Pointers for taking pictures....?

[CraftyChris]

I was wondering if some people (you know who you are) can give some of us not so camera savy people pointers on taking pictures. I think mine are getting better and better, put I have real issues with lighting. I see some peoples pictures, and they look wonderful!

A lot of us have websites, and pointers would be great!! Even for my family picture taking!!

[Kelly]

Using sun light helped me get better pictures... as well as a better camera!

Hopefully someone will give you more info... I know I'm not very helpful LOL!

[Vicky_CO]

I too would love to see some pointers on taking pictures. I have books on Photography but most of it seems Greek to me. I would love to see some easy things we could do to make our pictures better.

[SoapDiva]

I think I take pretty good pictures, so I'll tell you what I tend to do.

To begin with, I like a lot of natural light. Then, I set my digital camera (nothing fancy, its a Cannon AU80, about 4 years old now) to macro I think it is (the picture of a flower, I know, thats helpful eh?) and I take a real close up of it.

I like the edges a bit blurry (the background).

In all, its about practice. If you don't have the inclination, there are always amateur photographers around who would love to pad their portfolio.

[cnfrost]

I'm a bit of an amateur photographer, and wouldn't mind tackling this one, if you kind folks wouldn't mind posting specifically what improvements you're looking for.

But just for general tips, I would say that if you don't already have one, a tripod can be your best friend.

Lighting has already been touched on here, not only quality, but quantity as well.

SoapDiva, I hope you don't mind if I critique your photo...

Maybe bounce some light up from the bottom left....it's a little dark down there.

I'm not familiar with the AU80, but if you have the option of using manual controls, I might use a slower shutter speed (maybe 1/20 sec. instead of 1/40 sec.) to let in more light, and close the aperture a bit (f/3.5 or f/4 instead of f/2.8). This should let you get the entire product in focus (instead of just the front of it) while still keeping the background a bit fuzzy.

No offense?

[Candybee]

I find natural lighting to be the best. I try to use outdoor lighting when weather permits. I'm finding that it takes a LOT of practice-- plus I wish I could afford a better camera for closeups.

[Ramaroa]

I think I take pretty good pictures, so I'll tell you what I tend to do.

To begin with, I like a lot of natural light. Then, I set my digital camera (nothing fancy, its a Cannon AU80, about 4 years old now) to macro I think it is (the picture of a flower, I know, thats helpful eh?) and I take a real close up of it.

I like the edges a bit blurry (the background).

In all, its about practice. If you don't have the inclination, there are always amateur photographers around who would love to pad their portfolio.

I had a peek at your site and you do have some lovely photos, Jennifer. I especially like the soaps; gorgeous handmade soaps are just so photogenic.

[Crafty1]

i am no professional, but through my experience i use lots of natural light and a fairl decent camera. i tend to take all of my pix outside when the sun is blazing full blast.

[MissMary]

There is an awesome thread about an inexpensive light box and a quick touch up in photoshop, but I can't seem to find it! *grumble*

It's a plastic rectangle tote, I drape a sheet behind it and clothespin those to the sides, and use two desk lamps to light each side so there's no long shadows.

I take several pics of the same thing, then in photoshop, use the curve method (I'm not on my home PC, but will be and can post the exacts when I get home in a few days), and it works pretty well.

www.cormarcompany.com

All the pics on the site were all done using this method. I do want to retake them as these pics are a bit hurried, but they get the point across.

[SoapDiva]

CNfrost, thanks! I don't mind at all, I'm all about improving where I can. Thanks for the lighting tip.

Ramaora - thank you!

[Everito Bandito]

This is a pretty good site for ideas. Someone here at candletech shared this with me about a year ago and for the life of me, I can't remember who it was.....anyway, the credit goes to her.

Light box/tent that's not too difficult to make:

http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/light_box_light_tent

Basics of photography:

http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/the_basics

The author's galleries:

http://www.pbase.com/wlhuber/root

Hope some of this may help...

[GirlWithTheCurl]

Here's another link for a diy light box:

http://www.theswitchboards.com/articles_professionalphotos.html

[MissMary]

That's the one I was talking about GwtC!

[Jujutwin]

Glad I found this thread!

[Morganst]

Thank Goodness someone asked. I've been battling with taking pictures for MONTHS. I almost believe I can do this!!!! Thanks you guys:yay: