Guitar Photography

[dayl]

Sure if its used like EQ to fix a bad take but it has its the biz otherwise imo BUT, I think learning the fundamentals of good photography would be highly valuable if using it primarily for photography.

Yeah don't get me too wrong. lol
It's an essential bit of kit to me, just not for fixing. Or shouldn't be necessary. Or something.

I've been blown away many more times by photographers than Photoshop techs even recently. Photography wise, photoshop should merely be a tool used to compliment a great shot not a great photoshop job on bad photography. It can get all yin yang and blurred at times though but I think that mindset is the cornerstone.

[calling card]

I'm no photographer but this shot I took of the Tele build I like.

what's the wood CC......almost looks like ash with rewarewa/silky oak (I know not the same thing, but covering bases)

It's wild pine, originating from trees planted by my aunt in the 1930's. That log would be about 30 years old, seasoned for five years laying outside then one day last september I ripped a slab out of it with the trusty Stihl 044.

[DSilence]

Probably the only photo ive taken that I like lol

[Cdog]

Didn't see this already posted so:

http://www.gimp.org/downloads/

The best free photo image editing software available. I actually prefer it to Photoshop or Corel, not quite as many tricks as the most powerful packages, but excellent rendering of colours and a good workflow once you learn it. Oh and its free?

[hamo]

If you don't like having a stand or your hand in the photo, try throwing the guitar in the air, snapping the photo, and then catching it again. Better living everyone!








Disclaimer: FFS don't do what I just said, it was just for laughs.

[ash]

Thanks for the pro lighting tips, Capt! Not what I would have expected at all... I'm going to try those methods out soon.

[Gatdan777]

These are mine...

IMG_0517.JPG (6.89 KiB) Viewed 3537 times

This is my guitar, I popped it in front of a window, for some nice afternoon light. And spread a few lyric sheets around for general effect.

IMG_0516.JPG (8.78 KiB) Viewed 3537 times

Not my guitar, but my photo.

IMG_0539.JPG (5.59 KiB) Viewed 3537 times

[Unfinished]

Here's my second guitar..

I used an SLR. The problem with these can be that unless you take a picture of the thing straight on you don't always get everything sharp (without a lens that can alter the plane of focus). The benefit is that you can blur away distracting backgrounds. I used it 'cause it's the only camera I have.

I took the pictures in the living room, with a light directly above the guitar, and the only thing I did on the computer was to match the white balances of the three shots.

In shot 3 I took the picture without modifying the light.

In shot 2 I held tissue paper between the light and the guitar to soften it. Look at the bridge and tailpiece, as well as the large flat area. There's also a highlight on the couch that has been softened down.

In shot 1 I bounced a flash off the wall and back at the guitar. There's a shadow which is probably me holding the tissue paper.
The flash fills in the dark areas so the the whole guitar looks more even.

I was kind of surprised at how it turned out actually, flash confuses me.

[mahtone]

Hey Capt - next gearfest you should set up a corner somewhere in the manor with some lights and offer your services for hire!

[Terexgeek]

Hey Capt - next gearfest you should set up a corner somewhere in the manor with some lights and offer your services for hire!

Doesn't he do that anyway?

Oh, you meant photography, right.

[Capt. Black]

Hey Capt - next gearfest you should set up a corner somewhere in the manor with some lights and offer your services for hire!

Nice idea.... what would one expect to pay?

[Slowy]

Here's my second guitar..

I used an SLR. The problem with these can be that unless you take a picture of the thing straight on you don't always get everything sharp (without a lens that can alter the plane of focus). The benefit is that you can blur away distracting backgrounds. I used it 'cause it's the only camera I have.

I took the pictures in the living room, with a light directly above the guitar, and the only thing I did on the computer was to match the white balances of the three shots.

In shot 3 I took the picture without modifying the light.

In shot 2 I held tissue paper between the light and the guitar to soften it. Look at the bridge and tailpiece, as well as the large flat area. There's also a highlight on the couch that has been softened down.

In shot 1 I bounced a flash off the wall and back at the guitar. There's a shadow which is probably me holding the tissue paper.
The flash fills in the dark areas so the the whole guitar looks more even.

I was kind of surprised at how it turned out actually, flash confuses me.

OOOOOOHH!!!!! I LIKE that!!!!

[Slowy]

The guitar, I mean...........

[rocklander]

Hey Capt - next gearfest you should set up a corner somewhere in the manor with some lights and offer your services for hire!

Doesn't he do that anyway?

Oh, you meant photography, right.

I bet she does, I bet she does.

[mahtone]

Hey Capt - next gearfest you should set up a corner somewhere in the manor with some lights and offer your services for hire!

Nice idea.... what would one expect to pay?

I don't really know...I like the idea but I don't want to unwittingly suggest a price that undervalues your professional skills and make out like I'm doing you a favour.

I'd probably be willing to throw $20-$30 at it - what would that get me?







and if someone says 'handjob' or 'chlamydia' I will kill them until they die.