Paul:

I would like to "grab" this posting, and give it a more permanent home, on my new "Thoughts" / blog section of OnTheDash -- http://www.onthedash.com/thoughts/

Here's the request: can you suggest a couple of your absolute favorite watch photos, that you would like to highlight on such a page?

[And here's the non-request (that I thought about, but will not make): Any chance we could see a photo of your set-up? how the lights are placed, etc.? Is "Photo Set-Up -- Lesson Two" still relevant or has it been superceded?]

Jeff

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

: Hi Rob, as requested:

: Camera - Nikon D300 on tripod with cable release and mirror lock-up
: (reduces vibration at shutter release)
: Lens - Nikkor 105mm & 55mm AiS macro (old type manual focus)
: with Nikon PK-13 & PN-11 extension tube for extra close-up
: shots. 55mm used 90% of the time.
: Setting - RAW, aperture to suit, shutter speed as required
: Lighting - 4 x 600x600mm surface mounted fluorescent fittings
: fitted with daylight balanced tubes (one on each side of the
: subject, one below and one above) and all covered with trace to
: diffuse the light. These fittings are commercial units often
: found in suspended ceilings but the surface mounted variety,
: which sit nicely on the worktop. More often than not I use just
: one sidelight and lots of reflectors (bits of white card and
: paper including a piece around the lens). It can get a bit messy
: at times. Also lots of blue-tack to hold things in place.
: Processing - Photoshop CS4 (the final and crucial ingredient).
: Elements is also good and much cheaper. Besides the basics
: (cropping, levels & sharpening) the colour balance is
: essential because the lights give a cold blue/cyan light, which
: is easily sorted in PS.

: I have a "studio" set up which is basically a 900mm wide
: cupboard with a worktop.

: Regards
: Paul
: www.heuerworld.com