The Armour Archive

So, how do you guys take good pictures of your products? What backgrounds do you use to bring out the details of the piece you're working on? Do certain colors like black and brown bring out a piece better? What speed film are you using? How about flash?

I'm tring to get my pictures set up for the armoury's webpage but want to make sure I do it right.

Things I've learned from looking at people's really crappy pictures:

• If the piece has a mirror polish, don't take pictures of it outside.
• Use a background of a single color, that is a different color than the piece and its straps.
• If possible, don't use a flash on metal pieces, especially if the piece has a mirror finish. Take pictures in room with lots of ambient light or many light sources.
• For your fellow armourers' sake, take pics of the outside AND inside.
• Show the piece mounted and on its own. If you show the piece on its own, try and put it on the stand so you can get the perfect angle.

Just my opinion...

I'd recommend using a LARGE softbox if you are going to use some kind of flash. If you're using lights use a really big diffusion panel. (These need to be large enough to not have edges show in reflections on the armor.) A large reflected light source might even be better (something like a white wall.)

Watch your shadow and reflection.

I'd always recommend as slow a film as you can manage. You'll get better picture quality that way. Don't forget that black and white is also an option.

Try to use a single color backdrop. If you're shooting down at the piece, be sure that the backdrop comes out under the piece. (This is how you get the pictures you see where there is no decernable floor/wall.)

Dan