More watch dials

[ianmarsh]

I had another go at macro with extension tubes this evening. Turns out my 18-55 has a closer minimum focus than my 90mm macro so I could get in tighter. I was only playing about but by good fortune found a nice angle for some handheld shots:

1. A Grand Seiko manual wind from the 1960s (out of focus version)
GS I by Ian, on Flickr

2. Now in focus, but I like the first one more
GS III by Ian, on Flickr

3. A Breitling Cosmonaute with a 24hour dial, also late 1960s
B16 by Ian, on Flickr

4. A Universal Geneve Polerouter. UG brand was bought by Breitling a while back and they have just released three special one-offs of the Polerouter with new versions promised
Polerouter by Ian, on Flickr

I promised movement shots after my last set and I will get to these soon, hopefully. Thanks for looking

 

[sirch]

Now in focus, but I like the first one more

Me too, I also really like 3 and 4, "atmospheric" doesn't seem to be quite the right word for macro but they are, the tones, lighting and shallow DoF create the right mood I think.

 

[ianmarsh]

I am not sure how I created this "atmosphere" to be honest. They were lit by some pretty harsh downlighter in my office. From a certain angle of approach I saw that the light seemed to reflect off the watch crystals into the lens and then back again onto the watch dials almost like tiny spotlights. It also threw off the auto white balance which added the warm cast. If I change the angle a little, the exposure rose dramatically, white balance was colder and the light was harsh and flat. So I am not sure I could replicate these.