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Abel knife, product photography and Dry tortugas web cam
4.28.2011
Photo tip of the day: Product Photography
Product photography is used by every company that anything they wish to sell. Most of the photos on the website have totally white background and no shadows. This makes it easy for clients to check out the product they are about to perhaps buy with out distractions. It is just a clean look that is universally accepted in showing a product.
Large items like cars and furniture might need a big studio to shoot properly but small items are pretty easy and inexpensive with the right tool.
What I like to use is a Photo Tent. It’s basically a popup that diffuses the light as to not create any harsh shadows. This makes it perfect for items you want put up on craigslist, ebay or maybe you have a online store. They range form the small $20 all the way to hundreds of dollars for the really really big tents.
Here is a shot of a Gold Abel knife. I shot it today using just defused sunlight. The knife is awesome looking and the white background makes it look even cooler like it’s floating in space.
For best results I suggest a tripod. With good lighting, a point and shoot will work nicely as well for product photography. This shot here was shot on my Sony NEX w/ the kit lens.
If you are looking into doing some product photography it’s definitely worth the $30-$40 bucks to get the diffused light effect.
CowboyStudio 30″ Photo Soft Box Light Tent Cube – 4 Chroma Key Backdrops
WEB CAM
This is a very cool webcam. It is an underwater web came located at the Dry Tortuga. The Dry Tortuga is the most remote National Park in the united states. It is 70 miles west of Key West, an island the middle of the ocean. It’s actually amazing how they can stream this video 24/7 as they do. If you are looking this at night obviously it will be blank. Check it out during the day and you’ll see some cool stuff. I did a few screen capture over the last couple days of some tarpon swimming by.
I find the best time of day to check it out is around 3pm til sunset.
http://www.floridakeyswebcams.tv/teens4oceans/teens4oceans2.asx
New Gear: Nautilus Reels FWX series Fly Reels
Following the success of their affordable and top quality Feather Weight (FW) series of fly reels, Nautilus Reels has recently released their new FWX series of reels. The new FWX reels offer both upgraded and new features from their predecessor. New features include a redesigned lighter weight frame and housing (with looks very similar to their NVG series), TORQ-X one way clutch for instant drag engagement, Laser ID for marking line identification, a light weight sealed SCF (carbon fiber) drag, and all the other features we all came to love about the FW reels. Sizes range from 3wt sizes to 8wt sizes. Visit your local flyshop to purchase one of these. The FWX 3/4 and 5/6 should have already hit all major local fly shops. The FWX 7/8 should be delivered soon. Stop by and purchase or order yours today. Another added bonus is that Nautilus offers their custom shop, which can anodize the reel in any color combination you choose upon ordering the reel.
Pricing and Line Capacities are as follows:
FWX 3/4: WF3F + 110 yds of 20lb backing. 3.6 oz. $240 (reel)/$105 (spool)
FWX 5/6: WF5F + 150 yds of 20lb backing. 3.8 oz. $250 (reel)/$125 (spool)
FWX 7/8: WF7F + 200 yds of 20lb backing. 4.1 oz. $280 (reel)/$145 (spool)
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I will be testing the new FWX 7/8 in the next following weeks on my 7wt setup. This reel should be excellent for bass, redfish, snook, and baby tarpon. I got to pair the 7/8 with a 7wt G Loomis Shorestalker flyrod and the combo felt pretty incredible while tossing it around in the field. These reels are a real bargain!!!
Stay tuned for more updates…
Cortland Sterling Mid Arbor Fly reels, Cortland pe+ Crystal Fly line
I got in the mail Friday the Cortland Sterling Mid Arbor Fly reel. This is a very nice looking reel that retails for about $150.00. I wanted to check out a reel that was fairly inexpensive and look nice. Sure you can pick up a $20.00 plastic fly reel at your local sports authority. If you can get something that last and look good why not spend a little more. You don’t have to spend $500+ for the higher end dollar gear because after all it just holds the fly line right? 
I’m also checking out the the Cortland pe+ Crystal Fly line. It’s a clear fly line. I can only assume it is for stealth purposes.
Mind you, when I do write about these products I am no Lefty Kreh. I have not owned or used all the fly gear ever built, nor do I know the history of every fly fishing company that has ever been in existence like many of the fly fishing experts on the internet. There is lots and lots of internet experts out there so take my review for what it is. I’m just some guy learning how to fly fish.
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