What do I need in order to take quality watch photos, beyond a good DSLR (which is the one thing I have).

So far, my list seems to be:
1. Tripod;
2. Background (black cloth, perhaps something more visually interesting...);
3. Diffused light (what's the best way to diffuse light)?

What else do i need? Multiple lights perhaps (if so, what kind)? Something to hold watches?

I'm not a photographer by any stretch, so please excuse the very basis questions....

 

Light box and practice.

 

A good lens always helps Macro is preferable for the close-ups.

 

Any light boxes you'd suggest?

 

Any lens you'd suggest? Something that's budget friendly?

 

lenses would depend on the make of the camera. But in general "macro" and "budget friendly" = "1964 Omega Speedmaster" and "budget friendly".

Some have taken some pretty good macro pics using clip-on lenses for their cell phones. That is a cheaper way to go, although if you have a dSLR you really should have at least one decent macro lens anyway.

 

Well Mr McQueen

They are pretty simple, just a white box that allows some light to diffuse through, this works to get rid of harsh highlights. As they are simple devices anything with a good review on Amazon should work, or you can make your own. They due tend to run under $50 for what appears to be decent sized ones that are easy to set up and store.

https://www.amazon.com/LimoStudio-Photography-Studio-Lighting-AGG349/dp/B005CX9S8A/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1497551727&sr=8-6&keywords=light box

16inch by 16inch and comes with 2 additional light sources which you will need makes sense.

I used to use http://www.homedepot.com/p/75-Watt-Incandescent-Clamp-Light-HD-200PDQ/205139241 and white sheets when I shot a lot of blown glass in college. Tripod and longer exposures also.

 

A less expensive option for macro shots is a tube extension kit. Google it with your camera type and mount.

 

Some useful tips if you search 'watch photography' in this forum
https://omegaforums.net/threads/incredible-pictures-how-do-you-make-them.49805/page-2#post-683816
https://omegaforums.net/threads/watch-photography.58373/#post-724100
https://omegaforums.net/threads/che...or-watch-macro-photography.46564/#post-554085

 

I very much enjoy Photigy on YouTube. He's got a ton of videos that are specific to small product photography. Worth a look, IMO.

https://www.youtube.com/user/Photigy

 

You guys are awesome. Thanks!

DSLR is my wife's (she's more of the photog) - no macro lens, although she did apparently purchase a hybrid lens...

I'll invest in a light box and start playing around.

 

The easiest light box to use is a nice big window when the sun is not shining directly in.

JohnCote

 

What kind of SLR do you plan on using?
Just starting out, you don't need much as far as lights go. You can actually do a lot with a couple cheap Vivitar flashes ($40 https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Speed...&qid=1497835196&sr=8-2&keywords=vivitar+flash) and a couple optical flash slave triggers for them combined with a Canon or Nikon flash, whichever your camera brand is, which will trigger the Vivitars. Also get a few stands and light modifiers and you can do a LOT from there. Use https://www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/ to get lighting ideas from. Any picture posted on here will show lighting diagrams and gear used for the image.

 

I think most important thing is to practice because I also have tripod, macro lens, remote (do not move the camera when I press the button) and my pictures are not good enough..

 

Let me start by saying great thread . That said what is a good camera for budget constrained people .

 

I use window light and a closeup filter for my 50mm lens. I like the results I get... maybe it would be better with a real macro lens...but I'm fine with what I have for now. Occasionally I will use bounce a flash, but 90% of the time I'm trying to make use of window lighting. I'm very rarely looking for perfect details in my shots, most of the time I'm trying to make something a bit more abstract with the light.

 

I forgot to mention, I use a tripod and a shutter release... and shoot completely manual exposure and manual focus.

 

I am starting out as well, and light box helps, but I am chasing shadows. I am still trying to learn about different lighting positions to even out lighting and not have weird shadows or more control of shadows that I dont want.

 

Hey Ray! Happy Thanksgiving to you and the family.

Windowsills and inside of the car are some of the best environment for shots. Typically, the cloudier the day the better as the light coming in is much better.

I have used lightboxes but found them a bit too blue depending on the light that comes with it. Check out some amazon or aliexpress and you will find quite a few selection for less than 20-30 bucks.

As for lighting, when I am on the road I typically use my iPad on one side (set the screen to 100% brightness on white wallpaper) and the other side with my laptop light (same setting) on the other side and it should give off a good enough lightning for any shot.

First shot window sill
Second is with an iPad and my laptop
Third is inside the car

 

Lightboxes are easy to make. Google PVC Lightbox and you'll get some ideas. You make also want to add a sheet/cover in front of your camera with a hole just big enough for the lens (or big enough to get the shot, the lens doesn't have to fit through the hole) to avoid reflections. You also might want to look into "infinity backdrops" which can be easily made too (construction paper, throw away chopsticks and some tape will work in a pinch)