Photographing Japanese Swords — Techniques for Capturing Hamon Beauty

Capturing the beauty of a Japanese sword in photographs is challenging, but with the right techniques, anyone can take stunning images.

Lighting: The most critical element. Place a single fluorescent tube at a 45-degree angle to the blade. To highlight the hamon, direct light from the edge side.

Background: Black cloth or velvet works best. It accurately reproduces the blade's colors and enhances hamon contrast.

Angles: Slowly tilt the sword to find the angle where the hamon appears most beautiful. For jihada, adjust the light source angle.

Camera settings: Use a tripod, keep ISO low (100-400), and set aperture to F8-F11 for full depth of field. A macro lens enables close-ups of hamon and jihada.

Photographing mei: When shooting the inscription on the nakago, use side lighting to create shadows in the carved characters. Raking light makes the mei stand out.

Photographs serve not only as collection records but as important documentation for insurance claims and future sales.