I Need Help Taking Better Pictures!!! What Are Your Tips??

[Gadget Guy]

I need help taking better pictures. Parnass said I should try a scanner and I will give that a try, but I can use all the help I can get. Please post your basic photo tips and remember that I am photo challenged, so too technical lingo won't fly just yet. :) Thanks in advance for any and all help!


GG

[Lunal_Tic]

Hey GG,

Here's something I've found useful. When I take pix with my little point and shoot using the flash, I try to stand further away from the item and use the zoom to get closer. It makes the light more even. For example I'll zoom all the way, which for me is 3x, then physically move the camera in and out to get it framed then shoot. If it's a small item I'll just crop the picture later to get rid of the extra stuff around the image.

Also I try not to use the flash if I can. Near a window but not in direct sunlight is usually easier for me to get a good pic. You just have to watch out for heavy shadows. In that case I'd also use the flash to help with shadow problems.

-LT

[Gadget Guy]

I never thought of trying that LT. I think that will work perfect for the photos that I take here. :highfive:


GG

[dinoadventures]

How about using a light tent or rigging something similar?

The other day, my girlfriend was listing things on ebay and she used a postal service box turned on end and placed a desk light to either side, providing even light. You can put the backdrop of your choosing inside the box.

[Lunal_Tic]

Let me know if that helps. *If not we can go a bit deeper into it but not so far as to make it a pain.

-LT

[meeshi_ma]

I posted some pics recently and I found the easiest thing to do was to take the shades off of a couple of lamps and to turn the flash off.

[Lunal_Tic]

One other thing I forgot to mention, if you are shooting shiny stuff try to angle it slightly so the surface doesn't act as a mirror. It can be a real problem with knives and chrome anything.

-LT

[Gadget Guy]

I have tried to do that LT, but on the picture of the Delica that I took it didn't matter what angle that I tried. I am going to take another picture right now your way and see how it looks.

Thanks again for the help!


GG

[Stormdrane]

I use Picasa (http://services.google.com/picasa_referrals.html?ai=BrHSetPQVRb2-JoT-qwLnueWiAYznohXMk6WDAsWNtwEAEAEg6sKQBUiZOVDBstqe__ ____8BoAGyu6f9A7IBF3N0b3JtZHJhbmUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29t yAECgAIBlQISJ0oK&gclid=CL2RrK-kxYcCFQgvUAodPF87HQ)for photo editing my pics. I do have a light tent that I made, but most of the time I just try to make sure I have decent lighting. If you have blurred pics because you have trouble holding a camera still, a tripod will definately help with a sharper image.

[Gadget Guy]

I just took several pictures at all different angles with flash, without flash, with zoom, and without zoom and this was the best one???

[dinoadventures]

try this... get a piece of cardboard about a foot square. crinkle an equivalent size piece of aluminum foil and then open it up again. tape it to the cardboard. put a piece of paper in front of your flash, at an angle. hold the foil "reflector" behind and above your object.

What this should do is make for a larger main light source that will create more pleasing reflections. the foil card reflects some of that light and balances out the lighting on the object.

you may have to adjust exposure or flash power.

[Lunal_Tic]

A couple of ideas, 1) angle the knife more forward but shoot straight down on it. 2) Take a piece of Kleenex and separate the 2 plies and tape a small piece of the single ply over the flash. This will soften the light a bit. If one ply isn't enough try 2 then 3.

-LT

[Stormdrane]

I avoid using the flash and have found that using soft lighting gives a better image. I sometimes use colored foam craft sheets for backgrounds. They're less than a buck each at a craft store, they'll also have felt sheets, but they tend to be dust magnets and the specks show up in the photos.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b90/Stormdrane/foamsheetsforphotobackgrounds2.jpg

[webley445]

When I had a scanner I would lay the object on the glass and cover it with a colored t-shirt.
lately I lay a big piece of paper under the item. Then either shoot outside for natural light, use back room with a overhead flourescent and all the windows open.
also if the camera is not made for macro don't get close.

Sometimes I will take 5 shots of an object to get 1 good pic. Experiment.
With a good working scanner I always got nice scans.

[hatchetjack]

I shoot outdoors in the morning or late afternoon so the harsh light is gone. Take lots of shots and don't be afraid do delete and start over. take your time.

Using a darker neutral background helps soften the image. don't shoot on countertops. I always throw a fabric or poece of clothing *as a background. Nothig too busy to detract from your subject.

i shot this one in natural light in the shade on my deck. it's one of my favorites.

[Cain]

You could try making a light box (or buying one, but thats no fun).

Light Box / Light Tent (http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/light_box_light_tent)

DIY light box (http://www.makezine.com/blog/archive/2006/07/diy_light_box.html)

Cheap 1$ Light tent (http://sodoityourself.com/cheapest-light-tent-light-box/)

Super Simple Light Tent (http://www.instructables.com/id/EKTSDWUR5HEP286OV2/)

[EODtech]

How about using a light tent or rigging something similar?


Mini Digital Studio Lighting Kit (http://www.handhelditems.com/studio-mini-digital-studio-lighting-p-12162.html) = $37.99

Use $10 discount coupon code "ministudio" [Exp 8/30] =

This kit contains everything needed to take professional studio quality images..soft lighting diffusion box, lights, backgrounds & camera stand, all in one package with carrying handle! The AIM Studio Mini Digital Studio Lighting Kit is hundreds of dollars less than competing products and without any sacrifice to quality! With the growth in Internet auctions and online catalogs, the AIM Studio Mini Digital Studio Lighting Kit is the easy solution to great photos.

OR


DIY Light Tent - Parts list and instructions (http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/light_box_light_tent)


DIY PVC Light Tent PICTURE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rrazor/105631640/in/set-72057594071818151)