My second actual "gig"...... Wall finishes

[Stradawhovious]

I have a friend who runs his own business. He and his wife do designer wall finishes and murals. Not just any finishes though.... these are HIGH class finishes. His bei issue is that they didn't have any really nice photos for their web site. He said that they could never seem to get the texture to "pop" in any of the photos they took..... so I decided to give it a shot. I had a lot o fun with this. The big test was to be able to see the depth of the finish in a photograph, which proved to be a fun challenge. I used an SB-600 into an umbrella, and a reflector. I can't wait to see what they have to say about them. All in all there were over 100 sample boards they wanted photographed, here are the first few I did.

And no, I didn't get or ask for any payment for this. They are welcome to use the images if they would like, but my only payment is experience.

C&C is welcome.

50mm @ f/8
1/125
ISO 100


1.

DSC_4827 by Stradawhovious, on Flickr

2.

DSC_4804 by Stradawhovious, on Flickr

3.
[URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61095014@N03/5565841901/"]
[/URL]DSC_4799 by Stradawhovious, on Flickr

4.

DSC_4891 by Stradawhovious, on Flickr

5.

DSC_4755_01 by Stradawhovious, on Flickr

 

[C C]

The last one shows the texture really well :thumbup:
number 4 seems like it would be really tough to take a picture of

 

[Vinny]

I think that the finishes may have to be taken at an angle to show what they are.

 

[Stradawhovious]

I think that the finishes may have to be taken at an angle to show what they are.

I guess I don't understand. They are pictures of 1' x 2' sample boards, not actual walls. The "clients" (my friend and his wife) were very specific in what wanted. These will be posted on their website as virtual samples. Were they actual walls I would bet there are much better ways of handling it.

Along those lines, they hinted at asking me to photograph their more impressive jobs in the future..... I'm really looking forward to it

 

[Trever1t]

good deal!

 

[Vinny]

Didn't read the sample board part ...

I think that the finishes may have to be taken at an angle to show what they are.

I guess I don't understand. They are pictures of 1' x 2' sample boards, not actual walls. The "clients" (my friend and his wife) were very specific in what wanted. These will be posted on their website as virtual samples. Were they actual walls I would bet there are much better ways of handling it.

Along those lines, they hinted at asking me to photograph their more impressive jobs in the future..... I'm really looking forward to it

 

[Stradawhovious]

Didn't read the sample board part ...

Yeah, I didn't make it very clear either. You're right though, if they were actual walls, a straight on shot would certainly not be the first choice. :thumbup:

 

[jlw]

Looks good. When they get some of that up on a wall and you get good angle shots to really show the texture and character of the work be sure to post them!

 

[Stradawhovious]

Looks good. When they get some of that up on a wall and you get good angle shots to really show the texture and character of the work be sure to post them!

I'm looking forward to this. There would be quite a bit of travel involved for some of them, but I can't help but think it would be worth it. You never know, if I get my poop in a group, and nail this type of thing down, it might just go somewhere.

I have a lot to learn before that day comes though. Good thing these folks are patient and understanding.

 

[behanana]

I don't know if it would be posible or even worth it, but on a board like #4, where the texture is difficult to see would it be possible to put a sample of plain drywall next to it as a contrast? Or, could you take a shot of a plain dry wall and put the samples together in post production, it might show off the texture alittle more. Like I said, this may not add to anything, but might be worth a shot. As far as doing the work for free, like my dad always told me knowledge is one thing nobody can ever take away from you, no matter where you go. So no work is ever done for free, you may just not make any money on the job.

 

[Stradawhovious]

I don't know if it would be posible or even worth it, but on a board like #4, where the texture is difficult to see would it be possible to put a sample of plain drywall next to it as a contrast?

Not a bad idea. I willl run it by them and see what they say. The only thing I can think of is that if the texture doesn't easily and clearly show up in the photo, I'm not doing my job. #4 is by far the most subtle of the bunch, and I agree that the texture doesn't jump out a much as the rest. Maybe in addition to bringing up the option of having a side by side example, I will also try to find a better way to light it.

As far as doing the work for free, like my dad always told me knowledge is one thing nobody can ever take away from you, no matter where you go. So no work is ever done for free, you may just not make any money on the job.

Your Dad is a smart, smart man. You are correct. It was far from free, just free from money. I only made a point of it in the OP because I'm FAR from pro, and there is usually some online chest puffing over non-pros charging for their services.

I wanted to nip that in the bud before it bloomed into a rancid intrawebs stink-blossom of angst.

 

[baturn]

Maybe shoot another light straight across the surface?

 

[Stradawhovious]

Maybe shoot another light straight across the surface?

The thought crossed my mind. The only problem is that I was using everything I have at the moment. I'm within an inch of getting a second light, but life keeps getting in the way of me buying new toys.

Dammit.

They did offer to buy a second speedlight for me, but I declined. I don't feel comfortable taking payment of any kind from friends at this stage in the game.

They did, however feed me my fill of food and high test bourbon. I allowed that......