Bolt-action rifle photography presents a challenge, regardless of the gun’s make or looks. If you take the image fully broadside the firearm’s length makes it look like a toothpick.
Backgrounds from that angle drown the subject in color and texture. That compromises the ability to inspect details and gauge overall proportions. For that reason all my editors request that every story includes full lengths on white. If you’re getting photos of your firearm collection for insurance purposes, you should too.
They’re not exactly attention-grabbing, though. The above image is the same Bergara B14 Ridge Rifle appearing at the top this story. Let me know if you agree the forest scene is better at catching your interest. Finding something right for my review in Predator Xtreme magazine was important.
On white is great stuff for an insurance claim or, God forbid, law enforcement use. It’s sterile and emotionless, though. Finding a dynamic angle is one solution if you want something a bit more entertaining.
Most firearm companies provide publicity photos for their rifles. The one above from Savage and has an angled perspective that effectively compresses the view. It’s also a bit more dynamic, with the scope’s glass reflecting light and muzzle visible.
Bolt-action rifle photography done this way makes the firearm look shorter than it is, unfortunately. That’s why editors, and insurance companies, lean toward including at least one broadside.
Perspective
Perspective is key in any image, but it is particularly critical on long guns. Move the camera even a few inches and it can ruin a technically correct firearm photo.
Below is the same Bergara B14 Ridge. It never moved from the same position as the photo above. The camera and tripod did, unfortunately.
My strobist style execution is spot on, but the image stinks. The editor never received that one and when I look at it now it’s like fingernails screeching across a chalkboard.
Final Thoughts on Bolt-Action Rifle Photography
Every photographer has a unique style, and not every firearm enthusiast likes the same guns or images of them. That’s part of what makes the industry fun and keeps it constantly evolving.
Keep that in mind as you take photos of your own guns. Some backgrounds will work with the right rifle if you’re taking full lengths. You might even prefer your digital camo M700 to sort of disappear into it, anyway.
There are, however, ways to highlight key features, even when its dusk in a dark forest. We’ll get deeper into those in the next few installments.
In the meantime, thank you for visiting my modest blog. Feel free to leave a complaint in the comments and I’d particularly love to hear from any of the 5 million new gun owners. I sure hope everyone has a glorious and healthy day.
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