Sharing my latest watch photos

Hi all. I've been trying to level up on my watch photography in lighting, use of props and backgrounds, and post processing. These I've posted on my IG (hence the square format), but thought I'd share them here too. Any comments and suggestions are appreciated of course.

3590.50 Speedy

Breitling Top Time 810



Breitling Navitimer Chronomatic 1806

Heuer 1553n



Seiko 6139-6002



IWC IW372701

Breitling Chronomat D13050.1

Nice watches and photos. I think that glare is your remaining issue. Are you using a soft box or any diffusers?

Pretty darn good for not using photo stacking 👍🏼
Focal points can differ, and yeah there is a bit of glare here and there, but still way better than anything I do.

The IWC with the springbar tool is a pretty awesome pic IMO

Appreciate the feedback.

@DaveK My space is limited, so I do all my shots in a studio box exactly like this one. I open the top part partially so it shines some light from the top, which results in a bit of glare. I do like that glare as it gives dimensionality, but I'd like it to be much thinner and harsher. I've been contemplating on getting a small light to use from above (so I can control the distance and intensity better) and even a macro ring that could help eliminate shadows from the camera or lens. Also want the setup to be portable, so need to be extra creative.

@140dave haven't tried stacking yet. It's one of those things that I feel intimidated for no reason at all. I'll take your advice next time I do some shots.

Enhancing the sunburst on dials like the Seiko Pogue is also something I'm looking into improving. I'll take any tips for that.

Gave focus stacking a try with 30 shots merged in Affinity Photo. I imagine 50-70 photos works better and the effect more dramatic when not shooting straight on. Still, not too shabby for a first try.

@SaraCat6742 thank you. As I mentioned here, I have a very simple setup, meant to be portable since I don't have a dedicated room/place for photography. Got a light box exactly like this one where I do all my shooting. It's not the most flexible setup, since you have 3 light sources that are meant to be static, so one needs to be a bit creative. Opening the top partially to limit the light from above to get rid of reflections on the crystal, coming in at a certain angle so the camera and lens don't reflect on the case as a black blob, using a small, narrow photography flashlight to highlight the dial, etc., are some of the things you can experiment on.

And most importantly, keeping the watch and backdrop clean. So close to the object and you'll notice dirt and debris you swore weren't there. I'm thinking of getting an external monitor just to be able to inspect photos better while shooting. Can't count how many times I've had to redo them because of dirt I missed.