Thread: Need suggestions

Anyone suggest a good setup 'camera/lighting' for taking pictures of items to be used as product pictures on an online store. Most items are small, about the size of a remote control. Some can be a bit larger, others a bit smaller. I have problems getting a good crisp shot most of the time, really need something a bit better.

Kellogg's crispix is crispy times 2

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can you give me an example of one that looks like pooh?

the key to a good close up shit (errr, make that shot), is a steady camera.

1) do you have a tri-pod? doesn't have to be a $277 dollar variety but even a $10 table top mdl might suit your needs.
2) what kind of camera are you using? P&S (point & shoot) or SLR (interchangeable lenses)
3) does the camera have a "macro" button - usually looks like a little flower
4) does your camera have a self timer?

• What you want, is for the camera to be absolutely steady during the shot and since most P&S cameras have 'shutter lag' then a tri-pod is a must.

• Going even further you want to actuate the shutter in such a way that you don't hit the camera, enter the self timer. hit the timer and then you won't nudge the camera as it takes the picture.

• Then camera settings when doing close up stuff - depending on how far away you are from your subject, it is imperative to utilize the 'macro button' so that the lens will be able to focus at closer distances.

• Finally, AF (auto focus can be a bitch at times) maybe your camera can't get a good lock on your subject. In this case it would be beneficial to utilize the manual focus so that way you have complete control over the focusing process.

Thanks for the tips, my current camera s my old one got broken :cries: is just a small but decent point and shoot digital.

yes I have a tripod I'm so shakey I could not take a pic w/o it.

Not sure on self time or macro, will have to check and report back.

Thanks for the tips, I will review them next time I take some and report back if I come up with any problems, questions, etc

Get two or three lights. One for main illumination and the other for a key light that will eliminate most shadows.

If you are photographing less than a metre away use the macro function on your camera.

Originally Posted by KitchenMan

Get two or three lights. One for main illumination and the other for a key light that will eliminate most shadows.

If you are photographing less than a metre away use the macro function on your camera.

good points with the lighting, as 9/10 times - using the on camera flash would not be desired - but especially for product shots.

Originally Posted by timsdd

good points with the lighting, as 9/10 times - using the on camera flash would not be desired - but especially for product shots.

Exactly, that's what I'm using now and sometimes it's ok. But i get glare on certain items

I'll have to try both of your suggestions out!

Thanks

Originally Posted by grim

Exactly, that's what I'm using now and sometimes it's ok. But i get glare on certain items

I'll have to try both of your suggestions out!

Thanks

the reason it washes everything out (makes everything ultra bright - white) and or glares is b/c the camera sensor usually meters the entire scene - so the flash blasts the subject trying to illuminate the entire frame (not just the small part you want lit). which is usually bad news for anything small in front of the flash or even people's faces get wrecked on account of that.


HOWEVER, a trick is to use something to diffuse the flash. I've actually used kleenex before (not used). but basically you just put something in front of the flash - tissue paper also works well.

you can actually buy such things (B&H Photo) OR you can be like one of my buds in my myspace photo group - he made his own diffuser!!

I've been calling him MacGyver ever since

Hmm, there's a website I know of that I ordered FREE soft gel filters. They're like little samples so if you like them you can order the big sizes to fit over say, a soft box even. They're small enough that I tape them over my camera flash. Really amazing little things.. I'll try to find the site I got them from. There were at least 100 to choose from!

Originally Posted by JaneM

Hmm, there's a website I know of that I ordered FREE soft gel filters. They're like little samples so if you like them you can order the big sizes to fit over say, a soft box even. They're small enough that I tape them over my camera flash. Really amazing little things.. I'll try to find the site I got them from. There were at least 100 to choose from!

you know, I did the exact same thing! but the jerky boys never sent them :evil::evil:

I can't remember where it was either but I know exactly what you are talking about!@ find it if you can