Thread: Friendly Suggestions Regarding Photograhing Razors

Hello everyone,

I think this is a great site and I have learned a great deal about shaving, collecting and many other interesting things. There is one thing however, which drives me crazy and that is the poor quality of the images posted of many of the razors, especially the razors for sale. Many of the photographs are totally out of focus or terribly blurry and/or not focused at the proper point of reference.
I would think it would behoove all of the members to take good quality photographs if we want to sell our mechandise on the forums. This is the best way to represent the true value of the product.
I would very much like to help anyone make excellent, sharp photographs of their equipment.
I am a photographer and I know the vast majority of us all have cameras that are capable of making amazing images.
Remember, quality images will help make the seller and the buyer happy and insure a smooth transaction and avoid after sale problems and bad feelings.

I would suggest the following:

(1) Always use image stabilization or a tripod when possible.

(2) Use your camera's macro mode for close-up images.

(3) Always review the lighting and composition before making your exposure.

(4) Avoid the build in flash if possible when photographing bright metal objects such as blades.

You must always create a genuine representation or customers may be very disappointed.

Expensive items must always be carefully photographed to show their true worth.

I hope these suggestions can be of use to our members.

Take care,
Mike

Thanks for the suggestions. I've always wondered about this. However, what is "macro mode" and how does one find it on the camera? Sorry, I don't have a detachable or independent flash, just the built-in camera flash.

I will, however take these suggestions and go to the manufacturer's site to find them for my camera model (can't find the operating instructions).

How does one get rid of the amber tint in the photo's?

Hi Dwarf,

Macro mode just allows you to focus really close so you can make a real closeup of your razor.
If you dont have a detachable flash.. just turn your flash of and use a tripod or if you dont have a tripod.. a beanbag will do (yes just a bag with beans(no not boiled ones:-) just position the camera and use the timer on your camera and your camera work will not be shaken. The amber light can be overcome by setting your whitebalancing to tungsten or use sunlight.

edit: now that I think of it.. shaving with a straight and photography have a lot in common..
They both get better if you take the time..
Throw away stuff should be thrown away before you use it.
Technique is very important though the basics are easy once you know them.
The basics are old and have not been changed by modern technology...
Sharp=good

Maarten

Originally Posted by nikonf

* snip, snip *

(3) Always review the lighting and composition before making your exposure.

(4) Avoid the build in flash if possible when photographing bright metal objects such as blades.

Take care,
Mike

Thanks for your suggestions Mike. I have no problems with tripods or macro but 4th section is one to develop more.
What's the best way to get a proper light at home use without flash? Straight flash gives usually too bright result and therefore I like to set it down 1 aperture or more. that gives a good fill in flash and raises the object up from the background. Also many times I have noticed that it's not enough just because it's only a fill in flash.
I have a not so fancy Canon A630 but still love it's features

Hi Mike

I use an old Canon PowerShot A 95 (5MP) with tripod, macro, low ISO, no flash; softbox and 2 "daylight" lights. I'd like to take better macro shots. Any DSRL suggestion? Considering a D90. Do you have any experience with the macro lenses for this camera?

Attaching a few mediocre attempts at taking pictures of my first SR and accessories.

I always thought that razor picture quality was realted to razor quality itself. At least on ebay it seems that way. the more horrible condition = horrible pictures, to the point of some pics showing a tang tail only...

Mike,

I take on board your advice in the spirit in which you have given it and I try to show the "true" quality of my razors in my photography as do most of the members. In fact I am really pleased if I get a response to a sale that says the actual razor looked better than the photo. I actually think the photography on this forum has improved significantly over the last six months and following a few threads on how to take photo's.

Of course some of the guys, who incidentally sell fantastic razors take bad photo's. Regular members tend to know who is who and reputations have to be earned. We are of course more interested in the real quality of the razor more than the photography.

Some people only join the forum to purchase a razor, because the forums classified section has a good reputation for quality. They are very very welcome.

But like with all things, I think you have to be realistic and if a photograph lacks integrity and you don't know the reputation of the member, well this to me would be a sign to beware. No different to buying off E Bay really. This is first and foremost a straight razor forum after all.

Hi Cornelius,

Your images are very good, when you consider the digital camera you are using. Your lighting setup is ideal. A lighting tent would help very much and can be purchase inexpensively on eBay or any online photographic site.
The Nikon D90 is excellent. I have the Nikon D200 and I am upgrading to the Nikon D700. I like the idea of being able to use all my old Nikkor lenses with a full frame DSLR body.
I work for Mercedes-Benz USA and we have the Nikon D700, D3 and we will soon have the new Nikon D3x 24.5 MP DSLR. We also have every Nikon DSLR since the D2 and the Canon 1DsMK2 and Canon iDSMK3 21MP DSLR. For the product photography of the cars and accessories we use a 45MP digital back on a Hasselblad or a Sinar view camera. The view camera alows swings and tilts to be deployed for the maximum control of depth of field and total elimination of distortion, especially with wide-angle lenses.
A DSLR allows you to preview depth of field before making the exposure.
Another excellent tool would be a dedicated macro lens and/or a TILT & SHIFT lens such as the Nikkor 85mm PC (Perspective control lens). This lens was actually designed for product photography and macro and it is amazingly sharp. I also have the 60mm Micro-Nikkor and the 105mm Micro-Nikkor, manual focus lens. Sometimes manual focus is the easiest to use for macro photography.

By the way, the other gentleman was absolutely correct - If the picture quality on eBay is poor, you can rest assured the person is deliberately trying to hide defects. When I want to purchase a lens or a camera body on eBay, I always request highly detailed JPGs from the seller and a right to return the item if it is not as described. If they don't wish to comply, I take my business elsewhere. There are many other Photography Forums on the web where the members are honest and they know the type of nonsense which is all too prevalent on eBay, will not be tolerated.
If you are looking for a used camera or lens, PM me and I will provide the names of the sights.
Hope this helps.
Please contact me if you have any other questions,
Mike

Originally Posted by Cornelius

Hi Mike

I use an old Canon PowerShot A 95 (5MP) with tripod, macro, low ISO, no flash; softbox and 2 "daylight" lights. I'd like to take better macro shots. Any DSRL suggestion? Considering a D90. Do you have any experience with the macro lenses for this camera?

Attaching a few mediocre attempts at taking pictures of my first SR and accessories.

Hello,

Please see if you can find an auto-white balance setting on your camera. This should eliminate the amber tint in the photograph. You can also use daylight fluorescent lights instead of the incandescent lights which are used in most lamps for the home.

Happy shooting,
Mike

Originally Posted by dward

Thanks for the suggestions. I've always wondered about this. However, what is "macro mode" and how does one find it on the camera? Sorry, I don't have a detachable or independent flash, just the built-in camera flash.

I will, however take these suggestions and go to the manufacturer's site to find them for my camera model (can't find the operating instructions).

How does one get rid of the amber tint in the photo's?

Originally Posted by nikonf

If the picture quality on eBay is poor, you can rest assured the person is deliberately trying to hide defects.

This is just plain not true. Not everyone using ebay or this forum is tech-savvy, nor do they have the latest digital camera. My Sony CyberShot doesn't have a macro setting, nor does it have white balance capacity. I take the best photos I can with the camera I've got and I'm not trying to hide anything. I'm sure a lot of others are doing the same.