you 🙏
I echo all of @Icarium well-thought out points!
Of the 3 I think shot 2 is my favorite of the bunch, though could be helped by the lighting adjustment as previously noted.
For shot 3, I recommend changing your shooting surface. The current leather desk pad(?) I feel blends in too much with your watch strap and the other surrounding objects (apart from the cleaning cloth). Something lighter, in a complimentary warm tone could help with the separation, as well as offer an opportunity to insert a new texture. I find wood always works best, but you’d be surprised what you’ll discover works just about the house with a little experimentation!
Great new set up as well - keep clicking 💪
I echo all of @Icarium well-thought out points!
Of the 3 I think shot 2 is my favorite of the bunch, though could be helped by the lighting adjustment as previously noted.
For shot 3, I recommend changing your shooting surface. The current leather desk pad(?) I feel blends in too much with your watch strap and the other surrounding objects (apart from the cleaning cloth). Something lighter, in a complimentary warm tone could help with the separation, as well as offer an opportunity to insert a new texture. I find wood always works best, but you’d be surprised what you’ll discover works just about the house with a little experimentation!
Great new set up as well - keep clicking 💪
Thanks a lot, really great feedback! Unfortunately there was no time today for another photography session. I hope I will find time during the weekdays ahead 🙏
Beautiful photos of beautiful watches 🤩