The six-month, one-photo-per-week, be a better Rolex photographer thread!

[ArcticMoose]

There are some excellent photographers on this forum. No names named, no names forgotten. Then there are plenty complete amateurs, such as myself, who desperately want to learn more.

Perhaps we can improve together? I'd like to try a litte game. The rules are simple.

1. You may only post one photo per week for scrutiny. This way there will be room for discussion without being overwhelmed. Quality over quantity!

2. If you do decide to post a photo, you are committing to post a new photo every week for the next six months. Be prepared to contribute at least another 25 photos! This will hopefully result in a bit of continuity. Anyone is allowed to comment though. The photo doesn't have to be taken that week, but try to prioritize recent efforts.

3. Constructive critisism is the whole point, so getting upset when your efforts are put down is strictly forbidden. Keep it civil!

4. Any questions about equipment, settings or techniques used must be answered to the best of the photographer's ability.

5. No fancy editing beyond cropping, color adjustment and such. It's about the photography, not the Photoshop skills.

6. Each photo must of course contain at least one Rolex.

Fun, no?

[ArcticMoose]

I'll get this off the ground with my first contribution. This one leaves lots of room for improvement.



Here's some potentially relevant data. (I don't know what is and what isn't.)

Aperture Value: 7.375
Exposure Bias Value: 0
Exposure Mode: Manual exposure
Exposure Program: Manual
Exposure Time: 1 / 200
Flash: Flash fired, compulsory flash mode
FNumber: 13
Focal Length: 100
ISO Speed Ratings: 400
Metering Mode: Spot
Scene Capture Type: Standard
Shutter Speed Value: 7.625
White Balance: Manual white balance
Flash Compensation: 0
Focus Mode: 0
ImageStabilization: 3
Lens Info: 100, 100, 0, 0
Lens Model: EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

I was trying to get a photo of a single drop hitting a flat surface. I tried the kitchen sink first, but the droplets didn't accelerate even remotely close to enough to cause any significant spatter.

I moved to the shower floor, where I couldn't get a controlled drip, it was more like random bursts of large drops.

The position was very uncomfortable, so I gave up after a few minutes. I did get a few interesting shots though.

What I don't like:

1. The warm light from the ceiling and the cold flash don't mix very well.

2. The top left doesn't have enough contrast, the NATO should have been rolled up underneath the head.

3. There's too much reflection from the flash, especially in the bottom right lug.

4. Focus isn't good enough.

5. And, obviously, it isn't the photo I set out to take.

Next time I might try it outdoors using a hose from the roof. That way I can sit at a table and work comfortably, with natural light.

Your turn, tear it apart!

[Runnin' Rebel]

I still have a lot to learn on taking good photos

[ArcticMoose]

Originally Posted by JAGERVEGAS

I still have a lot to learn on taking good photos

You have managed to capture the LEC though! What gear are you using?

A few general questions as well. I can't justify purchasing studio lighting, and even if I could I have nowhere to store it. And to be honest, after my latest acquisition, I can hardly afford to eat.

1. Instead of using a purpose-built light box, is there material that can be used to drape around whatever is available? If so, what am I looking for? I've tried different types of paper and fabric, but they either don't let enough light through, are too thin causing reflection or do not distribute the light evenly.

2. What's the best poor-man's-lighting to put behind it? I've been thinking about getting two or three halogen desk lights, but are there better options for a reasonable price?

[Runnin' Rebel]

moose, whats LEC..It's a Sony Cyber Shot 25mm wide angle,with 3 in wide screen and it has panorama sweep,,,14.1 mega pixels. Thats all I know. It's easy to use, I want to upgrade to Nikon 3100

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by JAGERVEGAS

moose, whats LEC

The little crowny thingy on the crystal.

[gimpex]

When I first read it , I thought hell, what a good idea , let me get my fancy camera out and do some justice to it and my new LV Sub.

But geez , after seeing the first attempt that ArcticMoose put up , I will sit back and quietly enjoy other's work.

I thought this was for beginners :)

[Runnin' Rebel]

Originally Posted by MonBK

The little crowny thingy on the crystal.

cyclops ?

[ArcticMoose]

Originally Posted by JAGERVEGAS

moose, whats LEC..

Laser-etched coronet, the crown logo at six o'clock on your crystal. Was that unintentional? I think your watch would come out better with a bit of a clean and less bright light.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Originally Posted by gimpex

When I first read it , I thought hell, what a good idea , let me get my fancy camera out and do some justice to it and my new LV Sub.

But geez , after seeing the first attempt that ArcticMoose put up , I will sit back and quietly enjoy other's work.

I thought this was for beginners :)

I can be, give it a shot, can't worst then mine

[apeogre]

Moose, one tip for getting a good splash might be to use an eye dropper or drill a tiny hole in a coke bottle and have someone hold it and squeeze it ever so slowly to get the desired effect. I see you've got some nice glass, what camera body are you using? Switching to burst mode will help get that shot as well.

The depth of field is great on the watch. Most everything is in focus. If you cranked your aperture down to f2.8 it wouldn't have come out as nice. Also, try bumping your exposure up a little bit. The lume dots are a bit yellow. Mit have something to do with the wb as well.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Originally Posted by ArcticMoose

Laser-etched coronet, the crown logo at six o'clock on your crystal. Was that unintentional? I think your watch would come out better with a bit of a clean and less bright light.

I've never seen it before, that quite amazing. Thanks for pointing that out cause I've been looking for it

[ArcticMoose]

Originally Posted by gimpex

When I first read it , I thought hell, what a good idea , let me get my fancy camera out and do some justice to it and my new LV Sub.

Come on, please do!

Originally Posted by gimpex

But geez , after seeing the first attempt that ArcticMoose put up , I will sit back and quietly enjoy other's work.

Aw, thanks!

Originally Posted by gimpex

I thought this was for beginners :)

It is, trust me. Of the thousands of photos I take I just get lucky once in a while and one comes out sort of as intended.

[Jocke]

Try to shot in 1/60sec or faster with the flash on to get a better result with the drops.

Here is a few I've shot.

[Runnin' Rebel]

WTF...niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice. Guess I'm done now, thanks Jocke

[ArcticMoose]

Originally Posted by apeogre

I see you've got some nice glass, what camera body are you using?

Canon 550D.

Originally Posted by apeogre

Switching to burst mode will help get that shot as well.

In this case I was restricted by using the internal flash.

Originally Posted by apeogre

Also, try bumping your exposure up a little bit. The lume dots are a bit yellow. Mit have something to do with the wb as well.

Good observations! I'll try again.

Originally Posted by Jocke

Try to shot in 1/60sec or faster with the flash on to get a better result with the drops.

Uh-oh, we're in serious trouble now! This does mean we get to pick his brain though!

However, Jocke, the rules do apply to you as well. ONE photo per week allowed.

That LV is what I first set out to accomplish! How did you set up the drops? How did you set up the lighting?

[Casey VP-26]

Jocke! Jocke! Jocke! What can anyone say.

[InVision]

Originally Posted by Jocke

Try to shot in 1/60sec or faster with the flash on to get a better result with the drops.

Here is a few I've shot.

Show off !!! Very Nice !!!

Mike

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by ArcticMoose

Uh-oh, we're in serious trouble now! This does mean we get to pick his brain though!

However, Jocke, the rules do apply to you as well. ONE photo per week allowed.

That LV is what I first set out to accomplish! How did you set up the drops? How did you set up the lighting?

I put the watch in the sink directly under the tap. Then I put it so that the drops of water about once per second.
Set the camera on 1 / 60 sec or faster and shot with the flash on.

Sorry for more than one pics it was just to give you guys some inspiration.

Now I wait to see what you come up with.

[gqllc]

This was my attempt at macro. I used a Canon 50D, Canon 100mm macro at F16 and 1/8th second , ISO 400, Tripod and used a small light box. This was my second attempt.

[apeogre]

It's not a rolex but I love photography. Taken with a canon g10 with a 580ex bounced off the ceiling.

[Runnin' Rebel]

looks like a professional took it, I am out of my league on this thread

[Frogman4me]

Great thread I am trying to learn what I can about different camera settings and ways to shoot. Too shy to post anything but I will continue to read this thread to learn.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Just post it froggy, its all good

[ArcticMoose]

Originally Posted by Jocke

I put the watch in the sink directly under the tap. Then I put it so that the drops of water about once per second.
Set the camera on 1 / 60 sec or faster and shot with the flash on.

Internal or external flash?

Originally Posted by Jocke

Sorry for more than one pics it was just to give you guys some inspiration.

Considering your contribution I think I will be forced to let you off. It's not a fair world.

Originally Posted by gqllc

This was my attempt at macro. I used a Canon 50D, Canon 100mm macro at F16 and 1/8th second , ISO 400, Tripod and used a small light box. This was my second attempt.

Very clean! Did you buy the light box or build it yourself?

Originally Posted by apeogre

It's not a rolex but I love photography. Taken with a canon g10 with a 580ex bounced off the ceiling.

Love it, great shot! I like how you got every part properly exposed, that is what I find the most difficult.

[apeogre]

Moose, using an external flash certainly help. Direct flash straight onto the watch makes for hard shadows. Try using a lamp that lights the ceiling and no flash to get a softer light. This might be tricky to keep your shutter speed where you want it. Bump up your iso if you need to.

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by ArcticMoose

Internal or external flash?

It's a internal on those pics.

[gqllc]

Originally Posted by ArcticMoose

Internal or external flash?



Considering your contribution I think I will be forced to let you off. It's not a fair world.



Very clean! Did you buy the light box or build it yourself?



Love it, great shot! I like how you got every part properly exposed, that is what I find the most difficult.

Bought a cheap one off ebay

[Puffy]

here's a macro of my Sub 16610 with LV insert... Nikon D40 18-200mm lens

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Jocke

Try to shot in 1/60sec or faster with the flash on to get a better result with the drops.

Here is a few I've shot.

Alright- you win!! That is straight up sick!! Unreal!!!!