Learning to use a light box

Struggling to learn to use a light box. So many variables. Here is Frederick's Celebrated 15/16 in Bone with a lead wedge and brass beehive collars I finished last week. Almost looks like a different razor in the light box. One picture outside and the rest in the lightbox.
I'm using a Panasonic Lumix point and shoot in manual. ISO at 400. White balance is set on incandescent. This lightbox thing is going to take some time to learn. Good thing the winter in Maine is long.
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From that photo it looks like the winter in Maine is non-existent.

Nice looking razor and a nice job with the light box.
I have to lean to use one better...

I like the outside picture best.

I am almost finished my light box. I hope to join in on this thread soon.

P.S.

I made my box to the size of the plastic sheeting I have. It seems a little large at 28", how big are your light boxes?

I like the outdoor shot since it shows how good the polish is, and any sanding you did didn't cause any waves in the blade, I like the light box pic because it better shows how tight the lines are. Nice razor, nice box.

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Originally Posted by RezDog

I am almost finished my light box. I hope to join in on this thread soon.

P.S.

I made my box to the size of the plastic sheeting I have. It seems a little large at 28", how big are your light boxes?

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It's only 16 inches square.

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Originally Posted by 32t

I like the outside picture best.

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Same with me.

Here are a couple good videos on photographing knives and shiny objects.

Great tips on bouncing light with white a black foam core cards. A small black foam core card, works great for bringing out the etch on a blade or tang.

Philip McCordall and Walter Sorrells, Lewisrazor also has some great videos for using a point and shoot, one of the best tips was using a grid on the view finder, makes centering so much easier when hand holding.

Lord, knows this is just another rabbit hole… already bought a new lenz for the Nikon… and filters… and…

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! :tu :rofl2:

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

Just commenting not trying to argue.

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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! :tu :rofl2:

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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.