I see many WIP photos in these forums, and many have a lot of tools and paints behind the model. I often find it hard to see the model very well, because that stuff can be so distracting. Anyone else bothered by the clutter in those pics?
Personally I use a piece of poster board behind the model. I place the model on the poster board, and let it curve up and rest on the back panel of my bench, where the tools are. The model holds it down. This stuff is pretty cheap, and is just the right weight so it doesn’t wrinkle and fall over the model, but does bend enough to curve up behind the model. If the weight of the model is not enough to hold the posterboard in place, I tape the front/bottom edge to the workbench with a little masking tape.
I must admit that when I do WiP pics, while I clear the actual work area, there is still the items at the back of the bench. I only get the plain background out for the pics of the completed build.
This is an example of one of my normal wiP pics with the max amount of clutter in the background.
Now this sort of thing doesn’t both me, I don’t find it to distracting, but would be nice to know if other find this to much.
That isn’t bad. Some do a flat side shot with the model further away and closer to the junk behind it. And, there is not much DIRECTLY behind it. I think we need to be conscious of what is behind unless we use a plain background. I guess it is a case of really looking at the viewfinder to see how the photo looks, and not just to see if you have framed the model.
IMHO, I like to see WIP pictures with the work area in background. Sometimes gives me ideas of how to set up my work area, or find paints and tools I could possibly use.
Like in your picture, Bish, I now would like to invest in a lazy Susan.
I agree Don. As I say, I do clear all of the clutter from the bench, and I think that is mainly what you mean. I also trim the photo’s once they are all taken rather than having a large area of open space around it.
bruce, I find that really handy both for taking pics and for working on. This is from the 2 piece Tamiya set. I know what you mean about seeing peoples work areas, but sometimes you can’t see the wood for the long grass when people post pics, there is just to many distractions to the model, so I do see Don’s point. And it only takes a few seconds to clear all the tools and other clutter we accumulate on the bench during a build.
No not me,when I do a WIP I think the work bench lends to the ambiance,shows that it is a WIP.When I photograph the completed model,I will set up a background or a booth,because then it’s all about the completed build.
Also for me it’s interesting to see others bench,sometimes there’s something else interesting going on,or you see a diffrent tool or setup that interests me.
I agree with Tojo72…my work is IN PROGRESS. And many times, I don’t want to touch it or I’ll undo whatever it is I’m trying to document. If I’m at a major milestone, I may move things around. But I like the look of semi-finished work on the bench.
I guess I am guilty. I save the still setup for finished shots.
I will try to watch the clutter.
I sorta like to shoot WIP’s on a green cutting mat as the background seems to provide a relatively neutral area for for the camera’s meter. In most cases, that is.
Maybe I’ll get fancy and procure a neutral gray poster board, Don. [:)] Kinda been thinking about it anyway.
I usually try to clear my work bench as well when I take wip photos but as of late, with a newborn I have only been able 5 work very late at night, into the early morning hours actually and this, my next set up wip photos are cell phone pics with clutter…oh well, bad pics are better than no pics right…haha
Don I’m guilty too, I just grab my camera and shoot without thinking about my surroundings. I try and center the item and close in on it the best I can, but it’s something I’ll pay more attention to. Those shots don’t really bother me but I can see where it may cause a distraction. Personally I don’t mind reading the papers Bish has laying around, one in fact was very interesting.
It is a Work in Progress theme, so most of the time I like to show the project on the bench where it’s being worked on and the tools and supplies of the trade.
Once the model is complete then it gets the blue background treatment.
I’ll move most of the stuff out of the way, but if there’s a bottle of glue or hobby knife laying near I typically don’t move them. I’m usually going right back to the build or letting it dry.
I’ll take anything I can get. I actually like to see some of the work areas as much as the models. It’s all part of the hobby. And I agree with Bruce regarding Lawdogs (Joe’s) wips. They are very well done. If I ever do one, I’m going to model (pun) it along those lines.
As posted in another thread, I use a Nikon D700 and 24-70 2.8 lens (currently away being repaired). It has a minimum focus of 30cm, which because the D700 is a Full frame FX sensor in it, it is very fast and pin sharp. I don’t need to use a macro often because of this lens and it is my general use/walkabout lens.
My WIP shots I try to keep as clutter free as possible, but it’s not always possible depending on the size of the beast that is sitting and filling up the work area.
I will clear away and put a couple of A3 sheets of paper as a background…
Sometimes the paper I’m using as a paint base as I am going through a technique…
Or even… I can’t be bothered… just take the damn photo!!!
But I do like to take finished photos outside if possible when the weather and light is good as it shows the natural shade of the colours.
