Modding How to take better photographs of your Mod

Of course no phone camera can compete with a DSLR, but its surprising how little difference there is between cheaper point and shoot ones compared to phone cameras.

 

ohh this is very useful! I'll read more in-depth when i have the time, but for now... thanks!

Also:

+1

 

Great article, very helpful.

Just a couple of additional comments as someone who has done a fair amount of close-up/product photography (no mods, yet).

1. As a general rule: If the Shutter Speed is less than 1/focal length, it is nearly impossible to hand hold the shot. Example: If the focal length of your lens (or the setting of your point and shoot) is 60mm, the the slowest shutter speed you can hand hold is 1/60th of a second. That being said, get a tripod - it's much easier and is one less thing to think about when you are taking your pictures.

2. There are a fair number of daylight quality Compact Florescent bulbs available, use them. They keep the colors from shifting in your picture (expert Photoshop users can correct for this, but I find it much easier to use these lights).

3. As I think someone earlier said, take lots of pictures, post the best ones.

Look forward to see the results.

 

Here's one for some of the bit tech staff. Take the hood off when you are using the pop-up flash. I remember seeing a shot a while back with this massive shadow on it, that was caused by the above xD

 

doh, that was completely random xD The shot in question was at some event or something

 

You're absolutely right! But, it's too expensive! I with I have one soon cause photography is really one of my hobby. Something that I actually enjoy.

 

Umm, some D-SLR's are not as good as the current crop of Electronic Viewfinder, Interchangeable Lens cameras like the Olympus EP-1 and others. In fact stuff like the Nikon D3000 and Canon 1000 are well of the pace of the E-P1 (and the other 'Pens'). Unlike a point and shoot (and they mostly have adopted wka micro four thirds lens) you can change the lenses. However they aren't cheap and a 'cheap' D-SLR is a good idea still.

The Olympus E-420 can be had for about 300-350 quid, it lacks image stabilisation but makes up for it with such features as the worlds smalled D-SLR and uses reular four thirds system. I use one for its portability with a Zuiko 25mm 'Pancake' lens and for the rest of my stuff an Olympus E30 with a variety of lenses. Don't get caught up in the 'Nikon or Canon' is best mentality if shopping for a D-SLR and consider things like the Olympus EP-1 and similar as alternatives.

Another thing regarding getting the most from your camera,if you are enthusiastic about spending some cas on the hobby... if you have invested cash in a decent camera, don't then edit your pictures with Microsoft Picture gallery on a nasty TN monitor. The number of times I have seen folk list an impressive string of D-SLR's in their signature on some forums and then their PC which uses something like a 'Hanns G' monitor or something.

 

Cheers Claave, will try that

 

Moneys too tight to get a good £500 camera, I'd sooner buy a small mill or lathe or new gpu or mobo, memory & cpu, would really like to be able to take great pictures, but for said reasons above, not yet I'm afraid, I know I should do now the quality of my mods have improved since I started, but still, £500 & then the extras = ouch lol.

 

Anyone know an awesome budget camera below £200?

 

Actually, quite a fair bit of difference - just compare the amount of resolved detail, noise levels, etc.

 

@Waynio, Nikon Coolpix L110.

 

Irrelevant. The best way to get good shots is either hiring a studi and professional photographer or going to study photography and beccome a professional yourself.

HOWEVER.

This article is about getting good results with fewer means. The truth is that you can take pretty decent shots with about 99% of the cameras out there as long as you handle them well. It's remarks like yours that demotivate people that do not own a DSLR into just taking snaps with their phones. This article is about motivating those people, and it does a mighty good job of it.

 

Its really a good article.. Thanks..

 

@cybergenics, Thank you

And yes, it's a good article Antony, thanks, added to my favourites for future reference , gotta say, when I started modding I never imagined it would help learning photography but after seeing some good examples from other modders it looks worth the effort.
I'm taking a break from forums for a bit though to refresh my senses as I've been behaving like a big dumb idiot in regard to cnc mods, I'll be back when I start a new project, maybe in the summer.

 

So the general consensus is lots of light and a decent camera? How about we get some pic's of cases in random places like car-park lots and top of mountains...that'd switch it up

 

I always prefer to use longer shutter times. Often as long as possible. especially if is in a dimly lit room.
This foto ha a 30 sec exposure at ISO100, and i used a lighter and a maglight for lightning. Moved the flashlight around a bit to get it a bit more omnidirectional.
http://www.rcgalleri.dk/uploads_xl_wm/341675.jpg?05-02-2010 23:55:17
Think it worked out pretty well.

It's horrobly compressed, but thats because of the site it's been upped to.

 

Excellent guide!

How about a follow-up with the 5-10 most common noob mistakes, such as posting 12 photos of a stock case being removed from its box! Or how pics should not be posted at full resolution in the forum! Or arranged horizontally!

 

This is a very helpful guide for the basics and is just what I have been looking for. I finally broke down and bought a new Canon SX120 SLR camera and large light tent, and plan on using this tutorial tomorrow to see what i can come up with.