Thanks for the info Brian. I was wondering how you supported the base metal, especially with punch dot work which seems to me an easy way to dent thin base metal. I especially like that background. First time I have seen it done so nicely and with such small dots. Beautiful!
Saw this one for the first time today...hunting season is on up valley so he must have been looking for more peaceful surroundings. Sleek little fellow. And nice symmetrical antlers.
I am also not quite sure what you mean but assume you mean your photos don't match the engraving as to perspective or element locations. Photoshop elements has a correction for camera distortion.
I have posted this before but here is my setup for quick working photos, made from a couple of...
As John said. For raised inlay I usually cut the cavity and sculpt the design within the cavity which helps keep from getting bits of steel showing through the gold when inlayed and sculpted. I then do all the engraving around the area except any stipple detail, then inlay and do all shaping...