Intro: Changing my edge • Watch photography

[SharpByCoop]

Hi guys,

I might as well start here as my first post. I'm Jim Cooper, and I'm a professional photographer...

...of Handmade Custom Knives.

I've been shooting knives for over ten years and have gotten quite a following in this niche market. Like watch photography, there are good techniques which show clearly, and GREAT techniques which enhance and create desire. At present, I don't know great watch photography techniques, but I'm learning.

I own a handful of decent watches too, and have been playing around. Let's take a look:





That said, I am now collecting and refurbishing an array of vintage mechanical stopwatches. I have about 30!



(I'll be starting a thread in another forum to discuss these.)

I have good equipment to start with:

Canon EOD5D-MKII, 70mm Sigma macro lens, light tent, two strobes, and an array of mirrors. Photoshop CS5 and a Mac w/30" Dell monitor.

I'm well-aware of GREAT watch photography, and props to those who have figured that out. You guys rock. As always, it's about the lighting.

I have more, but this is a conversation starter.

Allow me to show you one of my knife photographs. I think you'll enjoy this aspect.

[edited by moderator]

^^^ I've got over 6500 images in this format. YIKES!

Anyway, I wanted to give you a taste of my work, and a proper introduction.

Thanks. I look forward to the conversations and learning. :)

Jim

[markot]

Excellent photos. Looking forward to see more :)

[moky]

awesome post!
regarding that custom knife you posted, what's that little peg on the blade for?

[SharpByCoop]

Thanks guys. That post is a thumbstud. You hold the closed knife and open the blade with your thumb through a pivot rotation, until it locks.

Once open you use your thumb again to release the lock (accessed in the little cutaway area near the pivot), while using your forefinger to carefully put pressure on the blade to close.

Move your thumb away while you close it fully, and you can open and close it completely with one hand. Knife guys will do this for hours watching TV! LOL!

Coop

[ancient_mariner]

Great photos, I am looking forward to see more of them.

[zephyrnoid]

Friends! Jim Cooper is a GOD in the knife photography world. I have been a member of several knife forums and as a small time knife designer and shooter can attest to his extraordinary skills. Jim. Anything that I can do to further your watch photography- let me know. No one knows everything so it's all in the spirit of sharing.
Watches are very similar to knives with respect to photography- with the added challenge of different reflections and some movement.
Have fun, we can't wait to see more of your watch pics. Watchuseek is one of the best places to be for all this.

[AnitoKid]

I have been a long-time lurker here. And I totally enjoy the forum.
I just made it official and registered, updated my profile, and all.

As my first post, please allow me to say that I totally love your pictures!
And I kid you not! Looking forward to seeing more of 'em.




AnitoKid

[Isdaako]

Very impressive. Any chance you could photograph your "studio" while shooting and of course then show the final result.

[Megalo Milo]

I'd say you're off to a good start. Nice, clear, simple photos. Looking forward to more.

[The1]

great job! I'm looking forward to seeing lots more. And great knife shots, those are some crazy knives.

what are you using for flashes? or are you using lamps along side your light tent? Or both even....