Photographing wrist watches

[landyvlad]

I'd like to be able to take nice pictures of wristwatches.
(like product photographs)


I am limited to my Panasonic FZ200 and no additional special equipment.
(Hopefully I'll win the tripod comp raffle thing though http://www.photoforum.com.au/images/smilies/20100309_smile.gif )

PP I do have PS Elements and LR.

So given this 'basic' equipment can anyone offer any advice / tips / tricks?

[John King]

Buy the book "Light: Science and Magic" by Biver, Fuqua et al.

It will show you exactly how to photograph watches (etc ... ).
Taught me more about light and lighting in a week than I had learned in the previous 50+ years ... :nod:.

It's also cheap ... ;).

[J.davis]

I have a bit of fascination with product pics, but cant afford a great setup, so this is mine ;
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I have two table lamps from Bunnings that cost $8 ea and a small tripod. Two LED flood lamps that are K5500 ( you have to grind off the lamps to fit the bulbs)
Some white paper as reflectors/deflectors.

This is what you can do (I am happy with the results for a beginner)

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Hope it helps.

[John King]

Very well done, John.

I have a link to some excellent stuff by a very creative fellow named Robert Evagelista. Here:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/56422806

[J.davis]

I think the main thing to get right is the shadow areas and reflections.
Thanks for the link JK.

[Mark L]

(Hopefully I'll win the tripod comp raffle thing though http://www.photoforum.com.au/images/smilies/20100309_smile.gif )


So when you don't win that tripod try resting your camera on a bean bag. Much cheaper an quite stable.


Very well done, John.

I have a link to some excellent stuff by a very creative fellow named Robert Evagelista. Here:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/56422806

Think John D's example is better.;)

[landyvlad]

Thanks all !

And for reasons known best to ourselves---- MarkL you are a bloody legend. Thanks.

[swifty]

Hi landyvlad,
This isn't my usual area of interest but I do read a photographer's blog by the name of Ming Thein and he does quite a bit of watch photography, at least in the past.
Have a search of his blog but you might be interested in these 3 entries in particular:
http://blog.mingthein.com/2012/03/05/watch-photography-part-one-introduction/
http://blog.mingthein.com/2012/03/06/watch-photography-part-two-using-what-youve-got/
http://blog.mingthein.com/2012/03/07/watch-photography-part-three-getting-serious/