I am writing some articles about how to photograph watches

I managed to get this domain and I set up a quick website for my photography work.
I also started doing some "behind the scenes" articles about how I have taken some photos.

The link is here: https://watchphotography.com/articles.html

If you have any comments, please write here. I can do some "how-to's" if it's reasonable, so write your questions or wishes here.
I don't want to explain Photoshop editing, because I only do basic stuff. Rarely do background replacements.
But, surely I can share some tricks if anyone interested.

A couple of photos here to catch your attention 😀

Great website Risto. Love it. I also have some decent DSLR and lenses gear, but will probably never manage to take photographs as nicely executed! (and nice watches by the way!)

One thing that tickled me when reading you’re articles is: how do you make the watch stand properly, without risk of falling?

Thank you!

And I am glad that you asked that. Actually, it's been asked many times before.
There are multiple ways to do it.
Depending on the bracelet or strap and the angle.

So, today I took this simple photo of Zenith Cover Girl on the table. And I used this rubber follow-focus gear ring. You can pinch it smaller.
And you can buy these in different sizes, they are rather cheap. So, you just put it inside of the bracelet/strap.
Then I put something behind the watch, so it does not move. The balance must be right. And it should not wobble. If the watch falls, and it can fall if you make clumsy moves/table moves, you might damage the watch if it falls to the crown (and you have a hard surface).

Another solution would be using a "helping hands" or "3rd hands" tool. This is normally sold under "Soldering Tool Flexible Arms" or smth.
And you grab the watch from the strap and hold it how you like it. Of course, then you have to think this through. You have to remove the flexible arm in Photoshop. And that might be tricky sometimes.

People also use transparent acrylic sticks and hot glue to hold the watch. Also, you must remove that in Photoshop.

And then you can use some fishing lines to hold the watch, but it's complicated. You have to fix the watch very tightly, so it won't wobble. And then again remove lines in Photoshop.

Did you check my website? There are articles with photos of my light setup.

Anyway, there are no strict rules how to shoot a watch. So, when you talk about studio grey background - sure it can be used. It really depends on how you want to setup everything. Is the watch on a stand, held with clamps, on a table, hangs in air with fishing lines…

Most of the shots I have taken are when the watch sits on a table. So, the table becomes the background. One of the issues with this - you have to “clean” the background from dust, scratches etc. But, it’s the quickest way to shoot.

Also, when using focus stacking you can blur out the background when shooting at f/4

Oh, btw you don’t have to use studio lights if you can use diffused natural light. And with reflectors you can light the watch. Hardest to photograph a watch is in sunlight, because the contrast is super high.

Sure, you can use your phone. I suggest zooming in to have more “telephoto” look. And if you could use some white paper as a reflector. If there’s a strong light, then you have to block it a little. You can diffuse with some semitransparent material too.

These are cool setups! I work in video/photo, but I've never spent time photographing my collection. I may have to book some time on the soundstage at at work and see if I can draw some inspiration from what you've shared.

Great article. I'm going to try some of these tips for my own photos.