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Last week I had a local Photographer come over and shoot both of my most recent guitars. He just sent me one shot via email, I get the CD of over 150 shots later today. I'm going to be bouncing ideas off you all here, as to back ground colors, angles, details etc for my website. All the images were shot in front of a piece of drywall, white background. John, the photographer is going to underlay background colors and textures using Photoshop, until I find something that works with my guitars/style and website.

Here is a little example.

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

Lance,
The clarity and focus on the guitar itself is stunning.
I'm wondering how well the similar colored background works though. On one hand, it seems to make you focus on the instrument, wood grain and details more so than if it were white. But, be careful it doesn’t look too unnatural.
It is real easy to make things look strange by plugging in backgrounds and adding shadows with Photoshop.

Wade

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Wade
Nashua, NH
http://www.wadefx.com

Wade, your correct, that background was just the first shot, he has lots of different ideas. Actually the croping was done quick like too, this is just to "Get an idea" of what he's doing. So far im happy!

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

Looks great. I like the similarity of background and topwood. Your website photos have always impressed me.

He defiantly captured the instrument.
I hope to play one of yours one day Lance!
I can't wait to see more.
Are you planning on some mp3 files too?

Wade

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Wade
Nashua, NH
http://www.wadefx.com

MP3's are in the future for at least the last two guitars, the LS Coco Om, and this one. Matter of fact, the owner of this guitar has a deal in Nashville for later this summer, he/ME is hoping to use this guitar for that recording.

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

I got to play Lance's guitars at ASIA and it was great fun. You build a great guitar Lance.

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Tickle your guitar daily, and it'll tickle you back.

Lance, the detail and crispness looks really nice. As someone else said though, I don't think I'm too crazy for that particular background.

Are you able to share what kind of $$$ it cost to have someone do this kind of work?

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Dave Rector
Rector Guitars

[QUOTE=Dave Rector]
Are you able to share what kind of $$$ it cost to have someone do this kind of work?[/QUOTE]
Looks great Lance
I am curious as to cost as well

The cost is still unsettled, as the photographer usually does weddings and family's, this was his first "guitar" shoot. Ill give you all the details after the entire process is done.

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

Lance,
I like the types of pictures he is taking. But I think the images are too dark, and the background of course needs more contrast. Maybe a dark blue, purple, or black may be better. My friend is also a professional photographer that does weddings and he as shot some of my guitars, but so far I haven't been real happy with them. He just needs more experience shooting inanimate objects. Playing with the lighting and reflections takes talent. I wish you the best. I really loved playing this guitar at ASIA. It was one of the best guitars I played while I was there!
Tracy

Lance,

I've gotta agree, it's all too dark. The guitar doesn't stand out, and, on this computer anyway, I can't make out much grain at all in the sides.

Carlton

Lance:

I have been shooting lots of pictures of mine lately and the thing that I noticed in your pictures are the shadows. He needs to move the guitar away from the background and use a fill light bounced off of an umbrella to soften the shadows. Shadows can work for you or against you. The fill light will help to warm the wood and show it better from the side. I am no expert my any means as I am just learning the hard way. Here is an excellent photo resource for do - it - your - self-ers.

http://www.bunnybass.com/e-zine/phototips/intro.shtml

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tim...
http://www.mcknightguitars.com

Well, I'm going to be a maverick here. If the art is to be used for a website or brochure where text will bleed into the photo, I think these pix will work great, especially the full shot of the guitar. The first three are more accent shots, but that last pic would make a great website/magazine/brochure cover IMO.

Lance, shooting a glossy surface--like someone has already said--can be maddening. For instance, I think you might want to get the reflection off the peghead.
The fellow who has shot some of mine is a whiz at this, and getting better all the time. He has a real deep studio where he can get things so far away from the guitar that there are no reflections. Well, at least that can't be worked around.

All that said--they look really nice, and I know you're proud!

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

I really like that guitars top and bindings.What wood is the binding?Great job Lance! I'm sure the photography will work out with such a nice instrument.





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Dave A.

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

I think for his "first" time shooting a guitar, he did pretty well. I think the suitability of the background depends on the ultimate use of the photos. I like the way he has the light play off the guitar in the full view.

I think someone else mentioned that if text were to bleed into the photo etc... I agree. You have created a mood more than being stark, clinical shots of the guitars and the features thereof. For my money, it works.

I too, would be interested in knowing what he charges for the finished product.

Steve Brown

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and comments, thats just what I was looking for, fresh ideas to work on.
Ill keep ya posted as we mull through all the pictures and decide on a theme for them.

LK

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

Lance great start on those pics, we all know how hard it is to get a decent picture.

also I was just on your site for the forst time in about a year, its looking great bud.

that little cut-away parlour guitar is coming along nicely, cant wait to see that one bud.

Matt