How do I take better gun pics?

[neginfluence04]

1st
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58491410@N03/9374631731/
Shutter Speed:1/10
Aperture: f4.5
ISO: 200
Exposure: 0
Distance: 2ft
Lens: 35MM

2nd
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58491410@N03/9377412520/
Shutter Speed:1/8
Aperture: f4.5
ISO: 100
Exposure: 0
Distance: 2ft
Lens: 35MM

3rd
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58491410@N03/9377411722/
Shutter Speed:1/30
Aperture: f4.5
ISO: 800
Exposure: 0
Distance: 2ft
Lens: 35MM

4th (a)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58491410@N03/9377409794/
Shutter Speed:1/15
Aperture: f8.5
ISO: 400
Exposure: -2
Distance: 2ft
Lens: 35MM

4th (b)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58491410@N03/9377410700/
Shutter Speed:1/15
Aperture: f8.5
ISO: 400
Exposure: 0
Distance: 2ft
Lens: 35MM

4th (c)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58491410@N03/9377409134/
Shutter Speed:1/15
Aperture: f8.5
ISO: 400
Exposure: +2
Distance: 2ft
Lens: 35MM

 

[neginfluence04]

I personally think 1, 3, and 4 (c) are the better pictures but what are your opinions?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/58491410@N03/9378443260/

pointers?

 

[Mr.357Sig]

After a quarter century in the photojournalism biz, I hope I know my way around a camera. My current set up is a Canon G11 camera with a Canon 430 EX flash. I almost always have the camera set to aperture priority, -1/3 to -2/3 exposure compensation, macro setting, about f 5.0 to f 5.6. I nearly always bounce the flash up and backwards on and off the camera. I also use my Fenix SD lights for some shots. And I turn off other ambient lighting to keep the main light source pure.

Bouncing the light expands the light source and makes a more pleasing photo than direct flash. I've also used outside light sources like overcast skies or a setting sun. Propping the gun up helps also.

Cleaning the weapon and its accessories is also key. Lint, dust and smears don't work for me. I also select my backgrounds carefully. I've used everything from my leather jacket to my Dax's Army flight suit to bullets in a cigar box. Be creative and have fun.

Sig P6 lit with Fenix flash light.

Ruger 357 LCR lit with Fenix.

Ruger 357 LCR lit with bounced flash.

CZ 75 Compact lit with bounce flash.

S&W Model 38 bounce flash off camera.

Ruger SR 1911 bounce flash.

 

[Perplexed]

I'll echo the recommendations about even lighting, especially if you're trying to show as much detail on a firearm as possible. I use tripod-mounted photography lights with metal reflectors, and I point them at the white ceiling. The pictures come out a bit dark on my DSL camera since the light has to travel up to the ceiling and back down to the firearm, but adjusting the highlights / shadows in Photoshop, then using Auto Levels, really makes the firearm pop out.

 

[aviator41]

I personally think 1, 3, and 4 (c) are the better pictures but what are your opinions?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/58491410@N03/9378443260/

pointers?

Agreed. One thing to try is to raise the subject up off the surface. angles and distance make them interesting. this will also smooth harsh shadows. #3 has a lot of potential.

 

[neginfluence04]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/58491410@N03/9380548899/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/58491410@N03/9383333862/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/58491410@N03/9380546513/lightbox/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/58491410@N03/9383351870/lightbox/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/58491410@N03/9380568643/lightbox/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/58491410@N03/9383343316/lightbox/

straight from the camera to Flickr

 

[David332]

Wow this is very great pics of this guns i like this actually i like guns and also have all new model of guns but i am interested mostly of guns photography because this is a very good activity to make the photographs of guns and post on different peoples wall ........

 

[druryj]

I'd say if your gun pix sux, get a better gun?

 

[randallss7]

You guys have talked me into getting a Cannon or Nikon DSLR and some lighting, That's all I need is another expensive hobby.

 

[Mitch Rapp]

Well, the lighting outside looked good, so I staged a pic... Thoughts?