Ironwoods Pen Journey

[Ironwood]

OK, a few more. I cleaned the contacts on the lens, didn't seem to make much difference.
The aperture is set at f16 for all photos (if I can trust what it is saying )
They are all using the circular polariser, I taped it onto the end of the lens, so thats where it stayed.
The first 2 are using a white plastic garbage bag for a tent.

The pens are a ballpoint dressed in Mackay Cedar, and a Rollerball dressed in Australian Ebony.




The next 2 are with the original light tent.
The pens are the Australian Ebony Rollerball, and a Gold Rollerball dressed in Red Beech.



Please let me know what you think.

 

[Ironwood]

Have you tried your kit lens yet? It should do just as well as the macro for this type of work.

I did try it when I first got the camera, but haven't really compared it to the macro lens photos.
I will take a few test shots with the 2 lenses in the same conditions tomorrow.

 

[Eye-level]

Well now the shadows are getting much softer...almost there!

 

[Mr.Smith]

Those pens are lovely.

 

[Ironwood]

Well now the shadows are getting much softer...almost there!

Getting rid of the shadows completely is not as easy as it seemed at first.
Maybe my lightbox needs even more modifications ( its had quite a few already )

Those pens are lovely.

Thankyou Mr Smith.

 

[Eye-level]

I think it may be the top light that is causing you problems but I am not sure and perhaps something just a little more transparent for the tent. Keep stroking though I think you are going to have it soon.

 

[Eye-level]

Take the tent structure out and line the box itself with aluminum foil...get some reflection going on and quit wasting the light...I think that will do it sir.

 

[N_Addy]

I know this thread is focused on the photography but as a fellow turner I have to tip my hat to your pen turning skills. Beautiful work!

 

[fotojack]

I'm wondering.....why are you using a circular polarizer to take these shots? I would think an regular UV filter would suffice.

 

[Ironwood]

Take the tent structure out and line the box itself with aluminum foil...get some reflection going on and quit wasting the light...I think that will do it sir.

I think you are right about the top light, it could probably do with moving a bit closer to the front of the box.

You know, I did think about lining the box with foil a while back, but just didnt get around to doing it. I will set aside some time over the weekend to give it a go.

 

[Ironwood]

I know this thread is focused on the photography but as a fellow turner I have to tip my hat to your pen turning skills. Beautiful work!

Thanks Neal.

 

[Ironwood]

I'm wondering.....why are you using a circular polarizer to take these shots? I would think an regular UV filter would suffice.

Hi Jack, I gave the circ. polarizer a try after it was suggested as a tip in an earlier post by someone to cut down on the reflections.

I am trying to test out all the tips to see if any help improve my photos.

 

[Eye-level]

The polarizer and f16 did improve the snaps IMO...

 

[Ironwood]

Righto, done some changes today.
1- moved the top light towards the front of the box.
2- moved the RH light up about an inch.
3- lined the box with aluminium foil.

Here are some test pics.... they are all straight out of the camera, untouched. ( except to resize so they will upload here )
All are 100 ISO , white balance was the same for all, using the reading I took yesterday.

First 3 are using the kit lens, 18-55mm @55mm with UV filter. F16.



Next 3 are 55mm macro lens with UV filter. f16.



Next lot are 55mm macro lens with circular polarizer. f16



Edit ::: just noticed the first pic in the first series has the pen rolled slightly compared to the other 2 series, so it looks a bit different.

 

[Marilynne]

I like the first pen in the first series and I like the other 2 in the last series. Great job on the pens.

Marilynne

 

[Ironwood]

I went into town yesterday and picked up a range of about 20 different colour and texture paper to use as backgrounds.

Here is a ballpoint I completed today, it features Paua Abalone shell which has been cut into strips and glued to a brass tube, and then cast in clear resin.
I have then turned it to size on the lathe and polished the surface of the resin.
I took a lot of shots with different backgrounds, but narrowed it down to these ones. Thinking about it now, I should have taken one on plain white paper also.

I dont know about anyone else, but I like how on the first one there is a reflection line along the barrel of the pen, the ones laying down are missing this. I may have had the first one positioned further back in the lightbox, but I am not sure.

Click on the pics to enlarge...

 

[Tami Jo]

I like the shots with the dark background, it really showcases the beauty of the pen. At least for the lighter pen coloration's.

 

[Mis Adam]

I enjoy the purple back ground with this pen it brings out the little bit of purple in the coloring.

 

[Ironwood]

I like the shots with the dark background, it really showcases the beauty of the pen. At least for the lighter pen coloration's.

Thanks TJ, I have found most people have a similar view to you.
I have found getting something to use as the background with just the right amount of darkness a bit difficult. It shows up the dust spots well too !!

I enjoy the purple back ground with this pen it brings out the little bit of purple in the coloring.

My Wife says that is her favourite amongst that group as well Misti. But purple is her favourite colour, so that may have a bit to do with it.
But I agree, it does compliment the Paua colours.

 

[Ironwood]

Here is a Bolt Action Pen I completed yesterday, it is the first one of this type I have made.
The bolt moves the refill in and out, so its a bit of a novelty for gun lovers.