How I take my Rolex pics...

[Mulligan]

Originally Posted by JP(Canada)

I always use a full length tripod stand, although a table top stand would probably be alright, as long as there's no movement when you shoot.

99% of the time, I use two lights, but sometimes I position one to the top of the box, and one on the side, or both to the side. I also tend to shoot when there's some natural daylight coming into the room.

The camera is set to manual mode. I believe the settings for the Explorer wrist shot for example were, WB set to auto, ISO 250 (generally the 200 to 500 ISO range gives me the best sharpness results), F14 or F16 to give focus on the whole subject. When I try to zoom in close and focus on one part of the subject, that number could go as low as F3 for me. All that affects the amount of movement you get from the seconds hand and the amount of light you need (and exposure) to get a decent shot. Obviously the shutter speed will need to be adjusted accordingly. I think mine was set to 6 on the Explorer wrist shot. The whole thing is a bit of a balancing act. Sometimes you'll need to brighten things up a bit in photoshop.

Good luck,

Thanks for the helpful tips - I am planning on giving it a try and will post my success (or most likely - failure).

[JP(Canada)]

Originally Posted by Mulligan

Thanks for the helpful tips - I am planning on giving it a try and will post my success (or most likely - failure).

Hey, like I said in my original post....I'm not a pro and I got some good results, so it CAN be done. Just keep shooting....play with the settings...shoot again....and again, and again... You'll find the sweet spot after a few dozen snaps. Looking forward to your results.

[azguy]

That is taking it up a notch for sure

The pictures are really fantastic

[jim251]

JP, great post. Thanks for taking the time to do it.
Anything that inspires others to up their game with the photos is a good thing...

[tkerrmd]

WOW good post and glad you have the time and skill to do that. So much for my iphone pics!!

[00Seven]

Great stuff, JP! Always liked your pics.

[tkc324]

Good info! Thanks for sharing.

[WyoWatch]

Thanks for the post, there's some great suggestions here. I might add that the best watch photos I've taken have always been outdoors in the right light. These were all shot handheld in natural muted outdoor lighting (100% cloud cover). It's my favorite way to take watch photos. I'd really like to build a light box one of these days too. The camera is a Canon 5D Mark IIs with professional lens - which is WAY more capable of taking better photos than the guy behind the camera (me). Again thanks for the post!

[Johnnie]

Love the set up and of course the result.


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=13.714332,100.597715

[Mulligan]

I spent a considerable amount of time playing with a light tent today in combination with two-three lights.

Although I am seeing improvement, I can't seem to eliminate shadows from the lights. I've tried every position imaginable and always get some glare.

Back to playing some more I guess...

[Route 66]

Your results speak for themselves.

I'd like to know a little more about the lighting you're using. Can you tell me more about the bulbs such as the type, brand and color temperature?

Thanks for posting this thread.

[Mulligan]

Originally Posted by SteveArn

Your results speak for themselves.

I'd like to know a little more about the lighting you're using. Can you tell me more about the bulbs such as the type, brand and color temperature?

Thanks for posting this thread.

Here's the lights I am using:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...00_i00_details

and here's the tent:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...00_i00_details

[eric23]

WOW! Great Photos!

[collegeparkrolex]

Thanks for sharing

[ciscopro2000]

Excellent pics! I love good photography.

[vukotab]

Fantastic pics!

And fantastic DOXA, too! It would be great to see more of it!

[compounddavid]

wow. Thank you for the amazing lesson and pictures!

[z32turbo]

Great pics!!!

[93 Turbo]

So that's how it's done, Thanks for your efforts.

[JP(Canada)]

Originally Posted by vukotab

Fantastic pics!

And fantastic DOXA, too! It would be great to see more of it!

Here's another one...



and a few more of my favorites....with Rolex and Tudor content :)

[JP(Canada)]

Originally Posted by Mulligan

I spent a considerable amount of time playing with a light tent today in combination with two-three lights.

Although I am seeing improvement, I can't seem to eliminate shadows from the lights. I've tried every position imaginable and always get some glare.

Back to playing some more I guess...

That's an excellent shot! Perhaps try a darker sheet of paper to reflect off, in front of the image. Or set your shutter speed a little slower, but not so slow that the seconds hand is moving. Man, I love that watch!

[Mulligan]

Couple more attempts from today - still got some work to do...

[Dan2010]

You da man!

[imono]

[QUOTE=Mulligan;3064136]Couple more attempts from today - still got some work to do...

You are getting closer!
Way to go.

[JP(Canada)]

Originally Posted by Mulligan

Couple more attempts from today - still got some work to do...

Definitely getting there now!

[oneillba]

Thanks for the tips and techniques.

[Bruno C]

wow!! Great results!!

[azguy]

Mulligan, that watch is awesome

Love, love, love it

[Route 66]

Originally Posted by Mulligan

Here's the lights I am using:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...00_i00_details

and here's the tent:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...00_i00_details

I guess the key is to use daylight-balanced bulbs to keep the colors looking natural.