The finished image:
The set-up:
There are 2 tungsten lights, a main one above and another one lower, upper left - one on a stand and one on a boom. Three different types of white reflectors bounce light from both around, further diffusing it. (Different less by intent than because each was handy.)
I chose a very dark grey background for this shot. Note the pvc lean-to with diffusion paper. Also note the tripod, infinitely adjustable head, camera with cable release and right-angle view finder.
Because this is a larger blade I opted to place my lean-to up on a small table and prop up the front legs accordingly. Leaning up against the tripod leg (lower left) is a piece of black foam core board which I often use to get a different quality of reflection in some part of a scene.
Applied photoshop CS2 for a number of things I like to do to balance out the picture as a whole (not the topic of this thread).
I am only the humble student when it comes to light. The more I learn about it the more I marvel at the incredible stuff I see out there in the commercial world (especially on the high end).
Having seen many of my custom cutlery images published in magazines and annuals, I now need to distinguish myself somehow from the other photographers currently active in that small corner of the world. Better use of lighting might be just the ticket, especially if it translates into emotion and drama recognizable to the viewer.
Your comments and observations are welcome and appreciated.
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