Shooting multiple watches

Thanks for asking, fernando -- I'm of course still learning myself, but a few thoughts:

1. I start by playing around with the arrangement of the watches, trying to get an assortment of angles and positions while filling a (in this case square) frame

2. While I typically use an 85mm macro lens for watch shooting, for these wider shots I have been using a standard 35mm prime lens, set back a bit from the scene

3. Light is everything! I have two standing lights that I move around outside of the tent, while looking for hot spot reflections on the cases and glare from the crystals. Sometimes it is necessary to move some of the watches or to adjust the position of the camera. The set-up is most of the work!

4. At least at this point, I'm still willing to accept some imperfection in the group image. If you look at this shot, you can see that there are a few reflections of one watch in another, for instance. Ideally, I'd like to eliminate that, but I simply didn't have time on Friday to grind it out

Hope those tips are useful!

Best,

Gary

Rectangular JLC Family Photo!

By: Gary G : April 24th, 2015-10:50

Greetings to all! I've just posted this one over on WristScan as part of the "four corners" weekly theme, but thought folks here might enjoy it as well: Once a JLC guy, always a JLC guy! All the best, Gary G...

You just beat me to it! I was on to copy and paste your pic here! :)

By: amanico : April 24th, 2015-10:52

Bravo. Should I say that I don't see how I can disagree with you? ;) Best, Nicolas

Thank you, sir!

By: Gary G : April 27th, 2015-08:09

I do love those Reversos! Best, Gary

I see! ;) [nt]

By: amanico : April 27th, 2015-09:45

It's "hip to be square"....er...rectangular

By: vitalsigns : April 24th, 2015-10:56

Nice composition That minute repeater is lovely Cheers, John

That repeater

By: Gary G : April 27th, 2015-08:10

...also sounds good -- really super, actually, when one considers the limitations of small space and rectangular shape. I was fortunate to get it! Thanks for commenting! Best, Gary

Marvelous picture

By: Mark in Paris : April 24th, 2015-11:48

I see that shooting is still one of your hobbies! Complicated and simpler Reversos together is a great setup It is nice to see you here. Cheers, Mark

Still shooting away!

By: Gary G : April 27th, 2015-08:11

Thanks for your note, Mark. I continue to work on my technique -- this photo is actually the first of a set that I am shooting for my current assignment with Ming Thein, in which we are starting to introduce the use of props to the mix. Best, Gary

Very nice!

By: fernando : April 24th, 2015-17:57

What's the trick for shooting multiple watches Gary? I always have a problem with that. :) Best fernando

Shooting multiple watches

By: Gary G : April 27th, 2015-08:33

Thanks for asking, fernando -- I'm of course still learning myself, but a few thoughts: 1. I start by playing around with the arrangement of the watches, trying to get an assortment of angles and positions while filling a (in this case square) frame 2. Wh...

Thank you Gary!

By: fernando : April 27th, 2015-19:24

These are very useful tips and I will try and put them into practice soon. I don't have a set up so to speak as I usually just rely on natural light outdoors or coming in through the windows. My main problems are getting each watch in focus and of course ...

Good additional points, fernando

By: Gary G : April 27th, 2015-19:35

I probably should have mentioned that I do increase the DOF a lot for these multi-watch shots by choking down on the aperture so that I can get everything in focus with a single exposure. That creates a bit of a risk of diffraction softness in the image, ...

Once a JLC guy, always a JLC guy

By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : April 24th, 2015-21:18

how true Gary! Fanatic collection of Reversos - thanks for sharing with us here my friend Cheers Robin

My pleasure, Robin!

By: Gary G : April 27th, 2015-08:35

That brand (and its watches) does have a grip on me... Best, Gary

Great collection of Reversos!

By: rnaden : April 24th, 2015-21:32

Admiring your photo with envy!

Thanks, Richard!

By: Gary G : April 27th, 2015-08:36

The great thing is that these are all very wearable watches -- no concerns at all about taking them to a business meeting, including the Repetition Minutes... Best, Gary