photographing mugs

[Paul]

cheap but efective


then photoshop: ctrl+M
rest can be done there.

[Andrew]

You can buy a cheap light box from places like Maplins..... less than a tenner. A tripod is also of great help for a crisp image. One of the key things to make the images look proffesional is to keep a constant angle from where the shots are taken. If you are taking just one photo of several mugs then that doesn't apply. We usually set up the mug with handle left and right then a centre shot to show the full wrap. I've got quite a few images if you need any examples/ideas.

[Paul]

i must say i never used tripod for my tent work. I got one but dont like to use it. everything i want to show is different and it need diferent angle. but i do agree if you photographing mugs you should stick to one angle for more pro look

[sarahjayne]

thanks everyone - lots of food for thought. I've been meaning to make one of those DIY boxes for ages Paul but I was going to light it from the top - not sure why, but perhaps indirect light would be best.
I am hopeless with photoshop, so need to get it pretty good straight from camera - I do have a tripod, so will dig that out. Bidding on some pop up banner stands and then it's mugs away.
And thanks for the offer of photographic help listawood but I'm rather far away.

[sarahjayne]

thanks - will try this.

lighting is importnant when getting proper depth and feel, you could easily make a single coloured lined (cloth, paint or vinyl) display box for photographing mugs, lit from the say 4 position on a clock (assuming mug is straight ahead at 12, and photographer at 6) this should give a nice shadow and depth which can be played with in photoshop and easily removed during post processing.

[Paul]

Sarah! get in touch with Justin! he may have a pro tent for sale
and you are right. Light from above is better

regards to your PS skills unfortunatly you wll need some basic ones as i dont think you can get pro results stright from the camera.

[sarahjayne]

Sarah! get in touch with Justin! he may have a pro tent for sale
and you are right. Light from above is better

regards to your PS skills unfortunatly you wll need some basic ones as i dont think you can get pro results stright from the camera.

Have PM'd Justin and by chance the local "deal of the day" was a 2 hour photography course in Galway, so treated myself, as I depend on auto setting far too much. I have photoshop cs3 but never got to grips with it much - I have the how to book as well, so I guess I just need to find the time to knuckle down and learn - I tend to use photofiltre and publisher for everything, I tried drawing in PS once and just got nowhere. Anyhow, here's hoping I am on the way to my own professional DIY mug shots!

[smitch6]

there was talk once that Paul would give us lessons on PS

[Paul]

Iam not best in ps but if i can help then i will. Better then book i think.... Book cover far to muh. Is great for somone want to edit photos etc but for simple things youtube is better. Or jist give me a shoit and i will try help.

[Martinx]

For a bit of inspiration, check out the link below!

Scroll down and check out the poster. LOVE IT!

www.smashingmagazine.com/2011/10/26/the-smashing-coffee-mug-photo-contest-best-entries/