Taking Digital Images of Firearms

[Imperial Arms]

Members, Collectors and Visitors,

I would like to share some advise with you regarding taking photos/images of dark objects on a white background. Taking a photo of an object on a white background will usually cause the object to appear dark because the image is being under-exposed. This result is caused because the light meter in the camera is taking a reading over the entire area including the white background. White backgrounds reflect light which causes the aperature of the camera to close allowing less light (under-exposure) to the lens.

In order to compensate for this error, you can do the following:

1) Buy an 18% grey card and take a manual reading from the grey card. After taking the manual reading, over-expose the image by one or two stops. Some testing is required before you get the ideal results;

2) If using a white ground without a grey card, over-expose the camera light meter by one to two stops. Take one shot at each stop;

3) Change the metering system to spot metering, and read off the dark oject or grey card. Spot metering is using the very small circle in the center of the view finder;

4) Use a colored background such as red or wood grain which gives a good contrast to dark objects such as pistols and holsters;

5) Photograph as close as possible to the object. You will notice that macro photograph produces better detail and exposure because the aperature is usually forced to open allowing more light to enter the lens;

6) Photograph in a shaded area close to good light. This will reduce reflections and shadows. Photographing in direct light will cause 'hotspots'.

I hope that this photography advise will give you better results.

Albert