Introduction
Why a special chapter about photography of stringed instruments?

These instruments are very difficult to photograph because:

1. they are generally very shiny,
2. they have a complex, curved surface,
3. important details (such as grain lines and purfling miters) are small relative to the overall size of the object,
4. there are overhanging structures such as the fingerboard, tail-piece and bridge which can cast shadows,
5. colors of the vanish and wood are subtle and exhibit delicate gradations.