trying to learn

[diver88]

;D guys, i'm trying to learn how you get those beautiful shots of these watches. i own 1 digital camera, its a sony dsc-v1 with a 4x zoom. the manual says macro minimum 4" , maximum 15" 3/4 with telephoto, i think thats what it means. i've just taken a few shots (you can tell) just holding the camera 4 to 6 inches away in outside light conditions (see pic) and i am currently setting up a table on john's example and others to be able to use a tripod and lights and such. ist silly questions of many, are you guys zooming in on macro while your camera is on the tripod? thanks, remember i have no idea what i'm doing, help
diver88

[Scott D]

Hey diver88,

Good looking picture.. The watch picture hobby is almost as addictive as the watch collecting hobby..... ;D

So to answer your question, it probably has alot to depend on the model. I'm not familiar with your camera, but I know on one of mine, I can zoom all the way in on macro, the other I can't, it has to stay wide. Also, you may want to try going in closer. I know that in my case, I can get closer than the minimum distance. Not much, but some. And if it's still not zoomed in close enough, crop the photo using a photo software to make it larger in frame (the MS version that's in windows picture view works fine for cropping). Just be careful not to change the aspect as that can make the picture look different.

Good luck!!

[diver88]

thanks scott d,
i have discovered that the macro and zoom does not work . on macro and wide about 4 to 5 inches under a desk lamp, on my desk is how i took this photo. i'll build a light box / tent in a day or two and start experimenting there, keep the help coming folks, i appreciate it, diver88

[JBHII]

Diver - are you using any software for post photo processing?

[diver88]

hi john,

no not really. i have MS digital image software and have had a hard time trying to use it. so far i think all i accomplished is cropping and i dont think i did that correctly. so far i'm just holding the camera and seeing what works and more often what does not work. the photo here i took last night and i just couldnt get that white dial, i for sure need help. does the software help greatly, or can you just make a really good photo spectacular? i need all the suggestions i can get, thanks everybody in advance, i want to get good at this, diver88

[Houston]

That's a pretty good shot Terry

With the time at 10:10, second hand at 8/40 and GMT hand at 4 o'clock, you'd give anyone a run for their money at the next Omega Photo Contest.

So what's your problem then? ;D ;D


Best WIShes

ZIN

[diver88]

:-[well Zin,

i dont know, the dial is not realistic looking, kinda dark. you can see the wave pattern but it looks like its painted on instead of a depth of texture. and actually this was one of the few pics that you could see the pattern. i think you posted a photo of your white GMT and the dial looked like you could almost FEEL the texture of the dial and it was clean and white. i am working on a light tent today, just trying to do the best i can. i think my main problem was that i was up at 1:50am taking pictures of a watch ;D ;D ;D thanks, diver88

and i didnt even think of posing the hands

[JBHII]

diver88 said:

does the software help greatly, or can you just make a really good photo spectacular?

Well, I'll let you be the judge:



This took about 5 minutes - what everyone else said is absolutely true - the photo was quite good to begin with. With a little light control, color correction, and slight dial enhancement, the photo is a potential prize winner. I highly recommend you get some photo editing software.

[diver88]

;D ;D ;D
thanks john,

i was just getting used to the pic and was thinking more of it, but wow that is what i was thinking it should look like, its bright and clean looking. that really looks great, thanks.

i have MS digital image pro 10 software, i think it has some capabilities such as you mentioned, are you familiar with it ? should (once i figure out how) i be able to do this sort of correction with the imaging program i have?

i'm working on a light tent, ( i shot these on my desk under a bankers lamp) learning the settings on my camera, and getting a tripod to help get more consistent results. i need to save that shot for the next contest,


diver88

[Houston]

The enhanced visuals on the dial would look brilliant Terry.

I know you're working towards it. In my case - I got lucky. I don't use any lighting equipment. At times a reflective card perhaps but that's about it and the area of the kitchen ( yes really ) I was in, had rather good lighting for a two-bit amateur like me ;D ;D

The GMT Blanc is a lovely watch to work with.

Enjoy pal

ZIN

[JBHII]

Diver88 - I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the software you mention. But there are lots of choices out there that are innexpensive.

[diver88]

John,
i think my program will be o.k. to start until i get better, thanks, I'll look around a bit and play,
diver88