Thread: Learning to use a light box

The scales are much more duller also in the light box pictures though.

Just commenting not trying to argue.

Originally Posted by Steel

I have to say I like the light box pics the best and here's why. The outside picture shows how "shiny" the blade is but I hate looking at photos like that on eBay because I have a hard time judging what the reflection is COVERING UP. Now I know your work is stellar Karl and you are not out to get rich but not everyone is like that and I like to see the actual blade/razor itself. The light box pictures show remarkable craftsmanship and you can see the detail much better but you have to guess maybe on how shiny the finish is. I would rather guess on how shiny the finish is than the quality though. Now just "showing off" a razor maybe the outside would be more prefered but if I was going to buy that on eBay or via the classifieds I would want the lightbox pictures. Here's a novel idea----BOTH!

Both ... I've been considering it. I like that the light box shows all the edges when you get the camera angle and the light reflections right. I haven't been able to get a combination of things that will show how bright the finish is. I have found that just like pictures in natural light you can hide flaws on the blade by adjusting angles and light. Light box colors at this point in my learning curve are kind of washed out too but I think I can improve that playing with the white balance and ISO. Lots of experimenting still to do. The video Euclid440 posted has given me some things to try.

Here’s the other link that was supposed to open, this guy has a lot of good informative videos, but this one is on photographing a knife, with lots of good tips.

Philip McCordall Photographing Knives and Cutlery products.