Gspeed Loc: Rhinebeck, NY

There is so much wisdom and experience on this forum.

I'm searching for advice. I am interested in learning more about photographing fly fishing rods (a new line my son is instrumental in launching) to assist him for display on the website.

I have a Nikon D610, the Nikor 105mm (which I think would be helpful) as well as the Nikor 28-70mm (also good?) and a decent tripod.

Is there a particular forum here that is most appropriate to ask specific advice on how to set up shots?

Also, can anyone recommend a workshop/class that would be of high quality to learn more about this type of photography. Or perhaps an on-line workshop resource. I don't have an ancillary flash, simply the pop-up on the D610 but I would certainly be willing to purchase some equipment and/or pay for some guidance.

I will also be researching on my own.

(don't be snarky)

~ Eileen

BigDaddy Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

I did a web site for one of the top pool cue makers in the world. I think the issues would be similar. You don't need the full rod in all the pics. Do close ups of the parts you want to emphasize. DAGS for fishing rod images and you'll get some ideas of what you think might look good. Other than that, it's just basic camera and creative editing skills and of course web design.

You likely will want to have creative backgrounds that look good, are not distracting and emphasize the rod details. That's easy to do and is actually fun if you enjoy editing photo's..

Wasabi

Take a look at "Lighting for Product Photography". by Allison Earnest. Lots of good advice for getting good product shots. Setups and theory all discussed.

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

Consider posting your request in this new UHH section:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-139-1.html
Best of luck to you and your son!

Steve DeMott Loc: St. Louis, Missouri (Oakville area)

UHH has a new section called "The Dynamics of Photographic Lighting"
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-139-1.html

You can submit photos for expert advice.

I would also recommend at least one external light & possible softbox

Tony Hayman

When I worked with high speed photography I did a slow motion shot of a fishing rod snapping a fly/hook... I did the shot at 1600 fps (1/1600) and the result was still blurry do to the speed it was moving... Depending on your need, backlight is essential along with the highest possible shutter speed... You can find the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThFCg0tBDck.. the shot I am talking about is 1:45 into the video but there are several other fly fishing shots that may interest you.

ghbowser Loc: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

I build flyrods as a hobby and getting decent pictures is a problem. If you try and get the whole rod then any detail is lost. Best to concentrate on the real seat and grip and then the detail in several of the wraps and any labeling or signature. Most persons looking at a flyrod to purchase are going to be interested in the detail of the workmanship and not the overall rod. I used to be friends with a professional rod maker (he passed away several years ago) who was also an accomplished photographer. Dave Lewis was the gentleman's name and his rods were labeled and sold as Performance Fly Rods. Here is the link to the website his wife keeps active. http://www.davelewisflyrods.com/ It will give you a good idea of what marketing of flyrod pictures need to look like. Also take the time to look at and read his fishing journals.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

This is pretty straightforward - the grip end and reel are what are of most interest - possibly with some details of the connections between sections of the rod, the carrying case, etc. Plain backgrounds, soft lighting, nothing out of the ordinary.

Look at the Orvis, Bass Pro, Mad River Outfitters and other retailers that sell fly fishing gear. The key would likely be consistency between shots and even lighting, accurate color, etc.

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

Have a look at outdoor catalogs & advertising (Cabelas comes to mind). Look at how they present their fishing gear. Then emulate what you think is good & informative product photos.

Usually they have just close-ups of important features of the products, instead of showing the full length of the rod.

Product shooting usually do not use on camera flash. In our work, we use an always on light setup so the photographer can predict reflections etc.

I recommend using a lens with no distortion and to zoom in or shoot with some distance that gets a good & clear composition (maybe a meter or two) to avoid perspective distortion.

Goodluck!

Canisdirus

I'd say you have two setups to create.

Close up product imaging...indoor work with good lighting.

Then you will need environment shots...ppl always want to see that rod in an iconic image of casting across a stream. Choose your background and distances carefully...you should be in your landscape/portrait mode here.

I'd also place the flashiest lure you can find on the end of the line for the cast shots...something that 'pops'.

tcthome Loc: NJ

Look at the rods for sale here. Might give an idea of what you might want. Probably want to set it up on a table with some type of background.

https://www.orvis.com/fly-fishing-fly-rods

https://www.gloomis.com/?msclkid=a4d67aa2a9d911ec9cd1e2f9e8380b21

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

The camera and lens equipment you have will do the job, the critical part is LIGHTING. A simple setup is best. A continuous or electronic flash light source in a softbox and some reflectors and some background material is all that is needed,

I don't know what you are planning, a printed brochure, an online sales site, a magazine ad, a complete catalogue? As a cover or introductory shot, an outdoor scene with someone fishing will be attractive. The rest of the shots can be straightforward on a plain background. Folks who are potential customers for that kind of tackle will be interested in the detail of the grip and particular features of the rod. You do not need to show the entire rod in every shot. You will need a lighting method that will show the TEXTURE and detail in the grip and the quality of the rod and its hardware.

I don't have any shots of a file of fly rods. I can dig my old spin-casting rod out of the mothballs and set up a shot in the "Dynamics of Photographic Lighting" section- just to give you the concept. Meanwhile, tell me what kind of lighting gear you have or are considering purchasing. Mention what the final product or means of the exhibition will be and if you are going to show just the rods or the reels and flys as well. Are you planning "photo illustrations", that is, images with more complex backgrounds, some fish, other outdoor gear, etc or just detailed product shots?

The attached diagram shows a rough idea of the setup.

It might take me a day or two to get back to my shop and clear the decks. Let me know if you are interested.

Attached file:
(Download)

JFCoupe Loc: Kent, Washington

One setup suggestion. Set the fly rod up in an angled position. Focus on the grip and reel seat and then along the length of the rod. The first part will be sharp focus and the forward part of the rod will fade into the distance. Set you flash to highlight the grip and reel area.

Then you can also disassemble the rod and place the pieces together and photograph the two pieces side by side. Further shots of the line guides and tip are other options.

Effate Loc: El Dorado Hills, Ca.

Agree that reel seat, cork handle, details up to the first guide (including rod name, line weight and length). I would want the light to properly reflect the color. If it is a catalog then you might include an on the water casting, mending or hookup shot. I agree you might lay the sections side by side but probably not many two piece fly rods out there. I have Sage, R.L. Winston, G. Loomis, Scott and others and they are all four piece rods.

Gspeed Loc: Rhinebeck, NY

I am humbled by the kind advice and insight to my inquiry.

Thank you, all, for these ideas and suggestions. ALL will be passed along.

Very happy.

~ Eileen