Top Knife Photography Tips
March 6, 2014
When photographing your knives, think diagonals and curves, knife photography experts say.
Last week, we filled you in on the essential tools you’ll need to snap great shots of your favorite knives. This week, we’re adding some technique tips to help assure your pictures won’t turn out fuzzy, shadowy, washed out or dotted with hotspots. Grab your camera and let’s get started…
- Fill the frame: Even if you’re not a classic film fan, you’ve probably heard the famous line, “I’m ready for my closeup, Mr. DeMille.” That Norma Desmond (Sunset Boulevard, 1950) might have been crazy, but she clearly knew the value of a great photo – one that fills the frame with its subject, focusing attention on its glorious detail. Such is the case when you’re photographing your bladed beauty. Don’t let your knife get lost I a sea of background or a clutter of extra props. Instead, place it on a solid background, zoom in close and focus.
- Go diagonal and curvy: Diagonal lines and curves are far more dynamic to the human eye than are vertical or horizontal lines. Plus, the diagonal corner-to-corner dimension of the frame is longer than the straight side-to-side dimension, allowing more of your frame to be filled with your subject rather than the background.
- Snap a side view: The profile (side view) of your knife will show off the most design-wise, including the shapes of your knifes’ blade and handle, their proportional sizes, patterns, engravings and construction technique.
Do you have additional tips you’d like to share with fellow knife enthusiasts? Post them on the Sarge Knives Facebook Fan Page.
