Nihonto Photography

[Rivkin]

I've been trying for a while now to develop a technique(s) to produce detailed images of nihonto and particularly grateful for the recent opportunity to work with a few tanto during the lecture and show held by Chris and Joe. Some really interesting works there!

 

Yes, I will need to take out the background, but all other feedback on photos is appreciated. I really enjoyed seeing Uwe's images on my part.

 

But my megalomaniac nature is such that I am also still looking for any possibility to take pictures (which others can use) of first class blades. Especially interested in Sukehiro, Kiyomaro, ko Bizen, Ichimonji. Working with Masamune or Sadamune always helps.

Locations in Japan are most convenient, but despite some disadvantages of me leading a simple lecturer's life, especially the US, but also Europe are often visited.

 

Kirill R.

 

P.s. I've uploaded the images but I think they show much better in greater resolution.

http://www.historyswords.com/1s.jpg

http://www.historyswords.com/4s.jpg

[Rivkin]

Another one:

http://www.historyswords.com/3s.jpg

[CSM101]

Just GREAT!

 

I will write a little bit more in the evening.

 

 

Uwe G.

[Hoshi]

Stunning. Excellent contrast in these pictures for both the hamon and hada. Bravo. 

 

Why is there a sepia hue, is it a filter?

[CSM101]

In the end I don´t want to write too much. This is just a great work. Two points: white balance and depths.

I would correct it with Adobe Camera Raw. But this is strictly your choice.

 

Thanks for showing those wonderful photos.

 

 

Uwe G.

[Rivkin]

Thank you very much! Yes, I think that without this sepia tint (which was just trying to make it more lively) and going all the way to balanced b&w in the very least it becomes more print-friendly.

 

I've got a few messages regarding the photography. If there is enough interest I can come to Tampa show next month and bring the setup. Its free, the only thing please tell me which blades you are planning to bring - so that I know there is indeed interest on both sides and which lights to use.

 

There was also a question on tight hada, and while I really appreciate working with things like ko Aoe,it is difficult and will take more time.

Not directly related, but still itame and the one I personally like (well the blade was really helpful being great throughout):

 

http://historyswords.com/exsi.jpg

 

Kirill R.

[vajo]

Very nice Kirill thanks for sharing the picture. 

[Ray Singer]

Beautiful work Kirill, thank you for sharing.

[BIG]

Great pics Kirill !

 

Best

[Greg F]

They look excellent Kirill, beautiful details.

 

Greg

[Rivkin]

Thank you very much!

 

Kirill R.

[Soshin]

Nice photos Kirill R.

[TETSUGENDO]

Kirill,

 

Your just about THERE!  

 

-S-

[Gabriel L]

Good detail capture.

IMHO, don't reduce color to B&W unnecessarily. Why throw out real information that helps distinguish features? It's better to learn to control white balance and lighting color properly so you get accurate capture. Use lights with the same color temperature, shoot RAW and use a grey card, photograph against a neutral backdrop and in neutral surroundings.

[Ray Singer]

Additional photos for a sword which was purchased by a friend. Nanbukucho Soshu-den work with hitatsura hamon.

 

* Edit: Kirill apologies for infringing on your post here. I mistakenly posted in this thread rather than the Photography thread I opened. 

[Ken-Hawaii]

Lovely blade, great photos.

[Surfson]

Ray, those are very nice; are you still doing those with a phone or are you using a camera setup?  

[Ray Singer]

Hi Bob, these are taken with a mobile phone.

 

And Kirill, as I noted in my post above apologies for infringing on your post here. I mistakenly posted in this thread rather than the Photography thread I opened. 

[waljamada]

I really like the photos you took. Also the variations in the hamon you captured is wonderful to see. I tried my hand at filming a short video on a blade. My respect to anyone whose figured out the set up/skills to do this well, it's quite tricky. Tried it first with my dslr cameras but my lenses just couldn't do macro well and I couldn't get a good focus. Ended up switching to my cellphone which worked better. Heres the video and a couple pics from my attempt (goal was to photograph the horimono), also the first time I set up a lamp to get direct light on it. I aim to try again with a few swords down the line on a rainy slow day and ill use a solid color background.