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Okay, I am very disappointed in my picture taking skills when it comes to snapping pics of my cards. I just posted some cards on my blog tonight and they just aren't very good. So any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Susan
Okay, I am very disappointed in my picture taking skills when it comes to snapping pics of my cards. I just posted some cards on my blog tonight and they just aren't very good. So any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Susan
make sure you have good light when you take your photos ... if it is daytime you could even consider going outside to take them .... even with good light etc ... most of us still use some sort of photo editing software to change the contrast and brightness ... Gina K mentioned something about this on her blog recently that you might want to check out, here is the link http://blog.ginakdesigns.com/2008/02...my-photos.aspx
Another thing I like to do is take my photos at a slight angle so you can see the 3D-ness of them if that makes sense and when I crop my photos I like to leave some space around the photo too ... I think this helps too. I checked out your blog ... and to me the first photo you posted is more visually appealing then the others because you didn't crop them right up close to the photo ... hope that helps.
Set your camera to non flash. I take my pictures in front of a window. I took pictures how I set up my card before taking the picture. You can find a blog entry on how I take and edit pictures here.
I have a question about turning the flash off. I am camera challenged and I think the flash is off and voila flash goes off and a washed-out picture. I've learned a lot from you Frances, but I need more help. I intend to go to these two blogs for more help! Thanks for being there for us.
__________________ ShariW
Trust in the Lord with all thine Heart-Prov.3:5a
I would add a few more tips that I have been using with great success.
Since typically you are taking pictures of your cards at a close distance, set your camera to "macro". This tells your camera to focus close up verses a broad focus and your pictures are much clearer.
Also, never zoom past your optical zoom. I get crisper pictures when I take them at a greater distance and crop them close up with my editing software.
Probably the most important tip, especially for close ups; use a tri-pod, and then try using your timer so you don't "shake" the camera when you press the button. Even the greatest photo editing can't so much for a blurred or out of focus shot.
I love Beate's tips about using a window, natural light is the best and really illiminates the need for the flash, and your colours are the truest on film. I find an Ott light is a realistic substitute for natural light. I agree with Frances whole heartedly about shooting your cards on an angle, and cropping them with some space. It adds depth and breathing room.
You can check out my blog, www.scrapnextras.com I usually try to get some really close shots of specific areas of my cards, like embellishments or techniques, and I have a 5 year old Canon digital with only 3.1 megapixels. So you don't really need a fancy camera...although I dream of getting one every day LOL!
I'm curious what suggestions you might have for those of us who aren't home during 'daylight' or who get very little daylight in our houses (surrounded by hills and trees in the middle of a very dreary winter). I find I'm getting really terrible photos, even with OttLights and macro settings (and I have a fantastic new Canon Elph that takes great snapshots using flash...)
Very interested in this topic, too.
__________________ Sherman and Luka's DogMa -- Cecil Twp., PA
I'm curious what suggestions you might have for those of us who aren't home during 'daylight' or who get very little daylight in our houses (surrounded by hills and trees in the middle of a very dreary winter). I find I'm getting really terrible photos, even with OttLights and macro settings (and I have a fantastic new Canon Elph that takes great snapshots using flash...)
Very interested in this topic, too.
I don't remember who I learned this from, but I set cutting boards on my stove, one flat and one vertically for a background. Then I set up paper on each for a background, and set up my card. I turn on the hood light, and take a photo without flash. It seems to work for me. The daylight in Florida, even in the winter, seems too intense and just washes out my photos. Give that a try.
the tutorial was very helpful. i always edit my photos in PSE (I have 2.0). I adjust brightness and contrast (under enhance) and sometimes sharpen (under filter).
Mary Ann and others: your comments are exemplary: For sure, I'm going to try Mary Ann's idea and use the stove. Hopefully, that will help me take photos that you can see easier. Thanks everyone. Great suggestions!
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I think my camera just isn't good enough to take great pictures. However, I am able to achieve the picture quality on my blog due to tweaking in Photoshop. I have a VERY old version from my dad's office (I think it is 6.0). I adjust everything from contrast to brightness to levels of color. I think any picture can look great with a little TLC.
Taking better pics of my cards?
