Photographing a Navy Luger
 

There have been countless posts on this forum dealing with stripping, cleaning and lubricating a newly acquired Luger, but little mention has been made that this is the perfect opportunity to take detail photos of both the exterior and the interior. These photos can be referred to in the future, rather than the gun itself, which cuts down on handling, always a good thing with a collectible gun.
Here are the photos I took of 1916 Navy #4064, my first Navy Luger.

Sweet Navy! Thanks for sharing. Nice pics as well.

Great photos of an outstanding P.04

How about a tutorial so the rest of us can improve the quality of our photos?

Six more.

Seven more. The internal first two digits of the serial, stamped inside the lower lip of the side-plate are particularly difficult to photograph!

And lastly, grips and non matching magazine.
Norm

Norm, very good idea, I have found that I take fast, easy pictures anymore, and that just doesn't cut it.
I need to set up an area and digitally take a picture of everything (I did it last year and keep it backed up on my phone, along with serial numbers and info)

Ed

Great photography!!

luger photography
 

Norm, do you use a light box when you take the picture? No shadows, all areas illuminated, perfect focus, very nice
ray

Great way to document the pieces in a collection. Those are serious professional grade pictures of a Navy Luger that would turn any Luger collector green with envy! Appreciate you sharing.
Jim

Hi Ray,
I may start a thread on gun photography if there's sufficient demand, but basically a white background, which is my preference (and also the preference of the major auction houses and Legacy as well), is only possible with a camera that permits full manual adjustment, a cell phone just doesn't cut it. So speak up if you're interested.
Norm

Norm,

Please DO share your photography techniques and details.

I'm interested in your exposure compensation settings.

"15% grey" paper used by photographers for backgrounds and cycloramas seems most friendly to obtaining good exposures, particularly when the camera is set to adjust exposure automatically.

The stuff comes on 8' long rolls, but a pro may be able to set you up (as one did for me) with a remnant roll or pieces of it that are reasonably-sized for documenting guns. He also gave me some remnants in black and white.

I'm definitely interesting in your equipment, setup (lighting etc.) and any hints and techniques.

Please!!