Watch Photography Tips: Showcase Your Seiko Mods Like a Pro
So, you just finished your latest Seiko mod. You’ve swapped the dial, upgraded the hands, maybe even added a custom bezel insert. Now you’re ready to show it off to the world. But when you go to snap a photo, it doesn’t quite capture the awesomeness of your build. The photo’s got all these weird reflections, shadows, and maybe even your own face in the background. Don’t worry, you don’t need a fancy camera to get the shot right. Here’s a simple guide to help you take photos of your Seiko mod that’ll do it justice even with just your smartphone.
Step 1: Get That Focus Locked
Focus is key for capturing the details of your mod. Most smartphones have decent autofocus, but it doesn’t always land on the exact spot you want. Just tap on the watch face on your phone screen to set the focus where you want it – ideally, right on the dial or hands. This will also lock the exposure so your watch looks sharp and clear. No need for fancy lenses here; just a little tap to make sure your new watch is in the spotlight.
Step 2: Find the Right Brightness
Source: @bbmod_watches on IG
When taking photos of watches, you want the brightness to be just right. Too bright, and the details get washed out. Too dark, and the colors and textures disappear. On most camera apps, after you tap to focus, a sun icon will appear next to the focus box. Slide your finger up to make it brighter or down to darken it. Aim for a balanced look where the details of your mod like those lumed hands or that unique dial texture are easy to see.
Step 3: Beat Those Pesky Reflections
Source: @huizenwatches on IG
Watches with polished finishes love to pick up reflections. A great shot can quickly become ruined when it unnecessarily mirrors the items around it. Here’s a trick: grab a piece of black foam board or cardboard, cut a small hole in it for your camera lens, and hold it up around your phone. This blocks extra reflections from your hand, face, or any random light sources in the room. It might look a bit DIY, but it works!
Step 4: Keep the Background Simple
Source: @gonciuu on IG
Your mod is the star of the show, so don’t let the background steal attention. A plain surface like a white table, a wooden desk, or even a neutral-colored tile works well. This way, all eyes are on your Seiko and will not be distracted by the background. If you want to get a little creative, you can throw in some subtle props, like a strap tool or a spare dial, but keep it low-key. Of course, if you are arranging for something like an EDC post, you’re free to show off as many items as you can without overwhelming the shot.
Step 5: Use Natural Light for a Clean Look
Source: @danmoudree on IG
Lighting is very important for watch photography. Your best friend here is natural light. Set up near a window for soft, even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, though, because it can create harsh shadows that hide details. If you’re indoors and the light is a bit weak, try using a white piece of paper or foam board to reflect light onto the darker areas of your watch. This helps even out the shadows and keeps everything looking balanced. No need for a fancy lighting rig; just a bit of creativity with what you’ve got.
Step 6: Think About the Hands Position
Source: @chronos.mod on IG
Watch hands matter more than you’d think. You don’t want them blocking any key details, like the logo or date window. Try setting the time to around 10:08:42 - this is a classic position that keeps the hands out of the way and gives the watch a balanced look. Plus, it’s just more visually pleasing. If your mod is a chronograph, make sure all the sub-dial hands are neatly aligned too. A little attention to detail here goes a long way.
Step 7: Check Your Shot and Make Small Edits
Source: @jp_thewristshop on IG
Once you’re happy with the setup, take a few shots and check them on your phone screen. Zoom in to make sure the dial, hands, and other details are in focus. If the photo needs a bit of tweaking, stick with simple edits. Adjust brightness, contrast, and sharpness if needed, but avoid heavy filters as they can make the watch look unnatural. You’re going for a look that captures the true vibe of your mod, not something overly edited.
Step 8: Experiment and Practice
Source: @___outoftime___ on IG
Photography is all about experimenting. Don’t be afraid to try different angles, backgrounds, or lighting setups to see what works best for your mod. Maybe you’ll find that your watch looks best with the light hitting it from the side, or that a slightly tilted angle makes the dial pop. The more you play around, the better you’ll get at capturing the perfect shot.
Wrap Up
With these simple tips, you’ll be able to capture photos that show off all the hard work you put into your Seiko mod. Once you’ve got a shot you’re proud of, go ahead and post it on Instagram, and don’t forget to tag us “@namokimods” if you used any of our parts! Watch photography doesn’t have to be complicated. A few tweaks, some natural light, and a bit of patience are all you need to get photos that make your build look as great as it does in person.
Happy snapping!