Katana Images

[kissakai]

Hi

Is there anyone in the UK that can take full sized images of a katana or an oshigata?

With having children about I don't have my katana on display so it would be nice to have a framed image I could display instead

I do not want to ship my katana out of the UK

[Stephen]

Grev 

 

Id just check with local photographer, i did a local search of them, picked one whos work looked good and went to his studio, email them with links of swords who's photos styles  you like, my guy took it on as a challenge to bring out the subtleties of the sword.

[Kronos]

Stephen do you have any images of photo's they took you can share. I was always under the impression Nihonto photography was kind of a specialist thing where most normal photographers wouldn't have a clue how to take shots as good as Darcy or some of the big Japanese dealers.

[kissakai]

Hi Stephen

It would be nice to see your image

Just an enlarged section of the image to show the activity will be a great indicator

After I posted I remembered that it was stated that a scanned image was better than a photo

[Stephen]

If i ever get the old XP out of blue screen, another reason to take it to geek squad, maybe ill push that date up 

[John A Stuart]

I have seen some good results with a large bed scanner image. John

[Kronos]

If you need any help myself and probably some other forum members are fairly handy with computer's Stephen. Just send me a pm.

[Ken-Hawaii]

Grev, I've posted a number of links that can help you with photography, but they assume that you are using a digital SLR camera with lenses that can be changed out. Using a macro lens really helps to bring out details, but lighting is really the key to getting superb shots. Do you have that type of camera, or are you just shooting with a phone?

Ken

 

[Baka Gaijin]

Hi Grev.,

 

If you don't feel it appropriate to do the shoot yourself, the easiest way is to look for a local commercial photographer who specialises in pack shot and product photography.

 

Take some internet images of the style of photography you want and the rest should be a breeze.

 

Reflective surfaces are reflective surfaces whether they are on a sword or a Rolex makes no odds if you are trying to show subtle aspects of detail.

 

I speak here with certainty, having in my previous career incarnation, been a Cinematographer specialising in Television and Cinema Commercials for 30 years.

 

Cheers

[kissakai]

Thanks for the help

I have a DSLR but it is the lighting that is the kiler

I'm sure I would need at least 4 lamps and some sort of diffusers and as I only have one sword to photograph it is not worth buying extra equipment

[Baka Gaijin]

Hi Grev.,

 

Normal Tracing paper works a treat to diffuse light.

 

Also don't buy photographic lamps if its a one off, just play about with what you have at home,  LED torches work well to get edge definitions.

 

If you have some black card, you can play about behind and in front of the diffusing material and get quite subtle tones and shadows on the diffuser which will reflect on the surface.

 

Plenty of small grip clamps like the ones used on files will hold the card in place.

 

Prepare to tear your hair but above all enjoy the process of creating the image.

 

  

[Geraint]

Dear Grev.

 

I note that everyone is going down the photo route, may I put in a vote for an oshigata?  There are several benefits to this process and it is something I would encourage you to have a go at for yourself.  I do mine with very basic kit, a variety of pencils, rubbers cut to shape, several old fashioned phone books and a great deal of patience.  The process makes you study the blade as nothing else does and at the end of it, albeit after a few goes, you have an attractive thing which when framed is not only a great way of displaying your sword but is also a great reminder when the time comes for you to pass it on to it's next custodian.

If you do decide to have a go I'd love to see the results.

 

All the best.

[kissakai]

Oshigata would be nice but as an active OAP my hands are just not steady enough

[BenVK]

I'm sure Uwe Grabowski would be willing to offer some advice in regards to photography.

He gave a very interesting lecture in London not long ago which explained the impressive skill and effort that goes into creating proffesional images of Nihonto.

He doesn't take one shot of the whole blade, he takes macro shots of small sections then stitches the images together in photoshop to create one, very high res and detailed image.

 

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/20693-london-calling/

 

http://www.nihontophoto.com/

[CSM101]

Grev already got a PM from me.

 

At the moment I plan to be in London in May 2017 for 5 days. I hope, that there is a meeting in London.

But I can change the dates. No problem.

 

 

Uwe G.