Learning curve, studio. A Keeper?

[JBW]

[IzzieK]

This have a nicer background, Brian. I have a pocket watch similar to this but the with a different back...I have problems with the shadows here at the bottom of the watch though...the filigree is beautiful and nicely shown.

[JBW]

This have a nicer background, Brian. I have a pocket watch similar to this but the with a different back...I have problems with the shadows here at the bottom of the watch though...the filigree is beautiful and nicely shown.

there can be little doubt that better lighting is high on the studio equipment list.

[jcuknz]

there can be little doubt that better lighting is high on the studio equipment list.

I would remove the word equipment from that sentance with concentration on what you want the light to be and lateral thinking rather than expenditure. It would be worth trying to get a secondhand copy of the book and read it without it thinking you need to 'spend'.
This is the edition I bought s/h and was written for film before digital arrived I guess
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Light-Scienc...item4d2b861fc6
at US$4.60 you are not gambling much and I could twist my son's or DiL's arm to re-post it to you as the vendor will not post to SE Asia ... the 'kids' are in Denver CO. My copy came that way to me. PM me if you are interested in trying..

EDIT If you can do this with what you have you need knowledge of how and what to do rather than equipment. Very nice indeed.

[Shadowman]

Very nice.

[JBW]

I would remove the word equipment from that sentance with concentration on what you want the light to be and lateral thinking rather than expenditure. It would be worth trying to get a secondhand copy of the book and read it without it thinking you need to 'spend'.
This is the edition I bought s/h and was written for film before digital arrived I guess
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Light-Scienc...item4d2b861fc6
at US$4.60 you are not gambling much and I could twist my son's or DiL's arm to re-post it to you as the vendor will not post to SE Asia ... the 'kids' are in Denver CO. My copy came that way to me. PM me if you are interested in trying..

EDIT If you can do this with what you have you need knowledge of how and what to do rather than equipment. Very nice indeed.

I have started downloading books from the Internet Archive. I am feeling a lack of know how and an abundance of 'I wonder what will happen if'.

[JBW]

Very nice.

I am truly amazed at the amount of good advice from knowledgeable people I get in this community. Today I gathered together an old shirt, a bandana and a cushion to try different backgrounds. And sure enough as the background got planer the watch changed. Mind you I still like the first one I posted with the green towel and the bold colours. But this last one is (depending on taste) better.
B.

[mknittle]

Yes Brian this is much better. theback ground is casting some lite on the lower portion of the case highlighting the engraving nicely. very nice indeed.

[Loose Canon]

This is my personal fave of the watch series you have posted Brian.

Mark mentioned one of the biggest reasons why. Your surface/BG is throwing light back into the watch and it bringing the detail in the rear casing out. I like the simpler BG, but it still has some character. Maybe a little bounced light back into the watch at the 10-11 O’clock position? Worth playing with.

It would be better if you lit this for the spot, and if you vignetted it in post, cool too, but it really works well. My guess is that you lit it looking at the shadow position and the light reflecting from the front inside case reflecting a highlight onto the BG, visible between the two casings. There is no doubt about the subject and the spot keeps eyes in the frame.

But again, the BG reflecting soft light. You can use this in your surface/BG, and use all kinds of materials to bounce light back into your scene by placing reflectors around the subject just outside of the frame to get light where you need. A white piece of paper or note cards will work. Foil will give a different look. Small mirrors different still. Lot’s of stuff!

My vote is “Keeper” Brian! Nice!