Cameras - Getting a good shot

[crenn]

After looking at a few of the work logs here, I've noticed that quite a few of the photos aren't the best, especially close up shots.

Digital cameras can come cheap now-a-days. More expensive isn't always better. Analog cameras can be used, but I prefer digital because of the ease of use.

If you need fairly cheap camera, take a look at this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830144110
For $80, it's not bad at all and includes basic features.


Lighting
A shot that is too bright or too dark isn't good. You need a decent amount of light. When taking a picture, try to have the light source behind the lens. If you want to reduce the amount of shadows in a picture, it's best to use more than one light source. The best amount to use is 3 light sources. 1 in the middle perpendicular to the object and the other 2 sources 45° on either side. The middle light source could be the normal flash or a torch. The other 2 (if you're taking pictures on your desk) could be a couple of LED torches with flexible necks.

Close up shots
When you're doing up close and personal shots, use the macro function of your camera. You need to be about 5cm (2 inches) away for a good shot, but another 2.5cm (1 inch) away couldn't hurt and should ensure that your photo is not blurry. When doing these type of shots, make sure that the camera has the object you want in the center of the view finder/display.

Hand Shake
Hand shake can cause a lot of blurry shots. If possible, use a small tripod to take a picture or lean against something to try to stabilise the shot.
Small tripods can be picked up for cheap:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830997063 $5.99



Hope this helps a few of you.

[SgtM]

The only thing I would suggest is maybe take some comparison shots and include it in the tut. No matter what, those are good suggestions. +rep

[Luke122]

Also, most cameras have a two step shutter button. If you press the shutter half way, it will focus the image, and meter the lights, etc. Press it the rest of the way, and *CLICK*, photo is taken.. probably with much better results than just pressing the button.

It's always better to use too much light than too little as Crenn mentioned above. If there's lots of light, the camera doesnt use it's own flash (which usually just causes problems in close up pictures) and it will also use a faster shutter speed which means a sharper picture.

Mini tripods are great, and cost very little. For a bit of extra sharpness, use the 2 second timer function on your camera. Press the shutter, it waits 2 seconds (tripod = no movement), then snaps the photo. You can even use the half-press method here. Press halfway to focus and meter, then press the rest of the way. 2 seconds later, *CLICK*.

For anyone using camera phones to take pics, (I'm guilty of this also) make sure you have lots of light. In low light situations, digital (and phone) cameras get very grainy, and you lose loads of detail. Too much light is better. :)

Good job with this thread Crenn, I think something like this was long overdue around here. :D

[Xperiment]

Nice tutorial, +rep

The only other 'tip' I could add is to take more than one picture of your chosen subject, I always take at least 5. Then once you get them onto your computer you can look through them and pick the best one.

[Luke122]

Xperiment: On that note, I often shoot in motordrive, to ensure that I get several shots of whatever subjet I'm shooting. Also, using motordrive you are more likely to get a sharp picture. :)

[Xperiment]

:looks down at the floor with upturned lip: My camera doesn't have that function :(

Very good point though, Maybe one day my FujiFilm FinePix A340 will grow up into a propper camera.

[Crazy Buddhist]

+rep

+Write this up in the wiki dude. Start a new section for worklog tips if there isn't one and add a page on this. If you aren't familiar with wikis giv me a nod and i'll do the do for you then you can fill in the content.

:)

ps +add some pictures ... the good and the bad.

[xmastree]

All good stuff.
Another point, a camera isn't always the best thing to use. If you need to take a picture of a memory stick for example, and want show the printing on it, then it's better to scan it (assuming you have a scanner...)

And, if your camera doesn't have a macro mode, then stand further away. Set the resolution to maximum and you'll be able to crop the picture down to size to show what you realy want to.

[Luke122]

I just thought of something else.. if you shoot in Aperature Priority mode, you can set the F number manually, and the camera will do the rest for you.

If you shoot with a lower F number (less than 4) you will get very limited depth of field. This means that if you are shooting a card for example, part of the card will be in focus, and the rest will be blurry. Higher F numbers = more of the image will be in focus... the tradeoff for higher F numbers = more possibility of camera shake because of slower shutter speeds. This is why more light = better.. the camera can compensate if there's too much light, but its much hard to deal with not enough light.

[Crazy Buddhist]

...

Mini tripods are great, and cost very little. For a bit of extra sharpness, use the 2 second timer function on your camera. Press the shutter, it waits 2 seconds (tripod = no movement), then snaps the photo. You can even use the half-press method here. Press halfway to focus and meter, then press the rest of the way. 2 seconds later, *CLICK*.

...



Good tip on the timer. Often called the self-timer (so you can station the camera and run into the shot).

2 seconds is short ... most are 5 - 10 in my experience. With the timer you don't even need a tripod, though it helps.

You can station the camera and frame the shot with the camera propped on a wall, bean-bag, jumper or crushed beer can. Firmer surfaces give better results but this way you can turn off the flash with no tripod and get good clear shots.

:)

[crenn]

Me and CB will be spending some time to write up this for the Wiki.

Thanks for your input, I'll be sure to put it in.