Can't bear it any longer- embarassing question about gun pics

[razorburn]

Alright, I've never been able to figure this one out. I tried to figure it out on my own, without making a fuss but I can't do it. It's probably a dumb question, but how come in gun photos such as what you see in gunbroker, they always have something stuck through the trigger guard? A pen, a cartridge, a plastic rod, just always something?

[Henry Bowman]

It's a lazy way to prop it up to get a better picture, that's all.

[illini52]

haha, i've wondered the same thing too. Kinda looks funny with the 12ga shell stuck with a 9mm. :)

[CajunBass]

It's a lazy way to prop it up to get a better picture, that's all.


What's "lazy" about it? It seems to work to me. What would you suggest?

[Dionysusigma]

Placing something cleverly hidden behind the gun.

IME, a really short pencil works (2" long), because the point can be placed in whatever material you're photographing on, and the eraser end (if it has one) can hold the gun up without leaving any marks or tenacious residue.

I've also see Play-doh used, although I'm hesitant to use it since I don't know if it might corrode metal. Prop it up and it can be molded to hide behind the gun without getting in the shot or casting unsightly shadows.

[panzermk2]

I have no clue what your talking about?:neener:
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e169/panzermk2/rightside.jpg

Does look better then flat

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e169/panzermk2/leftside.jpg

[Henry Bowman]

I'm no Oleg Volk (world's greatest gun photographer ;) ), but I think flat looks at least as good and any basic flash problems can be solved by changing the angle of the camera or using a different background (non-reflective or contrasting color). Anyway, if you need a prop, there are a thousand alternative to sticking something through the trigger guard. I maintain that that is the "lazy" way.:neener:

BTW, I realize that this is so far down the list on important issue to argue about that you need a telescope to find it.:)

[o/u mike]

I think a 12 gauge 1911 with a long barrel would be kind of cool!

http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/9962/2006061400030aj.jpg

[panzermk2]

as do I. Nice trick I hope you don't mind if I steal it?

[Jeff Timm]

The classic is a little clay or silly putty. Then you shape it until you get the position you want.

Geoff
Who just used a towel for a back ground. The shadows were a problem. Practice, practice practice. :D

[bluto]

I've used a wine bottle cork cut/shaped to support the pistol at a 20-45 degree cant. Doesn't slip and can be hidden completely in photos. Like this.

http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?21ea003654.jpg