hello guys
can you give me some tips on photographing my models,
ive tried with my camera and my dads digital camera and they always come out very blurred.
dont be afraid to dumb it down i dont know the first thing about photography
cheers
joe
Photography
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beginners guide
greatbrit

Member Since: May 14, 2003
entire network: 2,127 Posts
KitMaker Network: 677 Posts

Posted: Monday, August 18, 2003 - 05:16 AM UTC
AJLaFleche

Member Since: May 05, 2002
entire network: 8,074 Posts
KitMaker Network: 2,574 Posts

Posted: Monday, August 18, 2003 - 05:32 AM UTC
First, don't try this with an inexpensive point and shoot. Find the instruction sheet and see what the minimum distance from lens to subject.
If you're are using a single lens reflex, consider getting a set of close up adapters. That's the cheapest way to get close up pics. The better way is to get a lens with a macro setting, but that can be expensive.
See if there's a macro setting on the digital, this should be a button with a flower icon near it. This will allow you to get in very close. If there isn't and it has a zoom lens, step back and use the zoom to enlarge the image.
Keep the background simple, especially with an autofocus. The chip may get confused and focus on that rather than the model. Center the subject as much as possible.
If you can, adjust the aperture, the f-x number to the highest number possible, f-16 or 22. This will let the smallest amount of light through at a time and give a sharper image. You'll probably need to use a tripod, which isn't a bad idea for any photos of non-moving objects.
Consider using the self timer or a cable release cord to reduce any motion introduced by depressing the shutter release button.
Shoot in very bright light, but IMHO, avoid direct sunlight.(Others will say use direct sunlight. It's a matter of preference. FInd which one gives you results you like.) I use three adjustable table lamps on my work bench. Moving these around allows me to eliminate most unwanted shadows.
That covers the basics.
If you're are using a single lens reflex, consider getting a set of close up adapters. That's the cheapest way to get close up pics. The better way is to get a lens with a macro setting, but that can be expensive.
See if there's a macro setting on the digital, this should be a button with a flower icon near it. This will allow you to get in very close. If there isn't and it has a zoom lens, step back and use the zoom to enlarge the image.
Keep the background simple, especially with an autofocus. The chip may get confused and focus on that rather than the model. Center the subject as much as possible.
If you can, adjust the aperture, the f-x number to the highest number possible, f-16 or 22. This will let the smallest amount of light through at a time and give a sharper image. You'll probably need to use a tripod, which isn't a bad idea for any photos of non-moving objects.
Consider using the self timer or a cable release cord to reduce any motion introduced by depressing the shutter release button.
Shoot in very bright light, but IMHO, avoid direct sunlight.(Others will say use direct sunlight. It's a matter of preference. FInd which one gives you results you like.) I use three adjustable table lamps on my work bench. Moving these around allows me to eliminate most unwanted shadows.
That covers the basics.
greatbrit

Member Since: May 14, 2003
entire network: 2,127 Posts
KitMaker Network: 677 Posts

Posted: Monday, August 18, 2003 - 05:55 AM UTC
thanks,
my camera is a good quality one, my grandad gave it to me when he bought a different one. its a ricoh with a big zoom lense and loads of buttons, none of which i know how to use!
ill give it another try. will i be able to scan my prints so i can post them here?
cheers
joe
my camera is a good quality one, my grandad gave it to me when he bought a different one. its a ricoh with a big zoom lense and loads of buttons, none of which i know how to use!
ill give it another try. will i be able to scan my prints so i can post them here?
cheers
joe
AJLaFleche

Member Since: May 05, 2002
entire network: 8,074 Posts
KitMaker Network: 2,574 Posts

Posted: Monday, August 18, 2003 - 07:47 AM UTC
You can post pics at the Armorama site. Quick way to get there would be to click on the link to Al's Alsbum below. You may need to set up a net passport account at the picture site to post your own stuff.
Venom

Member Since: July 28, 2003
entire network: 720 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Monday, August 18, 2003 - 07:51 AM UTC
thanks for the info Al
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