My backdrop for photographing rifles that I sell needs major help. The fence backdrop is not cutting it. I have a couple of thoughts but not sure how to implement them. What do y’all do/suggest? Thank you as always!

A white sheet, it'll pick up the flash's light better.

Just do not lay the firearm flat, you'll want to give some depth into the photo's subject (hence the reason why some place a cartridge or long peg through the trigger guard)

Do you have any buxom lady friends?

Women?? No.

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:
Do you have any buxom lady friends?

To me, guns always look better outside in the daylight.

I find that placing flat on a well kept back deck works well. I prefer to take pics on a bright sunny day, but in the shade. This seems to yield the best results and give the most accurate depiction. Make sure to keep your feet out of frame. Results may vary.

Good input folks. Thank y’all

One additional tip is make sure the background isn’t a distraction or too busy.

Like gearhounds, I try to take my photos on the back deck, preferably in the middle of the day when it's moderately cloudy (for diffused lighting), or else on a sunny day at a time when the direct light of the sun is blocked by the house.

This way, you have plenty of bright light, but there are no weird shadows or glares from direct lighting.

And turn off your flash.

Get an inexpensive roll of pure white seamless background paper. Meter off the firearm, background will be bright white, great for showing detail and not distracting from weapon. Diffuse lighting is best, as stated, easily achieved inside with something like a shop light reflected off a wall or ceiling. No flash except for internal shots, i.e. down the bore.

Maybe you could use one of Orguss' fine avatars for a background?

I been photographing for a living for forty years. The handguns here were photographed using a roll up wooden door mat. Non reflective, works. For longer guns wood is great. If you need to, go buy some wooden paneling and cut it to the size two feet longer than any fire you need to photograph. Outside overcast lighting is great, Direct sun is not good. Even on a porch with indirect sunlight is fine, just be prepared for a longer exposure. Seamless roll paper is a PITA, It wrinkles, mars, rips and can't keep it clean.

I used this bench for years, in the backyard, under a tree. Any questions, feel free to pm me.

Thank you guys, y’all are a big help!

quote:

Originally posted by LS1 GTO:
Just do not lay the firearm flat, you'll want to give some depth into the photo's subject (hence the reason why some place a cartridge or long peg through the trigger guard)

I will respectfully disagree with that. That drives me nuts. Any benefit to added depth is ruined by the sight of shells or pens or whatever sticking out of the trigger guard. Think of all the firearm photography you've seen in magazines or professional photography. How many have large objects popping out from the trigger guard?

Slight thread drift, Rogue, love your 98k's!

quote:

Originally posted by LastCubScout:
...Any benefit to added depth is ruined by the sight of shells or pens or whatever sticking out of the trigger guard. Think of all the firearm photography you've seen in magazines or professional photography. How many have large objects popping out from the trigger guard?

I’ve taken to using museum putty to prop handguns up at an angle without putting something in the trigger guard. It’s reusable, pliable, and doesn’t harm the finish.

we use (We sell guns on gunbroker) a piece of burlap,
khaki color (don't use a white background) and hanging down, and then over a table,

works well,

we have a few fake magazines with bases that will allow the pistols to stand up,
or lay them against something neutral

lighting is a mix of Flourescent bulbs, natural from a couple windows and some natural light bulbs, in the area we shoot photo's in,


I use a point and shoot camera (long in the tooth, may have to replace it soon) or a Cell (pixel),
brother uses his Samsung Cell

examples can be seen in the URL in my signature,

and no time to tweak, so no photoshop etc

I use a light box for photographing handguns. One like this.

https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-...TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

This guy is a professional photog... I think... for Cabelas I think I read.
Anyway, you might look at some of his work at the link below... however that is just his personal page.

Over 200 photos in this one sub gallery. Guns mostly.
https://pbase.com/slowpokebill/inbox&page=all

On a side note... If you look around there a bit you might also notice he likes to photograph his not young but quite hot wife, including some "Photo a Day" galleries of her. Tastefully done, not really any nudity, but some very close.

Thanks again guys. This is a big help