A White Post-Holiday

[pixmedic]

In keeping with my recent trend of photographing the wife's vintage sewing machine collection, Here is her most recent acquisition. A White model 764. First introduced at the Worlds Fair in 1964, this machine became known as a "My Fair Lady" and is a very coveted machine among vintage collectors. This one is in very good condition, and has an excellent stitch.

White 764 by pixmedic, on Flickr

 

[Rick58]

Nice lighting

 

[pixmedic]

Nice lighting

thanks!
i tried to give all of these shots basically the same look.
some of the finishes made it tough to match them exactly, but I think i captured the spirit of the idea, if not the technical aspects.

 

[MichaelHenson]

If you don't mind my asking, what does your lighting setup look like? All of these that you've posted look amazing!

 

[pixmedic]

If you don't mind my asking, what does your lighting setup look like? All of these that you've posted look amazing!

my lighting setup has been a closely guarded family secret for generations!
until today....

basically a variation of clamshell lighting. one light on either side angled so it doesn't light the backdrop with juuuuuuust enough power to light the machine.
I keep the lights kinda aimed at the sides of the machine.
machine approx 2 feet in front of black muslin backdrop.
The idea is to light the machine without lighting the backdrop.
These have all had zero noise reduction.

I bring the black channel down in LR to finish off blacking out the backdrop, then adjust contrast, shadows, whites, and highlights a bit to get exposure where i want it without messing up the black background.

I dont know if thats the "best" way to do it...but thats how i have shot all of the sewing machines so far. seems to work ok.

 

[MichaelHenson]

I'd say it works amazing well! I like the clean-ness and moodiness, if that's the right description. Great stuff!

 

[LilyBee]

Yep what the former poster said I also think these would look great in black and white too.