Thanks Thanks:  0
Needs Pictures Needs Pictures:  0
Picture(s) thanks Picture(s) thanks:  0
Results 1 to 2 of 2
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Toowoomba Qld.
    Age
    64
    Posts
    2,792

    Default Photographing work

    Hello,
    I was reading through a thread before about how best to photograph your finished woodwork, and it seemed things got a bit contentious and now I can't find that thread? I just thought I'd post my thoughts about the topic, not to continue the discussion about cameras and settings, but looking at it from a different angle.
    I have made many items over the past 20yrs, and sold a few of them so documentation becomes a big issue. Whether its sending images to be part of an exhibition, or commission, or simply a record of past work, I have made a point of having the best of them photographed, but I don't do it myself! I use a professional photographer.
    I understand the convenience, and the challenge of doing it yourself, in some ways an extension of doing the whole project with your own hands. (Why make furniture when you could buy it etc).
    I used to enjoy photography once, entered competitions at local shows and came away with a few awards... even learned darkroom techniques at art school, and loved my old manual SLR. I haven't made the transition to digital SLR, way outside my purchasing power.
    But to me its more than simply an equipment issue. Its a skill thing: its about studio lighting and special purpose backdrops; knowing how to really use Photoshop; and just knowing your business! I can make stuff, amazing stuff at times.... but a real photographer can do amazing things too. And my hard-earned can be spread to support another professional... or semi professional I pay to use the skills, and when I have a good relationship with one, I can reject the results, suggest this and that, and get better than I hoped for.
    Another thing about the relationship is that when the image is put in the public arena, it acknowledges the photographer's name, which will hopefully bring them more work.
    From a professional point of view, I think the quality of the photography is a reflection of how seriously you take your own output, when its sent to a gallery etc. I know for a fact that many curators get irate when chasing up amateurs to send a decent photo for publication.
    There is of course the issue of cost, but I can claim such expenses at tax time . For your info, sometimes I can get a full shoot done for $60- drop the piece off, come back to collect it and have a CD of images in various output qualities.

    Anyway, just my thoughts, I understand its not for all but worth considering. Its seems that now there are many people setting themselves up as photographers in this digital age, so maybe more viable to have someone else buy that camera!


    Photo 1 by Don Hildred, Photo 2 by Tony Coonan

    Cheers!
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Andy Mac
    Change is inevitable, growth is optional.

  2. # ADS
    Google Adsense Advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Age
    2010
    Posts
    Many





     
  3. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    2,178

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Andy Mac View Post
    I don't do it myself! I use a professional photographer.
    I understand the convenience, and the challenge of doing it yourself, in some ways an extension of doing the whole project with your own hands. (Why make furniture when you could buy it etc).

    But to me its more than simply an equipment issue. Its a skill thing: its about studio lighting and special purpose backdrops; knowing how to really use Photoshop; and just knowing your business! I can make stuff, amazing stuff at times.... but a real photographer can do amazing things too. And my hard-earned can be spread to support another professional... or semi professional I pay to use the skills, and when I have a good relationship with one, I can reject the results, suggest this and that, and get better than I hoped for.
    Another thing about the relationship is that when the image is put in the public arena, it acknowledges the photographer's name, which will hopefully bring them more work.
    From a professional point of view, I think the quality of the photography is a reflection of how seriously you take your own output, when its sent to a gallery etc. I know for a fact that many curators get irate when chasing up amateurs to send a decent photo for publication.
    There is of course the issue of cost, but I can claim such expenses at tax time . For your info, sometimes I can get a full shoot done for $60- drop the piece off, come back to collect it and have a CD of images in various output qualities.

    Anyway, just my thoughts, I understand its not for all but worth considering. Its seems that now there are many people setting themselves up as photographers in this digital age, so maybe more viable to have someone else buy that camera!

    Cheers!
    I do my own photography and it shows. I'm not afraid to say. But I am now about to start using a semi professional for the reasons that Andy gave.
    1. I think its time I showed my work some respect.
    2. A professional photographer (or semi professional) has invested in the skill set necessary to provide nest result available.
    3 I like to help others at their work.
    I have to say that I'm looking forward to the results. A couple of people have told me that my stuff looks better in the flesh than in my photos!!

    Regards,

    Rob

Similar Threads

  1. Photographing your masterpiece.
    By Sawdust Maker in forum WOODTURNING - GENERAL
    Replies: 92
    Last Post: 20th March 2024, 01:38 AM
  2. Photographing and assessing blades
    By Frank&Earnest in forum SHARPENING
    Replies: 20
    Last Post: 4th August 2010, 07:23 PM
  3. Photographing Your Work - A Tutorial
    By Neal Addy in forum WOODTURNING - GENERAL
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 9th January 2009, 07:31 AM
  4. Photographing woodwork.
    By powderpost in forum NON WOODWORK
    Replies: 33
    Last Post: 15th January 2008, 11:27 AM
  5. Photographing your work
    By Toolin Around in forum WOODWORK - GENERAL
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: 25th March 2007, 03:59 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •