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Post by MikeMusic on Sept 17, 2017 13:58:04 GMT
I need to take photos when the natural daylight is poor.
Assuming I should avoid flash what are the best ways ?
Most of the kit is black so I may struggle to bring out detail.
Already had helpful conversations with Jules and Martin. Seems a good idea to bring this out for everyone.
Current kit to snap is Mana racks and soundbases, all black, with some not easy to see blemishes that I want to show so any seller knows what they are getting.
Have two large pieces of white card to put behind the kit for starters and a decent Canon camera.
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Post by zippy on Sept 17, 2017 14:17:35 GMT
I'm surprised (if your Canon is digital) that you can't set it for a longer exposure and get decent pictures if you also use a tripod.
Maybe it's a matter of contrast (e.g. black on a dark background) so using a sheet (or as you say white card) will help, or even some lighting behind the units.
I almost never use flash, but when I do I use a flash unit with diffuser (maybe you could borrow one) and NEVER use the flash built into the camera - I found it also a good idea to point the flash at the ceiling rather than 'head-on'.
Hope that helps a bit..
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Post by MikeMusic on Sept 17, 2017 14:36:33 GMT
Ah. Longer exposure. That could be it, thanks.
It's an auto everything until you select the different features
Thanks
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Post by julesd68 on Sept 17, 2017 15:09:49 GMT
A few ideas Mike.
Yes avoid flash at all costs and go for a slower exposure.
You have a big living room with big windows. Even on a gloomy day there should be light enough for pics if you move your gear near to the windows.
Take the pics with the windows behind you so the light is directed at the gear, but without blocking the light yourself. So put yourself at a 3/4 angle to the gear.
The big pieces of white card can also be used to bounce more light into the scene if you get the mrs to hold them.
If you are concerned about blemishes, take a few close-up shots of these. Don't worry about them not showing on the main pic.
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Post by julesd68 on Sept 17, 2017 15:15:48 GMT
To do a really good job you need to do just a little processing of the pics to adjust contrast, shadows, sharpness etc
Once you get the hang of this you can do it very quickly.
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Post by MikeMusic on Sept 17, 2017 15:38:20 GMT
Thanks Jules.
The blemishes will have to be close up as they are difficult to see from a few feet away.
The processing will need some hand holding.
Can you believe I used to take quite good pics with my old non digital Olympus.
Forgotten just about everything
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Post by julesd68 on Sept 17, 2017 15:44:18 GMT
Lots of old film cameras were super easy to use and gave great results!
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Post by julesd68 on Sept 17, 2017 15:45:34 GMT
How about this for now Mike.
Do your best to take some shots as I've suggested and then email them to me for a bit of retouching.
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Post by MikeMusic on Sept 17, 2017 19:40:55 GMT
Thanks. Will do !
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Post by MartinT on Sept 17, 2017 20:06:44 GMT
Use a tripod and set the timer rather than operate the shutter - never hand-hold for product shots if you can avoid it, you'll get the last bit of sharpness and can use longer exposures.
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Post by MikeMusic on Sept 18, 2017 7:51:17 GMT
Thanks Don't think we have a tripod so would look to settle the camera on something solid. I do notice wobble when taking shots so that would be a good move to improve the sharpness Will also take a look around for a cheap 2nd hand tripod Hang on, this is mental Universal Mini TripodWould this work ok ? |
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Post by MartinT on Sept 18, 2017 8:46:03 GMT
That'll do the job, stops you from shaking it!
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Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Sept 18, 2017 10:17:45 GMT
I would sit the equipment on a garden table with white table cloth. Camera on tipod in bright daylight avoiding any sun. I Have one of those Mini tripods Mike they are fine..
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Post by Slinger on Sept 18, 2017 10:34:54 GMT
If your Canon can take one I'd also suggest a Remote Shutter Release There are plenty on eBay for not much money. |
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Post by zippy on Sept 18, 2017 10:51:19 GMT
Thanks Don't think we have a tripod so would look to settle the camera on something solid. I do notice wobble when taking shots so that would be a good move to improve the sharpness Will also take a look around for a cheap 2nd hand tripod Hang on, this is mental Universal Mini TripodWould this work ok ? looks too flimsy to me - the 'gorillapod' (or cheap clone) might be a better bet |
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Post by MartinT on Sept 18, 2017 14:48:04 GMT
If your Canon can take one I'd also suggest a Remote Shutter Release There are plenty on eBay for not much money. If there's no remote connector, just set the timer. Most of them take a picture after 8-10s. |
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Post by MikeMusic on Sept 18, 2017 15:13:39 GMT
I would sit the equipment on a garden table with white table cloth. Camera on tipod in bright daylight avoiding any sun. I Have one of those Mini tripods Mike they are fine.. Thanks. Can't go far wrong for the price. |
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Post by MikeMusic on Sept 18, 2017 15:15:16 GMT
Thanks Don't think we have a tripod so would look to settle the camera on something solid. I do notice wobble when taking shots so that would be a good move to improve the sharpness Will also take a look around for a cheap 2nd hand tripod Hang on, this is mental Universal Mini TripodWould this work ok ? looks too flimsy to me - the 'gorillapod' (or cheap clone) might be a better bet Cheap clone for not much more Portable Mini Flexible Tripod Octopus Stand Gorilla Pod or is this only for Gopro ? |
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