Teach us.....

[ldg40]

So I only have a basic digital camera...knowing full well that the flash is my worst enemy. Images seem to be "hot" or blown out" with it.

Any quick tuts on how to take a a sorta-wonderful image with just a cheapie camera? A quickie homemade little set-up, for still lifes etc?

Linda :)

[123456789]

Light the area well and turn off the flash or divert the flash beam by diffusing it or by reflecting it to the ceiling or a wall, if it (the ceiling or wall) is light coloured.
Or put a piece of cloth over the flash and adjust it in PS.

[1cowabunga]

Agreed ldg, I've never understood how to use flash to my advantage. My pictures are always washed out with that horrible dark shadow behind the subject. I just got a digital camera! I'm so excited! Its a 6.1 MP, Kodak Easyshare. A walmart special for $200 (got up at 4 a.m. friday just to make sure I got one :D ) Yeah, its no SLR but it still is a wonderful camera I think. Anyway, about the flash thing... anyone?

~Sam

edit: Good points 1-9. I never thought of that before. thanks!

[down2earth2]

I've just stopped taking pictures when the flash is going to be the primary light source. That's a pretty crappy solution. Well not even a solution.

[ldg40]

[QUOTE=down2earth2]I've just stopped taking pictures when the flash is going to be the primary light source. That's a pretty crappy solution. Well not even a solution.[/QUOTE]

Lots of rain today, 2 days ago snow... I agree although not a great solution, it's the one that I use as well, but when the weather is like this, indoor seems to be the only way!

[tuggie]

You can buy photo flood bulbs at any good camera shop and a couple of polished steel lamps that you buy at Home Depot or similar and you have all you need for a home studio. Set 1 light further back than the other and you'll get great images, the joy of digital is that you can play as much as you like at no cost! If photofloods aren't available 2 very bright lights will do, you may have to adjust EV in photoshop or the camera may have a setting for incandescant lights. Some people get bent out of shape over expensive equipment, you don't need it unless you work for Vogue or someone.

Tuggie

[ldg40]

[QUOTE=tuggie] Set 1 light further back than the other and you'll get great images,
Tuggie[/QUOTE]

Setting 1 light behind you or the subject? Above or at each side of the subject? As anyone can tell, I am absolutely clueless! :D

My thanks to everyone for your advice and help! Maybe soon I too will be able to submit an image in the photo contests!

[Scott]

I know this isn't what you all want to hear... but my experience... $200 camera, photos always had some quality that made them look like "snapshots". $500 camera, still snapshot quality but very nice snapshots. Not so many blown out areas and much better focus in a wide range. Just better image quality. . . . and my new Canon 350D... well... I know having a good camera won't make you a great photographer. But I can tell you the comparison is like creating a Contest image with MSpaint or Photoshop. Sure MSPaint works... but it makes the job soooooo much harder. The SLR digital camera are the Photoshop of that world. They wont' make you a great photographer, but they will definitely prevent you from fighting the equipment to get a good shot.

[TrinityOfOne]

I should write a book about this.... :)

[Maiden]

LDG I came across this (http://www.macdevcenter.com/pub/a/mac/2002/10/22/digi_photo_tips.html) just the other day & saved it for such a question actually, hope it may be of some help :)

[ldg40]

[QUOTE=TrinityOfOne]I should write a book about this.... :)[/QUOTE]

Yes, Trinty, yes you should! Think of the volumes of sales!

I agree Jolt, a better camera will not make me a better photographer, but this is all the budget will allow for now. So grasping at ways to make my shots better with out an overhaul in PS.

A wonderful link Maiden! You iz the magic linking woman! Woo-hoo! This link is now in my bookmarks and I will certianly use it for reference- often! Thank you ! :)

[tuggie]

Hi LDG

With the light set up, you will want approximately 1 stop difference side to side, this gives a feeling of depth, so mount the lamps on some kind of stand, they come with clamps. A step ladder will do if necessary. You'll want to put the lamps about 30 deg each side of the subject and at a height that will make the shadow disappear behind the subject. As i said before, the beaty of digital is you take some shots, look on the computor, if you're happy - great! If not play some more. It will take a while to hit National Geographic, but the fun is getting there!

There are many books available from librarys and such and a camera class at the local highschool is a good thing too.

There are those who will have you spending the kids inheritance on bigger and better equipment, but it ain't neccesary! Even the light from a window reflected off a white board will give good results.

Where are you located, we had snow over the weekend and rain today here in Southern Ontario.

Tuggie

[ldg40]

Tuggie! What wonderful concise suggestions! Thank you! Perhaps with time permitting I will be submitting in no time at all. For sure digital is the beauty of it all!

Thanks again!
Linda :)