STICKMAN the Picture God

[itschris]

How about a HOW TO post on how you take such amazing pics. What gear... .can it be done with everyday type cameras... how do you get the white background etc.

[zero7one]

itschris -

I can tell you this much....it has taken Stick and others on this board YEARS conducting trial and error on different settings, using different equipment, under different conditions to get the results you see. Though we all appreciate the attention that our images receive, to hand someone the answer would be unfair to those who have worked so hard on getting where they are.

My largest piece of advice, and I'm sure Stick would tell you the same, is to get good lighting. Without good lighting, your images will not stand out like they could. Lighting is EVERYTHING!

[nate_vt]

also background is very important! If you google around, I'm sure there are hundreds of tutorials out there on how to take any kind of picture you want. Also just get more trigger time. The more pictures you take, the more you learn.

[itschris]

Gotcha. Understood. Didn't reallize it was a kept secret. No worries... I'll fiddle with my little Cannon and see what I can come up with. My biggest thing is that I can't a decent backgrouind. When the new SBR is done... I'll post up some of my cretions. Thanks guys.

[Vern1968]

Gotcha. Understood. Didn't reallize it was a kept secret. No worries... I'll fiddle with my little Cannon and see what I can come up with. My biggest thing is that I can't a decent backgrouind. When the new SBR is done... I'll post up some of my cretions. Thanks guys.

Serious photography is on dang near the same financial hit that firearms are if not more. Waiting for the new Canon 5D Mark III to come out$ Stick photos are awesome.

[lamarbrog]

I have lately taken notice of how import a good background is. I've been meaning to find something to use consistently. Pictures taken on a dirty coffee table, or the counter at the shop just don't seem to hold the same visual appeal.

[Paulo_Santos]

Also some camera stores have free lessons, usually on weekends, to show you how to take good pictures.

[itschris]

I guess if I could figure out a good backdrop with decent lighting, that would make all the difference. Maybe I need to ivnest in some drop cloth type of fabrics. Like with the white backgroiund pics, I wasn't sure if it was photoshopping or an actual white backgrouind.

[Stickman]

How about a HOW TO post on how you take such amazing pics. What gear... .can it be done with everyday type cameras... how do you get the white background etc.

Its really a matter of lighting, nothing more than that. Here is a quick story about the below picture, which for the sake of argument might not be a "great" picture, but is one which is certainly good enough for publication and a product launch of the new 10-8 1911 sight.

This particular picture was shot the night before SHOT show actually started. I was in my hotel room with Darrion of Praetor Defense, when Monty (Centurion Arms) came up with Tim and Hilton of 10-8. The point of this isn't name dropping, its to show there were multiple industry professionals all present. When Tim and Hilton showed the new sight to me, I told them I would shoot some pictures and cover it as a SHOT item for Military Times. With no professional lighting, and no fancy backgrounds available, I went into the bathroom and used the top of my MAC to get the picture that I wanted. The trick was using the best lighting I could, and using the angles which would showcase the item best.

These were done with a Canon G12 (Point and Shoot). Other people pointed out this looks nicer than some of the professional studio pictures they've paid to have done. I don't know about that, but I do know it was a matter of using the best light I could, and that is what any of my clients expect of me.


http://militarytimes.com/blogs/gearscout/wp-content/blogs.dir/5/files/10-8-modular-rear-sight/img_6157.jpg

[itschris]

So you're telling me, you put those pieces on the top of your laptop and took the pic? Okay... I would never think to be that creative. So I'm assuming you get a dozen or so laptops together side by side to take your rifle pics!!! (That was a joke)

Thanks Stick. I'm gonna hit up the fabric store to see if I can get some cool looking fabrics for a backdrop. Who knows, maybe one day I'll have my own recognizable style of photo. Not to blow sunshine up your skirt, but I'll tell you that your pics are what really drew me into the AR world. I had a good curiosity, but when I first started seeing your photos over on AR15.com, it really got me intrigued. Great stuff.

[TripleBravo]

Man, that G12 does a good job!

Similar to Stickman's story, I'll chime in with another technique I had to use myself at this year's SHOT show.

I had the opportunity to buy one of the new ALG Defense ACT triggers at the show, and I wanted to post some good shots of it here on WEVO that night. My hotel room had a white bathtub. I simply laid out the kind of cool looking drawing of the trigger that comes in the packaging in the bathtub, then placed the trigger components on the drawing. With the bathtub acting as a big white reflector, I was able to take a shot quickly that had pretty good looking soft white light coming at the subject from all sides.

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww189/wjt1169/SHOT%202012%20Geissele/ACT-1024-B3.jpg

So if you have a white bathtub in your home, trying laying your rifle in it and photograph it there. I know I've seen tutorials around on how to do this so let google be your guide.

[Quib]

Chris,

If you Google "white background photography" or start reading up on product photography, there's a lot of information out there to be had.

Here's a couple very early examples of some white background photography I did around 2005/2006.


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6883986323_3b6b683e9f_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6818932761_523537ce31_z.jpg

[itschris]

Thanks guys. I've heard about this thing called the enter-net which you speak of.

Seriously, the one thing the internet does is really let you know just how much stuff there is to know.

[MoxyDave]

Here is another tip for you: use manual mode on your camera. Whatever camera you have, just take it outside and go walking around shooting stuff, using any manual settings that it has. Learn about exposure, white balance and depth of field. Try all the various settings and get used to navigating the menu, finding the options you're after, etc. Some cameras will save the settings you used inside the EXIF data in the picture, which makes it easy to look at them afterwards and see what worked and what didn't.

Not that I'm a pro or anything, but this has helped me take better photos.

[Jerry R]

I'm certainly not in the same class as these guys, but you can build a cheap light box for small stuff. I made mine out of one inch schedule-40 PVC. Found a really neat place to buy the odd connectors you need http://www.littlegreenhouse.com/accessory/pvc.shtml

I made mine so I could expand it for larger (rifle sized) objects. Google is your friend for "How to use a Light Box"

I started small and have been practicing a lot. While nothing to brag about, I don't apologize for them any more. As stated before - lighting is THE most important aspect of an acceptable photograph, second to that would be a tripod and cable release.

Pics of the initial light box - Home Depot reflectors with Daylight Balanced Flourescent bulbs (taken with a point and shoot). First shows the frame, second shows it "draped" with thin white cloth for diffusion. Hope this helps a little.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i106/pdogkilr/LightBox.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i106/pdogkilr/LBFramed.jpg

Very simple picture of an old film camera taken in the light box

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i106/pdogkilr/F631-2-2NoFrontsNoTopLight.jpg

[Quib]

Jerry, I built a very similar light box to yours. Works great for small items.

I even took a photo in my light box, very close to what you have above...LOL.


http://quibphotography.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/pentax-k1000.png

[Jerry R]

Excellent image Quib - I really need to invest in some lighting equipment (spots / umbrellas / gel filters, etc). I think I have done about the best I can with the resources at hand. Problem is -- too many wants -- too little funding !! And I just ordered an LB Commanche Monolith.

[Gun]

Hi all! First came across this site when googling Ar15 gas ring failure, which led me to this;

http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?1613-FAQ-s-BASIC-INSPECTIONS-AND-PROCEDURES

So I look at the forum, then I found this thread.


I shot these images with a Canon Power Shot A1000 IS.

http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae285/much2late/ExSig.jpg

http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae285/much2late/MB149nib.jpg

http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae285/much2late/MB149.jpg


I used a tripod and natural light. Flash can desaturate color. I resized the images in Photoshop CS3. For the web,
72 ppi is ideal, at 8” by 6”. Adjust the size of your image for the purpose intended, but 72 ppi is ideal. To sharpen
the image, I used unsharp filter (sounds counter-intuitive, but it works) , adjusted higher than ideal, as there is a
softening of the image during uploading.

Problem with most images is that blacks look flat, and highlights are over saturated and lack good detail, unless
that was the intent. Photography is after all subjective. A good photo editor, like Photoshop can correct for these
mistakes, but with not much leeway. The images above had no correction, except for removing dust specks that were
on the items. Unsharp filter will definitely highlight those little buggers.


As for the Canon Power Shot, it is my only digital camera (yes, camera phone as well). I still have an F3HP, Rollei
6008, but sold my M7’s. I bought the Canon to take quick pics of my Snap-On tools to sell on EBay, quick as in no
film developing, or scanning. I was impressed with the Canon, except for no depth control, but knew how to compensate.

Bottom line, use a tripod, set digital camera on macro, use the timer, and use natural light.

[Quib]

Hi all! First came across this site when googling Ar15 gas ring failure, which led me to this;

http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?1613-FAQ-s-BASIC-INSPECTIONS-AND-PROCEDURES



Welcome Gun.

I hope you found my FAQ's, BASIC INSPECTIONS AND PROCEDURES information useful. -Quib

[Quib]

Excellent image Quib -


Thanks Jerry.

[neo9710]

I'm certainly not in the same class as these guys, but you can build a cheap light box for small stuff. I made mine out of one inch schedule-40 PVC. Found a really neat place to buy the odd connectors you need http://www.littlegreenhouse.com/accessory/pvc.shtml

I made mine so I could expand it for larger (rifle sized) objects. Google is your friend for "How to use a Light Box"

I started small and have been practicing a lot. While nothing to brag about, I don't apologize for them any more. As stated before - lighting is THE most important aspect of an acceptable photograph, second to that would be a tripod and cable release.

Pics of the initial light box - Home Depot reflectors with Daylight Balanced Flourescent bulbs (taken with a point and shoot). First shows the frame, second shows it "draped" with thin white cloth for diffusion. Hope this helps a little.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i106/pdogkilr/LightBox.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i106/pdogkilr/LBFramed.jpg

Very simple picture of an old film camera taken in the light box

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i106/pdogkilr/F631-2-2NoFrontsNoTopLight.jpg

WOW...I haven't seen Ektachrome in YEARS..Back in the good ol days (over 15-20 years ago), I worked at a photo lab in MD. Had the privilege of shooting Hasselblad medium format (never owned - way out of my price range)..Started getting into other hobbies and work took much of my time. My best friend still owns a photo lab in the area and he says that he still does a fair amount of film developing. I thought everything would be digital by now - and that is most of his work (raw processing, etc) I'm slowly getting back into it..I now enjoy it more since I have kids..

[Gun]

Welcome Gun.

I hope you found my FAQ's, BASIC INSPECTIONS AND PROCEDURES information useful. -Quib

Yes I did, and had a chance to read the other info!

*********************************************

Back to pictures.

Took this;

http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae285/much2late/LMT07a-1.jpg

and did this;

http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae285/much2late/LMT07-1.jpg

with the help of CS3; Highlights and Shadows, desaturated the cyan overtone to deepen the black,

then UnSharp Filter. Post production really helped!

Natural light from basement window, shooting Canon Power Shot.

[itschris]

Hey I just finished my new Noveske SBR lower build. My wife had a bunch of tissue paper all over my work table so rather than messing up what she was doing, I just plunked it down and snapped a couple of photos. Well, total by accident, I sorda got a STICKMAN style result! Now granted, it's a low grade STICK pic style, but nonetheless, it's better than anything else I've ever done. I just used my editor and cranked up the "middle' tones a bit and the background just sorda dissappeared.

Anyway, you guys have all inspired me to learn more. So hopefully as time goes on, I can snap some decent photos and join the club. BTW - this is my first build. I wanted to build a lower exactly the way I wanted ... sorda build what you have in your mind as your perfect setup. For me, this nailed it.

http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo40/itschriss/AR/NoveskLower1sm.jpg

http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo40/itschriss/AR/NoveskLower2sm.jpg

[Stickman]

That first shot is nice and clean.

[itschris]

Whoa! Thanks Stick. There's clearly other issues with the pic, but it was funny that I sorda stumbled on this by accident. I'll find my own signature look some day.

[squirtgunner]

I give much respect to stickman and tripleB for the work they do. In fact, I'm a huge admirer and have looked over their body of work more times than I can recall. I have been shooting images of people for years but when I try my hand at weapon photography I consistently come up short. At the very least this speaks for the amount of skill and ability they have developed.

In regards to a previous post about photography being a secret I would have to respectfully disagree here. Good or bad, it has taken me a good chunk of my lifetime to attain the ability I have. I sometimes teach/mentor others in photography and I show them exactly what I do, how I do it, how to post process, etc., and I have yet to see another photographers result mirror mine. Having said that, perhaps there is something different to weapon photographer whereas sharing techniques truly would 'let the cat out of the bag' so to speak.

I recently bought a Ranier Arms upper and had the chance to shoot it a couple of days ago - amazing! I'm going to try, again, to shoot some pics of my new upper, setup, etc., along with some info about my range experience with it for those of you that may be interested. Hopefully I can get that posted in the next 2 or 3 days. Best regards.

My People Pics (http://edwins.500px.com/) (NSFW)

[TripleBravo]

Squirtgunner...thanks for the compliments!

I have to say that I see a lot more talent in your shots here: http://edwins.500px.com/ than mine, though. OUTSTANDING work, sir!

[squirtgunner]

OUTSTANDING work, sir!

I'm stuck at work for the most of the week (longer than I expected). Wait till you see my rifle pics - I might just change your mind!

[Malice]

Any tips on removing debris from black items?
I took this shot of my pistol intentionally so you can see the fuzz I'm speaking of.
I can buff, polish and spitshine all I want, I still get white fuzz.
Ultimately the pistol is going up for sale so I want clean shots.

Maybe it's my dogs fault, maybe it's just the nature of the beast but I can add that my home is darn near sterile (not counting the dog) so its a clean environment that I'm working in.

http://www.d2webdesigns.com/public/flawed.jpg

[zero7one]

Any tips on removing debris from black items?
I took this shot of my pistol intentionally so you can see the fuzz I'm speaking of.
I can buff, polish and spitshine all I want, I still get white fuzz.
Ultimately the pistol is going up for sale so I want clean shots.

Maybe it's my dogs fault, maybe it's just the nature of the beast but I can add that my home is darn near sterile (not counting the dog) so its a clean environment that I'm working in.


I have had success with using a shop vac or a can of air to get the pesty lint off. Plus, if you have a lot of oil on the gun either from cleaning/lubing or from your hands, it will attract and keep dust on the gun.

[lamarbrog]

Whenever we clean a gun for a customer at the shop we give the exterior a brushing off with a lightly oiled shaving brush before returning it. It does a good job of brushing away any loose fibers and gives a good appearance. Not sure if it would work as well for a photograph- but it might be worth a try.

[Rodman24]

Try Swiffer dusters.