PEN PHOTOGRAPHY
First of all you need a subject.
In our case, usually a fountain pen or any other interesting writing instrument that you wish to share the image with your friends in the hobby. You simply need to show and tell, perhaps ask a question, solve an identification problem or perhaps share with others the process of a clever repair.
Camera – lights – action !!
It is all a matter of light and focus. Light can be natural, just pull up your shades and let the light fill the room. It is better, however, if the light is indirect, that is, not shining full force on the subject which will certainly light up the subject but will also create dark shadows, So what you want is ambient light, that is find the spot where you have plenty of light but no direct shadows.
Experiment and practice. Take lots of pictures and review the results. If you have a photo manipulation program such as Picasa or Photoshop you have many options to enhance, soften, brighten or alter the image until it is satifactory to you.
A photo tent will help. So will an empty jug of milk.
The main purpose with a photo tent is to control a strong direct light that will illuminate every side of the subject and at the same time eliminate shadows.
Natural light with harsh shadows.
however, this one actually came out well with softer shadows.
Photo tents.
There are many styles of photo tents available, just Google or Bing to find one suitable for your needs. Usually a small table top model that is portable, folds up to a compact package or one like mine which is made of flexible panels that zip togethor and also has velcro fasteners. All of the have a hole for your camera, the cxamera is mounted to a tripod of rigidity and one or two lamps with blue light bulbs.
My first milk jug photo tent.
My photo tent.
Photo tent with soft lights.
One of my better photos, photot tent, soft lights, glass sheet on bottom over black paper sheet.
KRONE Marilyn Monroe
To really enhance light colored objects, place in photo tent, black sheet on table and background.
That's an ivory sander, in case you are wondering.
Image of my very first photo tent. I think the cost was $2.49 for a gallon of 2% non-fat. Drink the milk, mix with Hershey's dark chocolate syrup (optional).
Wash out the bottle, cut off the bottom, place over a non-glare sheet of paper or cloth, place pen to photograph, point camera on top and focus on pen. Experiment by moving the lamp in various position. Use auto focus with your camera or experiment with manual controls.
Photo with natural light, white paper sheets on table and background.
Have fun, experiment, play with the light and let's see your "killer" photography.
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