This watch was my father's first railroad watch. Since it was not repairable, I had it made into a piece of jewelry. It is important to me to get some good pictures of it. If you have any suggestions on how I could get a better picture of it, I would greatly appreciate the suggestions.
First I think it should ALL be in focus, secondly more light - if you don't have a flash put in on a white background (?) and near a window and bounce light back into the watchface using white [anything] you have handy - paper, cardboard, sheet, plate, car (silver) windscreen protector ...
It's amazing piece, I love the cogs and the 'folded' metal wrapping it up.
I agree that I want to be able to see the whole item in focus. That means a bigger depth of field, which means you need more light, or a longer exposure. Can you tell us what the conditions were that you took this, and the exif data?
This would also make a rock-solid piece for a still life, set it on an open book from the same era, use a couple of other period pieces to round out the composition.
I was trying to get it all in focus but I am new at this. Didn't accomplish what I wanted. Here's the exif data.
Exposure .0167
Aperture f/5.6
ISO 800 and
Focus length 55mm
Thanks for your help. I really appreciate. LIke I said this is an important piece to me.
Marci, I think that is a great idea. I will try that!
The best way to get it all in focus is to get a hold (or make) a light box which will give you all the light for good exposure and no shadows. You can make them on the cheap using cardboard boxes and tissue paper. Do an internet search for "shadowless light box" and you'll find a few ideas. Here's my attempt:
I can't offer any better advice than the expert advice you've already gotten. But I just thought I'd add it's an amazing piece and I hope your "new and improved" shot will get posted here as well!
Just to be different, I really like it against the dark background but I would use one of the glossy black ceramic tiles or black perspex / acrylic (or the lid of a grand piano is great too!). To get the whole thing in focus you would need to use a much smaller aperture (something like f/16) and that will take you into tripod and remote release country. If you still struggle getting it all in focus then you can use focus stacking in Photoshop to do the trick. You might want to go to Google images and search for wristwatch ads to get some ideas
Setup a tabletop, with your camera on a tripod shooting your watch propped up on it. Set it up so you can easily change out the background--try at least one dark, one lighter, at least one smooth and at least one textured (fabric, stone, etc.). Since you can do as long an exposure as needed once you're on tripod--no reason to have your iso any higher than about 360. Use smallest f-stop, at least f16 or 22, although once you've got that to work nothing wrong with trying a variation with shallow depth of field.
But the most important variable in this setup is the lighting--use some of the previous suggestions, and play around from there.
There's much to be learned from a setup like this if you thoroughly explore, and do many different versions.
Enjoy!
A better picture depends on what you want the picture for. A product shot would document it, but it would be my last choice for an image intended to evoke a feeling. Designing the object with the clock works shown and in front of watch face as a backdrop seems intentional. My memories of who and what my parent were are far more clear and important than my memories of their appearances. Was the design intended to symbolize that? If so, the clock works in focus with the face not in focus works beautifully.
Given this is a pocket watch, the base appears to be cloth represented in metal. Is the detail work on the lip of the pouch, running from 2 to wing intended to duplicate the look of Levi's texture? If so, it shows well.
The brass and watch face stand out well against the dark base. However, lighting, like DOF, depends on what you want the image to evoke. A dark base, especially one of a material that will acquire a dark patina, is a poor subject for bright lights.
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
Sorry, I forgot to include the picture. :)
It's amazing piece, I love the cogs and the 'folded' metal wrapping it up.
Exposure .0167
Aperture f/5.6
ISO 800 and
Focus length 55mm
Thanks for your help. I really appreciate. LIke I said this is an important piece to me.
Marci, I think that is a great idea. I will try that!
I like the dark background and think that it adds depth to the image. Maybe even have it raised a little. I think that soem ideas from this article would set off the watch great
https://fstoppers.com/bts/stunning-product-photography-iphone-and-desk-lamp-46893
But the most important variable in this setup is the lighting--use some of the previous suggestions, and play around from there.
There's much to be learned from a setup like this if you thoroughly explore, and do many different versions.
Enjoy!
@visionworker Thanks for the really good suggestions. Looking forward to trying it again.
Given this is a pocket watch, the base appears to be cloth represented in metal. Is the detail work on the lip of the pouch, running from 2 to wing intended to duplicate the look of Levi's texture? If so, it shows well.
The brass and watch face stand out well against the dark base. However, lighting, like DOF, depends on what you want the image to evoke. A dark base, especially one of a material that will acquire a dark patina, is a poor subject for bright lights.