Picture taking tips

bmurrish · Post by **bmurrish** » Mon Feb 21, 2005 2:17 pm

Here is an idea for a new area. This one might be a good one for Cyphergirl. What is the best method for taking close up part pictures with a digital camera? I often find myself having to take the shot about 3 times before I get it right. I have found the flash to be a problem since the parts have a mirror like finish.

tshort · Post by **tshort** » Mon Feb 21, 2005 2:35 pm

Does your camera have a macro setting? This aids in close focusing. Mine has the option of turning the flash off when shooting closeups, but depending on how much latitude you have in exposure (some digital cameras are better than others here) that may require a tripod. I turn the flash off almost all the time, and have a small tripod that I use if necessary.
Thomas

l & d lewis · Post by **l & d lewis** » Mon Feb 21, 2005 2:46 pm

I use the same trick as Thomas, mine will macro down to 1.8 inches. Shut off the flash, and sometimes wash it with a blue LED light pen for contrast, and put the shadows where you wan't them. Really hard to hand-hold that close like Thomas said...........

Wicked Stick · Post by **Wicked Stick** » Mon Feb 21, 2005 3:46 pm

If your camera has a macro/closup setting, use it, and also shut off the flash. Then just make sure the area is well lit, and hold it steady while snapping off the picture.

The nice thing about digital cameras is you can see right away if it comes out ok, and if not, just take another

bmurrish · Post by **bmurrish** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 1:36 am

Yeah the flash really messes the pictures up most of the time. I will try the blue LED trick for sure.

bmurrish · Post by **bmurrish** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 1:37 am

Yeah the flash really messes the pictures up most of the time. I will try the blue LED trick for sure.

spikescopilot · Post by **spikescopilot** » Tue Feb 22, 2005 10:18 pm

It's late, so just a couple quick tips until I get a chance to reply more thoroughly tomorrow.

- When taking closeup shots, stand back and use your zoom lens if you have one.... cameras have a hard time focusing when you get within a certain distance of your subject (depending on the camera).

- If you are using the flash, avoid shooting straight at the subject. Shooting "straight on" maximizes the possibility of reflections from your subject matter. Shoot at an angle, and the flash shouldn't bounce back at you as much.