Question about photography

[JohnBrownUSA]

Hi all,

This is my first post to this site and let me just say how glad I am it exists. I've been into this hobby on and off for more than 20 years now, but have never been in any clubs or been to any of the conventions. It all started with a little shop in my home town called Centurion Military Hobbies.

On to my question. I'd like to post pictures of my work , but I've never photographed miniatures before. I have a digital camera with a macro lens, and and need some tips and pointers from all you pros out there.

Thanks in advance and cheers to all you super talented people.

 

[Blind Pew]

Have a go and experiment, you'll learn more that way quicker. And of course the beauty of gigital photography is that if you don't like something, it can be ditched there and then. Try the website www.atlantaminiatrues.com it has links about photgraphy I found helpful at least.

all the best.

 

[PJ Deluhery]

I'd say put it in a window with strong INdirect light and shoot some pictures. You can then adjust exposure, background, angle of light, etc. accordingly. While folks here have lots of tips, trial and error is still the best way to learn. With digital cameras, feedback is instanteous - and cheap - so you can learn an awful lot in one afternoon. You'll also be able to ask specific questions which are much more likely to draw helpful answers.

I think if you search this site you will find several threads on the subject.

Good luck!

 

[JohnBrownUSA]

Thanks a lot for the replies. When I've experimented a bit, I'll probably have some specific questions as you suggest. Just the advice to use natural light first will help me get started.

I'll be posting soon!

 

[My_name_1s_MUD]

you got the first step (the macro button... ya know the one with the flower on it). itsa life saver.

you got the second step... natural sunlight. The best thing you can do is snap the picture outside on a semi-cloudy day.

third step. Neutral background with enough contrast to the subject's color. I use a light blue background.

 

[KeithP]

I would add that use of a tripod is critical. Vibrations are a killer. A cheap yet servicable tripod can be had for $20. Or, a mono pod will work too. Some one posted a pic of that here a while back...

On lighting... photo under the same lighting conditions that you painted the figure. If you don't, it will not appear the same as how you painted it.

Experimentation is the best advice and that has already been said

Keith

 

[LCoote]

I would have to say natural light is pretty much useless for photographing figures, you simply can't get enough contrast and the pictures will look washed out, the same applies for using the flash. You need to control the light, desk lamps or something similar is the best way to start, I prefer daylight globes so there's no need to worry about the color variation you get from normal globes.

Leigh