MOOD OPTIONS
Choosing the mood of a sword picture conveys a specific message.
It very much refers to what is it at stake, i.e., what is the subliminal message to be conveyed.

As these three examples show, the mood is extremely important depending on the objective.
A photographic set up for a Museum Display exhibition in which a consistency of background is required for a sequence of pictures, hence a very neutral background is required.
The Composite Art type picture by Brian Van brings in an extra element wisely placed in the same horizontal position as the sword and saya, and the horizontal line that separates the blue from the white background. The three branch has no direct relation to the sword (Japanese style) but brings in an element of color that is very pleasant.
Scott Slobodian was himself a Hollywood photographer and he imparts not only a Strong ethnic connection to Japanese Culture in the props he uses, as in Bugei's case, but a general good tasted Hollywood glamour influence is imparted to all his pictures.
I like simplicity but I do respect each art director's or photographer's choice, for I am in favor of diversity.

As said, super-abundance of elements are too noisy for me. After all photographing a sword is highlighting a blade. However I must stress that this is not about taking pictures but how to compose pictures.
For pictures of such average quality look for a professional or someone with proper lighting equipment. But the main message here is to bring up the importance of a mood, of a presentation of a sword picture, the hidden language of composition.

I would also like to avoid any other misunderstandings. It is not taking pictures as the one below, which is an entirely different matter. To learn to take pictures like these, you may find a very useful video from Don Myra that teaches you how to take pictures like the one below.

For Western swords and photography instructions, I strongly recommend a visit to Nathan Robinson's my Armoury website for the great photography shown there.

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