Photographing guitars

[mcvinyl]

When reading through the "Age & Occupation" thread I noticed that some of you guys are photography buffs.

I was wondering if you could give the rest of us any hints as to how to take some decent photographs of our guitars.

I've seen some great examples of guitar photography on this site, showing the grain etc on some of those beautiful tops.

Mine never seem to capture the beauty of the guitars.

Thanks

 

[maceos]

That's a great question. I've never photographed a guitar before (I don't have one worthy of shooting) I'll take a stab at it.

While some situations require it I personally am not a big fan of using flash. Most times the flash will wash out a lot of detail especially on something like a flat shiney surface like a guitar. Now with that, some point and shoot camera may or may not give you the option to shut off the flash.

I would also consider the light source. Direct sunlight is never good as that will just wash it the detail of the woodgrain. Use light that will enhance the grain. Something like indirect sunlight, open shade or even shooting it later in the day if you can do it outside. If shooting indoors make sure that light is enough to show the grain but not too much to lose detail.

How about the angle at which you shoot. Try something different other then a straight on money shot. Get close to the guitar as well. Most times the guitar is lost in the shot. The camera is so far away that if there was any detail it was lost on the cat, the hideous fabric on the chair, a nasty looking shoe or whatever else was captured at that moment you took the shot.

Yet another thing to consider is a tripod or something else to steady the camera. If there is any amount of shake or movement all detail is gone.

Just my $.02 worth as I'm just throwing stuff out there. I wish I had a decent guitar to shoot to see what works. Hopefully others will have some input as well.

 

[Axis Sport]

I have posted a couple of pictures here on the forum and mine never look like some of the others. I have tried flash, no flash, sun, no sun you name it. Must be operator error.

 

[brentrocks]

if you are going to use a flash, don't stand directly in front of the guitar. always stand at an angle, (cuts down on flash glare).

taking shots outside on an overcast day in natural light has always worked good for me!!

i have phorographed guitars for Wechter Guitars for their website, and it is really tricky to set your lights! if you are really want to get fancy and use multiple lights, they will have to be placed at about a 45 degree angle to the guitar face, or you will get glare!

if you are using a digital camera with a flash, just experiment with different angles and different guitar placement and you will get the one you want eventually!!! it is all trial and error!!!

that is the beauity of digital cameras...you don't waste film!

 

[Johnny B. Good]

.



A secret of successful digital photography is to
take numerous photos at various angles with
different backgrounds.

If you think that 5 shots is enough then double it.
Then you can choose the absolute best shot for editing and display...


http://www.johnnybrooks.com/jdcm.html

http://www.johnnybrooks.com/1998-k-22.html


You may even make an amplifier look good.

http://www.johnnybrooks.com/aer-alpha.html









.

 

[tvanveen]

This is all good advice.

You can use flash without too much bother if you have a flash head that can tilt and swivel. Just bounce it off the ceiling.

tv

 

[brentrocks]

bounce flash is a good technique! it is hard to master though!

 

[tvanveen]

If you have ttl flash it's really simple.

 

[brentrocks]

If you have ttl flash it's really simple.

what is ttl?

 

[tvanveen]

"Through The Lens" flash metering...basically automatic flash metering...

 

[hbucker]

Assuming most of us don't have access to various styles of photographic lighting, I would have to say that natural outdoor light is your best bet.

I've had good luck in direct sunlight as long as the guitar isn't catching glare. I've photographed my EVH several times and the best way I've been able really get that 3d quilt "thang" going is to use outdoor light. The suggestion of an overcast day is a good one, probably even better than direct sun.

 

[data187]

I would recommend using natural light. This means going outside if you can or maybe use sunlight coming thru a window.

Soft light is always the best light, which means that the light sourse should be diffused. Try putting some fabric softner or thin tissues in front of your light or your flash.

Guitar tops are like mirrors, they reflect anything in front and around it. So try to keep your surroundings as clean as possible for little to no reflection.

Of course this all takes some time and i'm too lazy to take my own advice for nice pix...lol

 

[dwf1004]

I would recommend using natural light.

Hey, no beer in here (and no CHEAP beer at that!)

 

[jongitarz]

No beer? I'm outta here