Weapon Photography??????????

Checking on PBase I found these instructions for a light box, nicely done with a parts list included.

Bill Huber's Light Box

PBase is running real slow right now and that isn't normal, I have an account with them and they usually run pretty good. If it doesn't work right for you, you might try again tomorrow, they might have worked it out by then.

Pylon,

Thanks, Photoshop deserves the credit as well as my Canon camera/lens combo.

It gets a lot easier with a dig camera, as reflections on shiny surfaces can drive a film photog nuts.

I usually set up a bouce flash off a white ceiling, it gives nice even light. If the subjects demands, I'll set up another bounce flash triggered by a slave.

Some really nice photographs have been posted in this thread. Very nice work guys.

I'm almost embarrased to add my work. You can see some shots I did for my local gunsmith on his webpage (I do his web work in my spare time as well). These were done with simple set-ups using 2 photofloods with umbrellas and a digital camera.

This thread has showcased some good photography, and some truly beautiful photography.

What really amazes me, though, is that the quality of photography here is higher than that of many of my competitors who claim to be "professionals."

I would suggest we drop the term "gun porn" and start using the term "gun art."

Oh, and BTW, why hasn't Oleg posted some "gun art" photos here? If anyone can give advice on how to photograph a gun, Oleg's the guy to do it.

Biggest thing I can add is to keep the camera steady. I've got some nice pics recently off my Kodak CX6330 Digital (3.1 MP). Only cost me $175. BUT, I have to keep it steady. If you don't have a tripod, use the back of a wood chair, or something similiar. It will help ALOT.

Lighting, the right lens, a simple background, and sharp focus. The right props help too:



For more photos of this Rifle, Click Here

Believe it or not, that's a garage paint job and a $50 used stock.

Well since this has turned out to be a showcase for fine gun photography...i'll pitch in some more

And in response to Monkeyleg,
Your right, there are routinely some fine art photography on these forums. Sometimes better looking then the gun rags. *sigh*

Anyways, here goes..

A wallpaper i made for my computer one day and excuse to take another picture of my P228.


Closeup of the P228


Race Gun..


And the muzzle break from a race gun, a picture i did for someones website.

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If I understand this thread it's about taking photos of guns in the event of theft, fire, and etc.

Being that as it may professional studio quality isn't neccessary to show the gun, the gun model, serial numbers, colors, stock types, optics, and etc. The photos need only be clear enough to serve the purpose they serve.

I ensure I take a 'front' and 'reverse' of the gun making sure I get a clear shot of the firearm make and model.

I also get a close-up of the serial number (multiple on some of the older mil surp rifles), close-ups of any optics markings, any particular marks that might later confirm identification such as a ding on a stock in a particular area, and etc.

I use a first model Sony Mavica that uses the floppy disc for memory storage.

I'm not advocating the particular camera but just saying that the camera does what I intend it to do when taking personal property photos.

My thoughts are that the photos are primarily used for proof of ownership to the insurance company and to assist law enforcment in the making of his report since they also enter info on all stolen firearms into various state and federal research data bases. But, in reality as soon as the Officer get's done with his report the photos he takes, if he even takes any, are soon forgotten about.

I keep the main disk copies in a safe deposit box and I keep a working copy here at the house. Each main disk is broken down into categories, i. e., handguns on one, rifles on another, shotguns on yet another and accessories on another. I also keep any purchase paperwork such as receipts, warranties, and etc. in the safe deposit box. I can't emphasize the importance of keeping copies of your purchase paperwork.....it proves purchase much more than mere photos that (in the mind of others) might actually be of "Uncle Bo's" or dads.

My working copies are like that also and when I have enough changes or additions to justify a trip to the bank I do so and replace the particular disk and bring the old one home for up-dating and that one then becomes my working copy.

I make plain paper copies of the photos and I place them in the three ring binders also broken down by category firearm types.

All of the gun material in the binders have directions on how to field strip them and some other such things as the bolts for cleaning purposes. I learn that since every gun has at least one particular trait that is frustrating and I tend to forget things I put the instructions in there for reference if I need them.

I also have histories on the guns but I did that just for the fun of it and since, particularly, the mil surp gun histories often intrigue me.

I had one burglary involving my guns and only got one back but not from the use of photos. But....the photos (and particularly the purchase paperwork copies) shut up my insurance company who, at first, questioned if I was pading my claim or that even the firearm ever existed.

I would also like to add that I make sure all of the firearm photos are taken in such a way as to identfy that the photo was taken in my home. That, to some, proves it was in the house so, likely, I owned it.

Having a good digital camera is a good investment but I'm not sure if everyone would want to buy one just for the occassional photo of a firearm that a good throw-away camera can provide.

Just my thoughts.

Just make sure you have multiple views of your gun so that the insurance company doesn't accuse you of "Photoshopping" you photos.