Pen Photography

[christof]

After closing the thread: "What's up at Christof's?", I decided to start another continuos thread. In this thread, I will just show some pen photos from time to time and for example share my experience in photographing pens (since more than 12 years).

 

 

 

1. Focus Stacking (something new - at least to me...)

 

Over the years I developped my own way photographing pens. The result is a mixture of the technical possibilities available to me and my personal requirements for a "good" photo. Usually it looks like this for example:

 

Sheaffer's Imperial III 1961 by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

This is a purely documentary image, which is created always under the same conditions. So far, this is what I always wanted to...

 

...but sometimes,I have the desire for a little more atmosphere in my photos. Like these for example:

 

OMAS Extra Lucens by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

Lamy Safari Tray by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

But something I always find unsatisfactory. It's the lack of depth of field, even with the diaphragma of f=22 ! That's why I started experimenting with focus stacking and followed this instruction on the internet: https://create.adobe.com/2019/1/29/focus_stacking_in_ph.html

 

An here are some of the stacked photos:

 

Pelikan Schildpatt by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

Platinum Pocket Pen by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

Pelikan Schildpatt by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

I am quite happy with the result, but let me explain that I am neither a photographic nor a technical nerd and I do not consider my photos to be art.

For me, photography is a tool of documentation. And in this context "focus-stacking" can be useful. No more and no less.

C.

Edited September 8, 2020 by christof

[Croma]

Hello:
Your photographs are one of the best we can see in our field. Your photos are not only illustrative or documentary, they are also beautiful and attractive.
I really enjoy watching your posts.

Thanks a lot.

Edited September 8, 2020 by Croma

[Carrau]

Christof,

I'm sure I speak for many when I say I really appreciate the extraordinary efforts you have put forth in the past, and generously continue to do so in the present. Beauty and learning at the same time-what could be better? Many thanks.

[Paul-in-SF]

Thank you for posting especially about this topic. We all stand to learn from your experience and expertise, none more than I.

[christof]

It is no secret that I am a LAMY Safari addicted. During the last months I find the time to take some pictures of my Safari collection. Here comes just a selection for you:

 

LAMY Safari Savannagrün und Terrarot by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

Lamy Safari Savannagrün Box 2 by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

Lamy Safari by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

Lamy Safari Farbkreis 1 by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

LAMY Safari by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

LAMY Safari by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

Lamy Safari Candy 2020 by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

LAMY Safari keyboard by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

LAMY Safari Weiss_2 by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

LAMY Safari Apple Notebook by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

Safari Zwerg by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

minus punkt plus by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

Lamy Safari Colors by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

Lamy Safari Colors 3 by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

Lamy Safari Colors 2 by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

Gelb Yellow Jaune by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

Lamy Safari Umbra by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

40 Jahre Safari 2 by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

Lamy Safari im Bad by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

 

C.

[cunim]

Enjoying these pics Christof. I wonder what your home looks like. Where do you put all this?

[Azuniga]

I understand the differences you wanted to establish with the older thread, due to the photography it is nice and great to look at... but i miss other pens and some drawings of the inside....

The Safari Weiss images are great, thanks for your pleasure and ours...

[joss]

very very nice, this is where photography becomes art.

 

I am intrigued by the lack of shadows in your pictures. So the illumination must be very efficient and yet I do not see any unwanted reflections ... is that magic?

[LanceSaintPaul]

 

 

 

These are all root beer flavored, right?

(Well they make me want to lick them...)

[christof]

I understand the differences you wanted to establish with the older thread, due to the photography it is nice and great to look at... but i miss other pens and some drawings of the inside....

The Safari Weiss images are great, thanks for your pleasure and ours...

Thank you Ariel. Good to hear from you.

 

Well, I did no t say that I only will photograph Lamy Safari in the future...and I also didn't say that I will not post sketches anymore. I just run out of ideas and suitable pens at the moment for following the concept of what's up at C's...

That's why I was looking for something instagram like, but with better quality of photos (I don't use a smartphone for taking pictures).

In general, I am open for critic and ideas, but let's give this a chance for the moment. We will seenhow it works.

C.

[christof]

... is that magic?

No, it's technique. If you wish, I could explain a little bit when I find the time.

c.

[joss]

No, it's technique. If you wish, I could explain a little bit when I find the time.

c.

That would be great. I guess it has to do with indirect illumination. I have experimented with the small photography tent in white fabric and also with white polysterene boxes to photograph pens but never seem to obtain efficient lighting. It works more or less in sunny daylight but it does not work with artificial illumination.

[PAKMAN]

One of these days, I'm going to learn to make decent photos! These are great!

[christof]

I just made a quick sketch of my photo setting:

 

 

The studio like setting is built to immitate strong but diffuse light.

 

I use really old gear, but since I am working in all manual mode, that's not a problem at all.

 

Now to avoid reflections, a polarisation filter can help. Photo without filter:

 

 

Photo with filter:

 

[/url]

 

But unfortunately, the polarisation filter does not work on metal surfaces...

 

...that's why I have to paint reflections on trim rings by hand:

 

 

It's a little bit of work, but for me, this works fine.

 

So you see that there is no great secret to get satisfying pictures. And no expensive equipment is necessary. Just a little practice, patience and experience. That is all.

 

C.

Edited September 14, 2020 by christof

[Paul-in-SF]

Christof, thank you very much for that sketch/diagram, it makes it very clear.

 

I always want more, which in this case is understanding what's holding up the flash and the light diffuser (sorry if that's a stupid question, but I've never seen a light diffuser close up).

[christof]

Christof, thank you very much for that sketch/diagram, it makes it very clear.

 

I always want more, which in this case is understanding what's holding up the flash and the light diffuser (sorry if that's a stupid question, but I've never seen a light diffuser close up).

 

Hi Paul

 

No problem, I 'm sorry if the sketch isn't clear, but here you can see a pictureof the Walimex Softbox:

 

https://www.walimex.biz/Walimex-pro-Softbox-60x60cm-fuer-Kompaktblitze

 

 

The diffusor sits directly on the card board box and has a support for the flash. Quite simple...

 

Hope this helps.

C.

[Paul-in-SF]

It helps very much, and it makes perfect sense. This (understanding the setup) may be the kick in the slats I need to get myself started on proper pen photos instead of relying on my desk lamp and my phone. Thank you.

[christof]

another focus stacked still life, it's called "stripe pattern".

 

 

C.

Edited September 19, 2020 by christof

[cunim]

Love it, but you are in danger of becoming artistic.

[christof]

Love it, but you are in danger of becoming artistic.

 

I think you are right. I will be very cautious from now on ...

Edited September 21, 2020 by christof