I've not finished the video yet but had to comment on the pricing part at the beginning. I get contacted constantly by start-up watch brands (sometimes 2-3 times per week) and I have exactly the same experience. Personally, and I do this with all my smaller clients, I give them options. Something like, if you want the best quality imagery possible it will cost "X", if that is beyond your budget then lets come up with a brief which works for you. If they actually have some budget (not something silly like £200) then we can sometimes land in a place which works for us both. This might be by modifying the brief (simplifying or reducing quantity) or lowering the quality of the final output. It's hard with watches as start-ups just don't realise the complexity but giving them options does sometimes work. Thanks for the video! Looking forward to watching the rest
😃 Thanks! Well, I think it's so hard to reduce the quality by purpose when I take photos, it's like a knife in my heart 🥴 But I understand what you're saying, I just wish I could find a solution to work with all potential clients. Often it's like super small budget or big budget in my experience.
Completely! I hate reducing the quality, never a fun experience, you always feel rushed and am never happy with the result. At the same time, it's better for the brand as they get a photographer who knows what they're doing, as opposed to someone who charges £200 and creates a poor photo, and it's better for you as you get paid. It took me a long time to be able to do this but I'm OK at it now. I normally start by thinking about it in terms of time. It would take me X amount of time in both production and post-production to do this perfectly. With your budget ("your" being a prospective client) I will only have half the time, or a quarter of the time. Then, when I'm shooting and retouching I'm really strict and only give myself the amount of time my client could afford. They still get a pretty good shot and I still get paid. Don't get me wrong, it's really hard working like that and I don't like it but very few start-ups can afford me if I don't modify how I shoot. When doing this it's really important to set expectations. That took me a while to get right. Oh, and there's a limit of course. Some people just have no budget (or very little) and I can't help there!
I've got to say your product tutorials are the best on UA-cam (in my opinion). You don't ramble on with irrelevant info, I like your sense of humour, I really appreciate how you just 'see what happens' when you move things around, like you're discovering the shots with us. Keep up the great content!
Just started getting into the world of product photography, received my first job 2 weeks ago and now I've found your channel. You have been such an amazing help and motivator for my new side hustle. Coffee is KING!!!
I love that you talked about pricing. I get that from clients too. Like I just have a camera and a desk lamp. I also have 20 years experience, insurance, studio rent, equipment maintenance .... I love what you do and how you talk through your setups. Thanks Martin!
This is my favorite video of yours so far! I also love how you tell the truth in the beginning about pricing. Clients often have no idea how much work goes into making high-end product shots. To be honest 1k per day is still very cheap for that kind of work. Well done!
I love how much detail you go into. Great video. I'd love to do more product photography while I'm trapped inside. Now I need to find some products that don't look too well used...
Totally agree on how tough and frustrating macro watch work can be ...but compared to macro videography of a watch movement it's a walk in the park...if you could walk in the park these days...Great work and thanks for sharing...
Martin, That was one of your better tutorials!, Even though Watches are hard to do, What one learns from this Tutorial is how to use lighting and how to Block certain areas of lighting, So much is gained for future use on other product shoots, not just watches. I love how you have added the details of the products or materials you use. Very helpful! I'm sending you a NON-Covid19 cup of coffee! Stay safe my friend. Also, what brand and where can one get those black metal frames that hold the diffusion material? If they are not crazy expensive, I would like to get about three of them.
Thanks 🙏🏻😃 Under the video you'll find an Amazon link to my "shop", I have them there, Matthews steel frames. I must add that they are not the best solution for adding diffusion, hard. I just use gaffa.
What craftsmanship!!!! Bravo......This is the great paradox of the 21st Century.....companies don't want to pay for art. You have created art. I take photos of watches for fun. And when I look at what I get vs what you get it is night and day. These images you "create" are so worth $1000......companies today leave no money aside for good marketing. GREAT IMAGE......thanks for inspiring me
Not able to find accurate words to praise your knowledge which you deliver through your tutorials videos. I have learnt so much from your tutorials. Thank you so much for being there and teaching us. God bless you. I am definitely gonna try this. Once again, thank you.
@@aesthetic_mfr Haha, yes upstairs in the big studio. When shooting watches I always use my Hasselblad and tilt/shift adapter + Rhino motorised glide track, sometimes manually focusing. Easier with Hasselblad lenses. On the channel I want to use more accessible tools from time to time so people don't get so pissed off 🤣
@@botvidsson We're just jealous man. I appreciate you holding back on using that sort of gear. Must be difficult for you to have it and then deliberately tie your hands behind your back. Equally as difficult as last weeks catalog white episode. You did a good job teaching the lesson but how boring it must have been for you. You do a lot for us and many of us really appreciate it. Thanks man!
Nice work, I'am learning a lot and with this situation I'am doing some studio work, was planning to shot a watch with 3 strobes. Will see what the out come is.
Thanks Martin. I was keen to see this one, as I am a watch dealer here in Canada. I carry several brands, which affords me the fun of having the best of props. But as you said, they are very complicated to photograph. I enjoyed the video very much - thank you!
Gosh, what a shame i couldnt be here on time. Great video as always, its most anticipated thing by me in these hard times. Watching You is always inspiring!
Dude / Sir / Master / Mister... Outstanding! Love your knowledge / quirkiness / tone / vibe. You should have a zillion more subscribers and a gazillion more views! Subscribed.
Martin thank you so much for shooting your Rolex on one of our straps. Great tutorial and we will be putting some commercial work your way very soon. Many thanks
Thank you for you helpful tip in taking product photography pictures, I am learning how to do product photography and every time I watch one of your tutorials it helps me , the next time I am taking a picture, I follow your rules in set up and see what each light does . thank you
Thank you, I am the same as you who shoot watches every day, but there are a few skills I will have to learn from you, especially how to handle light. Wishing your youtube channel and your work grow strongly from Vietnam
Coffee Supporter here!! Thank you for all of the videos! On focus stacking - what is the in-camera process you use? Are you focusing through the viewfinder or using the back of the camera touchscreen?
Hi Stephen and thanks for supporting the channel! I look through the viewfinder. This is not the best way to do it, will not be that precise. I wish I could use CaptureOne software and change the focus there. Have not find a way to make it work with Canon, maybe someone know here if it is possible to make it work with Canon. I think it works with Sony.
botvidsson thank you for the reply! I shoot Canon too (but use Lightroom for tether). I have a commercial client (women’s shoe manufacturer) and I have done some focus stacking using both viewfinder and back of screen (I also shoot a 5DMIV) and neither is perfect.. lol... easier for landscape as you don’t need to be a precise. Thanks as always!!!!
Ah, now I remember that I could not stack this watch photo. I tried HeliconFocus and Photoshop.. you will see this in the post video. I have a motorised slider that I should use, then it will be 100% perfect. I used that slider on the Super Macro Shot of a bee on the channel. Very expensive solution though. I use to use Lightroom before a lot, maybe it's possible to control the focus from Lightroom when shooting tethered... probably not.
Thank for the warning to stay away from watches... but thanks to you, I loved to take a watch photograph. It's complicated, attentions to details... it's very challenging for me, because I only have 3 speedlights and home made diffuser and reflectors. But I am enjoyed it... Thank you! after a long time (since 2008) I have dive into photography, I've found what I am passion about in this field.
Yes that's the plan. I almost gave up a few times realising it will take forever to clean this used watch, I did my best but it took FOREVER... many many many hours. Never shoot used watches.
This is making me think twice about trying out watches. Focus stacking makes sense. The difficulties of surfaces on watch looks complex. Maybe try out this after doing other products first with a bit more experience. Thanks for showing watches.
Hey martin, just finished watching its only popped up tonight ,that's you tube for you,lot of hard work but super cool image again,admire your skill well done man!!!
Hi, I'm starting out with watchphotography and bought myself a Canon 5D Mk 1 and a Sigma 105mm lens. I tried taking picture and adjusting the white balance like you explained in the Redbull can video, but I'm not getting the results I'm looking for. If I would invest in lighting, what would you recommend for someone on a budget? Would you use a flash, strobe or continuous lighting? Umbrellas, soft box or diffusion panels? Many thanks! Arno
I always suggest strobe, try finding 2 used flashes (Godox, Elinchrom or similar) with reflectors and grids+getting some diffusion material. Skip soft boxes and umbrellas.
Like you say Martin, many people underestimate watch (or any high end product) photography, and hence don't appreciate the price tag we put to the pictures we'r expected to take for them. stay safe.
It's the world we live in. People deal in sound bites and instagram. As you imply some people don't study and consider 'good enough' as a benchmark. When I look at the investment made, I feel the pricing is fair.
is there some sort of plate that you use to support the watch and the silicone strap? It seems to me that the strap itself could not hold the weight of the watch. There should be some sort of support? Which I assume is being clamped down as well? Is there a support product like this that we can buy? Thanks in advance - love your tutorial!
Martin. Sorry to spam you! What are your thoughts on mirror less? I have been thinking about it, but the feel of a DSLR in my hands is something special. I'd love your thoughts. I know it's a big topic, I know and I dream of hasselblad one day so for me I love my Canon DSLR. Is it something you have spent time thinking about like all us pros?
I still don't know if I should jump om that train, sooner or later we all have to I guess. I have a small mirror less, the Sony A6300 and I hate it 🤣 Slow autofocus and bad quality on the display, I love to see the "real" world in a DSLR view finder. It would be interesting to try out the new Canon though...
Yes the watch will move. First I do the main stacking with the crown out, then I do another stacking for the crown shot. Then in Photoshop I will manually place the crown shot in the correct place.
Galet bra! 👌🏼 Det krävs verkligen en hel del arbete bakom en sån här bild! Köper du savage translum från amazon, eller finns det någon säljare i sverige som har dom, eller motsvarande?
Another fantastic video! Thank you for sharing your experiences with cheapskate clients who disappear as soon as they're quoted a reasonable price for their product photography. My experience has been the same. Many clients aren't sophisticated enough to understand how much time, effort and talent it takes to produce beautiful commercial images of products as complex as a watch. I suggest that in the future, before quoting your price for a watch photography gig, you should send the potential client a link to this video, then discuss your price.
Hi and thanks for your videos. what I always asked myself... how large or how small is your studio? maybe 6 x6 meters? Thanks for your answer. Best regards, Alex
I recently did a shoot for a watch seller who specialises in aftermarket sales, I had 12 watches with a total combined value of about £250k LOL Wish I would have seen this earlier! :) Do you have a video on your focus stacking procedure?
hey, I just found your channel recently and love your videos! great video as usually :D how do you make the focus stacking on camera, do you hand focus? or focus using the software on the computer?
Hi From what i can read online when using a polarizing filter you will need a natural source of light or polariserende film in front of strobes(which seems to be expensive) but you do it with diffusers here and clearly got it to work. Please help my confusion
It is often enough with just a Pol filter on the camera, it all depends on where the light comes from, what angle. If your light comes from a "bad" angle you can add the pol filter on the light, this might help you more. At some point I will do a proper pol filter video tutorial, both lens and light pol filters.
There are TWO steps : first you CREATE the polarising light, with a polarising film on the light itself (flash), then you use this already polarised light with a CPL filter on the camera lens.
At f/16 you would probably get (depends on lens model, cheaper lenses diffracts even on bigger aperture like) lens diffraction. And you do not want to open that can of worms :)
@@djwizby diffraction starts from the edges and in this case you couldn't care less) But on most L lenses it's a still usable aperture for sharp edge to edge landscapes. It might work with 100mpx on Medium Format and by just cropping in))
I've not finished the video yet but had to comment on the pricing part at the beginning. I get contacted constantly by start-up watch brands (sometimes 2-3 times per week) and I have exactly the same experience. Personally, and I do this with all my smaller clients, I give them options. Something like, if you want the best quality imagery possible it will cost "X", if that is beyond your budget then lets come up with a brief which works for you. If they actually have some budget (not something silly like £200) then we can sometimes land in a place which works for us both. This might be by modifying the brief (simplifying or reducing quantity) or lowering the quality of the final output. It's hard with watches as start-ups just don't realise the complexity but giving them options does sometimes work.
Thanks for the video! Looking forward to watching the rest
😃 Thanks! Well, I think it's so hard to reduce the quality by purpose when I take photos, it's like a knife in my heart 🥴 But I understand what you're saying, I just wish I could find a solution to work with all potential clients. Often it's like super small budget or big budget in my experience.
Completely! I hate reducing the quality, never a fun experience, you always feel rushed and am never happy with the result. At the same time, it's better for the brand as they get a photographer who knows what they're doing, as opposed to someone who charges £200 and creates a poor photo, and it's better for you as you get paid. It took me a long time to be able to do this but I'm OK at it now. I normally start by thinking about it in terms of time. It would take me X amount of time in both production and post-production to do this perfectly. With your budget ("your" being a prospective client) I will only have half the time, or a quarter of the time. Then, when I'm shooting and retouching I'm really strict and only give myself the amount of time my client could afford. They still get a pretty good shot and I still get paid.
Don't get me wrong, it's really hard working like that and I don't like it but very few start-ups can afford me if I don't modify how I shoot. When doing this it's really important to set expectations. That took me a while to get right.
Oh, and there's a limit of course. Some people just have no budget (or very little) and I can't help there!
I've got to say your product tutorials are the best on UA-cam (in my opinion). You don't ramble on with irrelevant info, I like your sense of humour, I really appreciate how you just 'see what happens' when you move things around, like you're discovering the shots with us. Keep up the great content!
Cool, thanks! Very happy to hear that.
I am a professional photographer from China, totally love your work and you have earned my respect! This is the best photography channel on my list!
Very very kind! Thanks 🙏🏻😃
Already watch all your videos and I'm not a photographer... great job man!
That's absolutely fantastic! Thanks!
Another excellent video, great work!!
Thanks!
Always a pleasure watching you work.
Should call you Mr.Gradient :)
Hehe, thanks a lot!
Just started getting into the world of product photography, received my first job 2 weeks ago and now I've found your channel. You have been such an amazing help and motivator for my new side hustle. Coffee is KING!!!
Happy to help! Thanks for the kind words!
I love that you talked about pricing. I get that from clients too. Like I just have a camera and a desk lamp. I also have 20 years experience, insurance, studio rent, equipment maintenance ....
I love what you do and how you talk through your setups. Thanks Martin!
Thanks! Yes it's frustrating to deal with inexperienced photo buyers.
So much good info! Thanks Botvidsson!!
😃🙏🏻 Thanks!
It's so true, watches can be complicated to shoot, but so cool when they're done! I appreciated this tutorial a lot🤗
Thanks 🙏🏻😃
This is my favorite video of yours so far! I also love how you tell the truth in the beginning about pricing. Clients often have no idea how much work goes into making high-end product shots. To be honest 1k per day is still very cheap for that kind of work. Well done!
Thanks! Yes, it's like charging for your time, not the work and skills = no profit
I love how much detail you go into. Great video. I'd love to do more product photography while I'm trapped inside. Now I need to find some products that don't look too well used...
Thanks. I always shoot stuff that I just bought before I start using them... guess that's hard now when you're trapped inside...
Shooting a watch is just a different beast all together. Nicely done my friend!
Indeed! 😃😃😃🙏🏻
Totally agree on how tough and frustrating macro watch work can be ...but compared to macro videography of a watch movement it's a walk in the park...if you could walk in the park these days...Great work and thanks for sharing...
Yes, agree. That is crazy hard! Thanks!
Never watched a 20 min video before, first time and it's totally worth it :)
That's very good for the channel statistics 🤣 Thanks 🙏🏻😃
Martin, That was one of your better tutorials!, Even though Watches are hard to do, What one learns from this Tutorial is how to use lighting and how to Block certain areas of lighting, So much is gained for future use on other product shoots, not just watches. I love how you have added the details of the products or materials you use. Very helpful!
I'm sending you a NON-Covid19 cup of coffee! Stay safe my friend. Also, what brand and where can one get those black metal frames that hold the diffusion material? If they are not crazy expensive, I would like to get about three of them.
Thanks 🙏🏻😃 Under the video you'll find an Amazon link to my "shop", I have them there, Matthews steel frames. I must add that they are not the best solution for adding diffusion, hard. I just use gaffa.
Outstanding work as always, Martin!! Thank you.
Thanks 🙏🏻😃
Love your watch work. I also love the challenge of photographing metalic and glass objects.
Thanks so much James.
Very interesting and informative, thank you! 😀
I'd love to see that too!
Thanks!
What craftsmanship!!!! Bravo......This is the great paradox of the 21st Century.....companies don't want to pay for art. You have created art. I take photos of watches for fun. And when I look at what I get vs what you get it is night and day. These images you "create" are so worth $1000......companies today leave no money aside for good marketing. GREAT IMAGE......thanks for inspiring me
Well said! Thanks mate!
Great video! amazing as always. Thank you very much!
😃🙏🏻 Thanks!
Now, this will blow our mind i think !
It's easier than it looks maybe, only 12 hours shooting 🤣🤣🤣
@@botvidsson usual time 🤷😃
@@Joker1531993 Indeed!
Excellent
Thanks!
Amazing man, amazing job, amazing video, thank you so much!
Thanks a lot!
Not able to find accurate words to praise your knowledge which you deliver through your tutorials videos. I have learnt so much from your tutorials. Thank you so much for being there and teaching us. God bless you. I am definitely gonna try this. Once again, thank you.
So nice of you. Means a lot to hear that. Thanks a million!
another great tutorial, thank you bro! A big hug from italy. Stay safe!
Hugs from Sweden!
Thank you for the video! We need more tutorial like this :)
😃🙏🏻 Thanks! Great to hear!
Very nice collection of Ardbeg!
Well spotted!
I thought I knew watch photography... until I watched this video haha. Good stuff, man! Do you think you will ever do a car photography video?
Yes! Me and a friend are planning to do a Tesla shoot when Covid-19 madness is over.
This was very informative, thanks.
@@seanmacleod470 you’re very welcome
Amazing! Thank You! That green is nice I think :)
A bit spicy and cool yes? 😃
@@botvidsson Yes and it's matches overall in blueish theme from many videos. And it looks serious on video about scary watch photography :D
😃 great!
Great work! Watches are double tough for sure.
Agree! Thanks 🙏🏻😃
@@botvidsson I'm surprised you're not using some sort of focusing rail considering you shoot so many watches. Maybe upstairs?
@@aesthetic_mfr Haha, yes upstairs in the big studio. When shooting watches I always use my Hasselblad and tilt/shift adapter + Rhino motorised glide track, sometimes manually focusing. Easier with Hasselblad lenses. On the channel I want to use more accessible tools from time to time so people don't get so pissed off 🤣
@@botvidsson We're just jealous man. I appreciate you holding back on using that sort of gear. Must be difficult for you to have it and then deliberately tie your hands behind your back. Equally as difficult as last weeks catalog white episode. You did a good job teaching the lesson but how boring it must have been for you. You do a lot for us and many of us really appreciate it. Thanks man!
Very kind words, thanks a lot!
Nice work, I'am learning a lot and with this situation I'am doing some studio work, was planning to shot a watch with 3 strobes. Will see what the out come is.
Thanks. Great to hear, please share the result in the Facebook group if you like to get some feedback. facebook.com/groups/botvidsson
Will you do a retouching video of this image?
Yes, that's the plan.
Thank you for the useful tutorial. Great result
Thanks for watching!
Thanks Martin. I was keen to see this one, as I am a watch dealer here in Canada. I carry several brands, which affords me the fun of having the best of props. But as you said, they are very complicated to photograph. I enjoyed the video very much - thank you!
Fantastic to hear Pat! Thanks 🙏🏻😃
Realy nice Video i Love your worke!
Thanks!
Clients are like: "1000 euros for a shot? You just need to press a button"
Exactly! 🤣🤣🤣
Alright “smart client” then why don’t YOU do that and let me know how it works for you. 🤣🤣🤣
@@botvidssonyou can reply: so press the button yourself then.
Very interesting! Thank you very much!
Glad you liked it!
Amazing tutorial! I just got hired to produce 2-3 photos of about 70 watches so I found this very helpful!
Glad it was helpful! 😃
You're the best, buddy. Thank you so much. Cheers from a coffee supporter. :)
HUGE thanks for the support!
Beautiful !!! good humor
Thanks 😊
thank you for this video. my question is how did you put the watch like that? what tools did you use?
I used a regular A-clamp and clamped it at the clasp, I also put some soft material so I did not damage the watch. 😃🙏🏻 Thanks!
Amazing work. Magical.
😃 Thanks!
Gosh, what a shame i couldnt be here on time. Great video as always, its most anticipated thing by me in these hard times. Watching You is always inspiring!
Huge thanks!
Dude / Sir / Master / Mister... Outstanding! Love your knowledge / quirkiness / tone / vibe. You should have a zillion more subscribers and a gazillion more views! Subscribed.
Wow, thanks! Very kind words.
Martin thank you so much for shooting your Rolex on one of our straps. Great tutorial and we will be putting some commercial work your way very soon. Many thanks
Lee! The strap looks awesome!
@@botvidsson thank you my friend
@@botvidsson Your photography makes it look more awesome!!!
So much information, Thanks a lot for this video
So nice of you. Thanks!
Amazing shoot and BTS video as usual!!! What kind of polarising filter you put in front of the camera? Also the light should be polarised?🙏 thanks
Thanks Carlo! Under the video you'll find the pol filter in my Amazon shop
Thank you for you helpful tip in taking product photography pictures, I am learning how to do product photography and every time I watch one of your tutorials it helps me , the next time I am taking a picture, I follow your rules in set up and see what each light does . thank you
You are so welcome!
Thank you, I am the same as you who shoot watches every day, but there are a few skills I will have to learn from you, especially how to handle light. Wishing your youtube channel and your work grow strongly from Vietnam
Thanks a lot!
Love your work. Next time, can you please include photoshop edit as well.
Thanks! I will do a separate video for THE POST
I shoot watches for a living. You were on point during the whole process. Good Job.
Thanks!
Great job 👍 🥇
Thanks 🙏🏻😃
This is absolutely incredible knowledge, provided at no cost wow 🤯 thanks!!
Glad it was helpful!
Bella!!!
Grazie mille!
Senior @@botvidsson as always Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Coffee Supporter here!! Thank you for all of the videos! On focus stacking - what is the in-camera process you use? Are you focusing through the viewfinder or using the back of the camera touchscreen?
Hi Stephen and thanks for supporting the channel!
I look through the viewfinder. This is not the best way to do it, will not be that precise. I wish I could use CaptureOne software and change the focus there. Have not find a way to make it work with Canon, maybe someone know here if it is possible to make it work with Canon. I think it works with Sony.
botvidsson thank you for the reply! I shoot Canon too (but use Lightroom for tether). I have a commercial client (women’s shoe manufacturer) and I have done some focus stacking using both viewfinder and back of screen (I also shoot a 5DMIV) and neither is perfect.. lol... easier for landscape as you don’t need to be a precise. Thanks as always!!!!
Ah, now I remember that I could not stack this watch photo. I tried HeliconFocus and Photoshop.. you will see this in the post video. I have a motorised slider that I should use, then it will be 100% perfect. I used that slider on the Super Macro Shot of a bee on the channel. Very expensive solution though.
I use to use Lightroom before a lot, maybe it's possible to control the focus from Lightroom when shooting tethered... probably not.
@@botvidsson Why don't you use Helicon Remote for stacking? It's automated so you can sit back and drink coffee, or a beer :)
@@wearevideoelements What is that? Something I can buy extra for Helicon?
Thank for the warning to stay away from watches... but thanks to you, I loved to take a watch photograph. It's complicated, attentions to details... it's very challenging for me, because I only have 3 speedlights and home made diffuser and reflectors. But I am enjoyed it... Thank you! after a long time (since 2008) I have dive into photography, I've found what I am passion about in this field.
That’s fantastic to hear. Well it is very challenging but a lot of fun to shoot watches. 🙏🏻
Another great video, thanks! :D
My pleasure!
thank you!
Thanks for watching!
Again great tutorial Bot! Are you planning a retouching video about this shot @botvidsson ?
Yes that's the plan. I almost gave up a few times realising it will take forever to clean this used watch, I did my best but it took FOREVER... many many many hours. Never shoot used watches.
This is making me think twice about trying out watches. Focus stacking makes sense. The difficulties of surfaces on watch looks complex. Maybe try out this after doing other products first with a bit more experience. Thanks for showing watches.
Yes, don't start with watches, it can be a bit difficult. 😁
“Maybe you think I’m crazy. Of course I’m crazy! No one will shoot for twelve hours.” Dina videor är det bästa.
Tack som fan! 🤣🤣🤣
wow, ihve set reminder on
Great!
Great photoshoot
Thanks 🙏🏻😃
Hey martin, just finished watching its only popped up tonight ,that's you tube for you,lot of hard work but super cool image again,admire your skill well done man!!!
Thanks a million 👽
Snyggt! Men man vill ju se redigeringsprocessen med! ☺️
Kommer!
Hi,
I'm starting out with watchphotography and bought myself a Canon 5D Mk 1 and a Sigma 105mm lens.
I tried taking picture and adjusting the white balance like you explained in the Redbull can video, but I'm not getting the results I'm looking for.
If I would invest in lighting, what would you recommend for someone on a budget?
Would you use a flash, strobe or continuous lighting? Umbrellas, soft box or diffusion panels?
Many thanks!
Arno
I always suggest strobe, try finding 2 used flashes (Godox, Elinchrom or similar) with reflectors and grids+getting some diffusion material. Skip soft boxes and umbrellas.
Like you say Martin, many people underestimate watch (or any high end product) photography, and hence don't appreciate the price tag we put to the pictures we'r expected to take for them.
stay safe.
It's the world we live in. People deal in sound bites and instagram. As you imply some people don't study and consider 'good enough' as a benchmark. When I look at the investment made, I feel the pricing is fair.
Thanks and stay safe too!
is there some sort of plate that you use to support the watch and the silicone strap? It seems to me that the strap itself could not hold the weight of the watch. There should be some sort of support? Which I assume is being clamped down as well? Is there a support product like this that we can buy? Thanks in advance - love your tutorial!
Thanks! If I remember correct the silicon strap was very stiff so I only clamped the buckle with some cloth to protect if from getting scratched.
Martin. Sorry to spam you!
What are your thoughts on mirror less? I have been thinking about it, but the feel of a DSLR in my hands is something special.
I'd love your thoughts. I know it's a big topic, I know and I dream of hasselblad one day so for me I love my Canon DSLR.
Is it something you have spent time thinking about like all us pros?
I still don't know if I should jump om that train, sooner or later we all have to I guess. I have a small mirror less, the Sony A6300 and I hate it 🤣 Slow autofocus and bad quality on the display, I love to see the "real" world in a DSLR view finder.
It would be interesting to try out the new Canon though...
@@botvidsson I am working with Panasonic G9 and it takes really beautiful shots. Tried Fuji X-T3 and it is even more amazing. :)
Yes, fantastic cameras. Would love to test the out.
how did you go about pushing the nob back in and placing it into the photo? did the watch move? how did that effect your stack?
Yes the watch will move. First I do the main stacking with the crown out, then I do another stacking for the crown shot. Then in Photoshop I will manually place the crown shot in the correct place.
Thanks my friend it’s has been long time... keep it up 👍🏻
Thanks 🙏🏻 How do you mean long time? Latest videos I released once per week 😃
botvidsson 😅 it’s seems that I’m not good follower, i was to happy to see ur video since long time ... i shall hit the 🔔 😘
Yes, hit that bell! 😃 Thanks!
thanx for sharing! do you use constant or impulse light? what is preferable?
Always strobe light, so much more power.
@@botvidsson thank you sir!
How did you rig the watch to stay in the position?
I used some foam for protection and holding the watch with an A-clamp attached to a c-stand
@@botvidsson what about clock face?
@@Salawatov.mp4 What about the face?
Galet bra! 👌🏼
Det krävs verkligen en hel del arbete bakom en sån här bild!
Köper du savage translum från amazon, eller finns det någon säljare i sverige som har dom, eller motsvarande?
Har svarat två gånger nu... varför ser jag inte mitt svar UA-cam!!?!?!
Jag köper i Nederländerna
@@botvidsson Tack så mycket! 👍🏼
Hey, can you give some advices for food photography?
Team up with a pro chef to get stunning looking food. Then use a beautiful surface and a big light source from behind.
How would you mount a watch with a link strap?
I use steel wire, thick, and put it inside the link. That watch holders in plastic you see in watch stores are also great.
botvidsson awesome thanks for the tip! I’m about to do a shoot for a new watch company in my area so this tutorial couldn’t have come at a better time
@@philipandrews5738 Believe it or not, to mount the watch is one of the trickiest part, so I understand your question very well 😃
Thanks for this video, adding a polarizer filter was a hit! Yes, I think watch photography is one of the hardest things to do.
It really is! Thanks!
Excellent videos sir! What is that metal frame (above the watch) with the diffusion paper attached to called?
Its probably the Matthews flag frame and the diffusion is Savage Translum Medium weight. You'll find all in my Amazon shop below
@@botvidsson Awesome! Thank you for responding so quickly.
I just found out about your channel. I really like the chill and educative vibe to your videos !
Awesome, thank you!
Love your videos, is it more challenging shooting watches with an actual background?
Depends, if it's not a macro shot it's easier I think, then you don't go into the details that much.
Another fantastic video! Thank you for sharing your experiences with cheapskate clients who disappear as soon as they're quoted a reasonable price for their product photography. My experience has been the same. Many clients aren't sophisticated enough to understand how much time, effort and talent it takes to produce beautiful commercial images of products as complex as a watch. I suggest that in the future, before quoting your price for a watch photography gig, you should send the potential client a link to this video, then discuss your price.
Hehe, great idea!
There is nothing more uninspiring then inexperienced image buying clients.
Cant wait for this - been wanting to shoot my own watch.
Do it 😃!
Very well presented and most important Coffee gets you though.
Thanks!
Hi and thanks for your videos. what I always asked myself... how large or how small is your studio? maybe 6 x6 meters? Thanks for your answer. Best regards, Alex
🤣 It is actually not a studio, it's my office. Yes, it's something like that 6 by 6 meters 😃
@@botvidsson thank you for the fast answer and greetings from Mannheim, Germany :) (where the streets have no name :) )
That's where U2 should have recorded there music video Where The Streets Have No Name then...
(But the blocks have names yes?)
@@botvidsson this is right. The blocks are named like a chess game. Not 100% but in this way... With letters and numbers.
I recently did a shoot for a watch seller who specialises in aftermarket sales, I had 12 watches with a total combined value of about £250k LOL
Wish I would have seen this earlier! :)
Do you have a video on your focus stacking procedure?
I have a speed retouch video for this watch. Look under retouching playlist
Thanks man you are a total help ❤️
Happy to help!
Belissimo!
Tack Sune!!
hey, I just found your channel recently and love your videos! great video as usually :D how do you make the focus stacking on camera, do you hand focus? or focus using the software on the computer?
With the Canon I hand focus but that is not a good way, hard. I might get the Helicon Remote so the software will do it by auto.
I think you should do a video where you rate other people sent photos ;)
I just started a FB.group! Photos posted in the group will be critiqued by me in a new series of UA-cam videos. JOIN! facebook.com/groups/botvidsson/
Would it be advisable to reduce the number of focus stack shots with using a tilt lens?
I would say in general yes. Maybe not advisable because it WILL be less photos thanks to the tilt function.
Hi
From what i can read online when using a polarizing filter you will need a natural source of light or polariserende film in front of strobes(which seems to be expensive) but you do it with diffusers here and clearly got it to work.
Please help my confusion
It is often enough with just a Pol filter on the camera, it all depends on where the light comes from, what angle.
If your light comes from a "bad" angle you can add the pol filter on the light, this might help you more.
At some point I will do a proper pol filter video tutorial, both lens and light pol filters.
There are TWO steps : first you CREATE the polarising light, with a polarising film on the light itself (flash), then you use this already polarised light with a CPL filter on the camera lens.
Very very nice
Thanks a lot
WooHoo!
Hehe 😜
@@botvidsson That is one beautiful image ... :-)
WAITING!!!!
😃🙏🏻
Great video! Love your work. quick question...do you use Photoshop to focus stack or other software?
For this shot Photoshoot worked best but I do normally use HeliconFocu
I have a speed retouch video on the channel for this watch
A while back I photographed our college bell tower for a cable TV logo with the hands set to 4:20. No one ever noticed. ;)
I guess it looked like one hand then? Disaster!! 😂
@@botvidsson Do you understand what 4:20 is? It’s the international pot smoking time. Wasn’t sure if it is a joke where you are.
@@landydrvr71 No I’m not so much into drug terms. 😀 but now I learned something new and yes… very funny!
Bring it! I'm waiting. LOL
😃🙏🏻
can't you use like f11-16 instead of focus stacking, and just add more light, slower shutter, higher ISO?
No, when you're this close no aperture will do. That is if you like to have the whole watch in focus.
@@botvidsson OK.
At f/16 you would probably get (depends on lens model, cheaper lenses diffracts even on bigger aperture like) lens diffraction. And you do not want to open that can of worms :)
@@djwizby diffraction starts from the edges and in this case you couldn't care less) But on most L lenses it's a still usable aperture for sharp edge to edge landscapes. It might work with 100mpx on Medium Format and by just cropping in))
Can of worms... 🤣🤣🤣