A tip for anyone shooting watches

[jskelton]

I have looked through the different contest posts over the last month or so and I have to say there are some serious talents running around in here!

BUT

It seems to fall apart in one area.

The lighting is good
The focus is good
the composition is good.... so what's left?

Setting the proper time on your subject! The time should always be displayed at 10 and 2 (either 10:10 or 1:50)

This is so that nothing on the dial is obstructed (subdials, writing, etc) and everything looks balanced.

Also... if you are working with a piece that has more than 3 central hands... allow one to be moved to a position where the hands do not block each other. (let's say you have a chrono. Set the time to 10:10 and run the chrono until the chrono hand reaches the 7 position, then stop the chrono hand from running).

There will be odd dials that have writing you need to display at odd places... then you may have to get creative on the hand placement.

I just wanted to add this because I see some great shots here, and some great talent.... I'd hate to see it go to waste due to improper alignment of the hands!

Enjoy...

[BruceS]

and I believe you are spot on. I'm just too lazy to reset my watches

[DavidHernandez]

This is a great point. Thanks Jim.

Dave.

[sb127]

The 10:10 setting is a good point to bring up here. I'm in the boat with Bruce in that I'm too lazy to reset my watches. Maybe I should just take all my pictures at 10:10AM or PM and that would solve the problem without having to reset the watch afterward. ;D

[wetowne]

I purposely leave the hands at wherever so people won't think that they're catalog shots. . No but seriously you're right Jim. I realized my 3 0'clock sea shell shot(among others) obscured the logo but I was just too lazy to reshoot. It's just a hobby for me, I don't take myself too seriously.

[Roloya]

how in blazes do you get non-hacking movements that start running at the slightest shift to position them to stay put??

You know the brand I mean!

[sb127]

roloya said:

how in blazes do you get non-hacking movements that start running at the slightest shift to position them to stay put??

You know the brand I mean!

Set the time a few minutes ahead of where you want them in your shot. Then wait for the hands to line up and shoot your photo.

[DLB]

roloya said:

how in blazes do you get non-hacking movements that start running at the slightest shift to position them to stay put??

You know the brand I mean!

Let it run down before you shoot it. Will it work? I don't know
as I have no non ing movements.