Credits: Article and images by @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/08/30/wristshots-the-story-so-far-what-works-and-what-to-avoid-2/
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Less wonderful wristshots: don’t let this happen to you
No form of expression is without its less savory side; sadly, I must confess that I’ve been guilty of at least one of the wristshot sins outlined below, but I pledge to do better in future, and hope others will as well – although frankly I don’t have much hope.
* Bragging: it’s a thin line between sharing something cool with others and bragging about your material wellbeing. If I’m honest about it, I’ve gone over to the dark side on this a few times with things like my series of barbeque grill images of some of my nicest pieces. Is the message “Isn’t this fun?” or “Why am I doing this? Because I can – and you can’t!”
Sharing or bragging? You be the judge. Deep Space Tourbillon by Vianney Halter
* Exhibitionism: you have a girlfriend – congratulations! This doesn’t mean that it makes any sense to take, and then post, a photo of your wrist in front of her breasts. As for you guys who try this trick, but with a photo of a woman rather than a real person in the background: get a grip.
* Inappropriate situations: as the selfie goes, so eventually goes the wristshot, for better or worse. Happily, my search didn’t turn up any “funeral” or “Chernobyl” wristshots, but I did find this doozy with the caption “Wristshot during labour? Check!”
Just say no to inappropriate wristshots (photo credit thankfully unknown)
* Food: I know you eat because we all do. However, with the possible exception of the greatest single course you were served at a Michelin three-star restaurant, I don’t need to see photos of your food. Really, I don’t. And I have to confess that the zillion of photos online of watches in front of cups of coffee and plates of nondescript food make no sense to me whatsoever.
Watch and food: why? (Photo courtesy europeanaffaires.blogspot.com)
* Gross anatomy: this one’s in the eye of the beholder, I suppose – but for a while we were seeing a spate of watches dangling between the toes of men’s feet. I was a “no” on that for sure. Ditto for those unintended underwear shots where we see a reflection of the owner’s tighty-whities in the bezel. And whatever you do, don’t even think about taking that lavatory shot – I’m begging you!
* Size mismatches: if are you asking yourself, “Is this watch too big for my wrist?” rest assured it is. No one wants to see those lugs hanging out in space, and the wide-angle nature of most point-and-shoot and phone lenses makes watches on the wrist look even bigger than they actually are.
* Protective instincts: Panerais with the silicone case protectors still in place and watches encased in plastic wrap or with lots of blue protective film still visible. Really?
Before you post: closing thoughts
So what, if anything, does this mean for each of us? Perhaps just that it’s worth a moment of reflection on one’s motives before posting that image online.
Does your mix of images include almost everything in the box, or are you only posting your most expensive pieces? Does your usual post consist of five similar top-end watches spread up your arm with the question “Oh dear – which one today?” Do more than a third of your pictures include the logo of an expensive car brand in the background? You might want to think a bit about what’s really behind your wristshot practices.
A modest piece: the author’s first “expensive” watch: a Carl F. Bucherer from 1971
I’m convinced that if and when the apocalypse occurs, someone will post a wristshot of it! Please don’t let that person be you.
And on the positive side, if, like me, you review your portfolio and see a sea of near-identical images of one or another watch on your bare wrist with nothing in the background, think about mixing it up. I know that I love seeing wristshots that include context or artistic elements, and I’m sure that others do as well.
Just for fun: a blinged-out Vacheron Constantin seen at a collector event
But most of all, have fun!
This article was first published on March 2, 2015 at Wristshots: The Story So Far.
You may also enjoy:
How To – And Not To – Photograph A Watch
Wristshots And Online Watch Photography: The Saga Continues, and Yes, There’s Instagram Too
Credits: Article and images by @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/08/30/wristshots-the-story-so-far-what-works-and-what-to-avoid-2/
