Handmade knives

Goal: The maker of these knives asked for some photographs that could be used to show his work and for his social media.

Challenge(s): Capture details that demonstrate the uniqueness of each piece. Provide final edits that reflect the period of the design. Show tool marks. Light for texture and shiny metal at the same time.

Solution: Lighting for both knives was essentially the same: A large light overhead but to the rear with a large diffuser between the light and subject, and a white reflector low in front to kick light back to the shadow areas. This provides a natural light direction and some raking light to get the different textures to show up and help show tool marks. The background and deck were the same neutral color that provides a couple advantages: there’s no odd color casts back on the subject, and it makes editing in post easier and consistent.

Result: A series of high quality images showing all sides of the each knife. Large and small details of the craftsmanship and use of materials display well because of the lighting choices. Backgrounds, color choices, and other editing choices match the period of their design. These photographs could be used for social media, advertisements, flyers, cards, and more.