Weyland's Photographic Advice Thread

[riotgrrl]

So this is the 'dark room'. Fine.

Now Weyland, to continue our previous discussions . . .

I have found the way to put my camera into extreme close-up mode, but I am still not getting results. This is the best I can do with a coin.



I did manage a bit better outside (although the light was fading) with this dead flower.



And I zoomed and sat down in the swow and the pavement and got . . .

[everso]

I like the title of this thread. I always get a nice safe feeling if I know one of the chaps is taking care of us. Like Rob, when you want to know about computers and Alpha when you're not sure what torch to buy.

Or Swl if you don't know how to vote.

[Weyland]

Jan 6, 2010 17:22:50 GMT everso said:

I like the title of this thread. I always get a nice safe feeling if I know one of the chaps is taking care of us. Like Rob, when you want to know about computers and Alpha when you're not sure what torch to buy.

Or Swl if you don't know how to vote.

That's very nice, Everso, but I think it is my sovereign responsibility to point out that this thread has been started my a certain Female Faction intent upon World Domination and chaining yours truly to the Agony Uncle treadmill.

It has no connection with the Official Weyland Yutani Franchise or any of its representatives, express or implied, whatsoever, so help me S&N.

Just as long as that's clear.

[riotgrrl]

Looking for advice here . . not a disclaimer.

Thank you.

[Weyland]

Jan 6, 2010 18:18:50 GMT @riotgrrl said:

Looking for advice here . . not a disclaimer.

Thank you.

Go to a well-lit flat surface. Stand the camera on it. Place a ruler, preferably metric, at right angles to the plane of the lens, with the 0cm mark roughly in line with the front of the lens. Take a series of shots with the focus on, say, the 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10cm marks. Ignore beeps and stuff like that. Turn the flash off if necessary.

Otherwise just shoot some well-lit detailed vertical object, such as a thick wad of £50 notes, at various distances from 1 to 10cm.

Compare. When finished, send me the money. Hope this helps.

Here are my samples, with the "simple" Panasonic. Note that first shot is not in focus on the target mark -- too close. (Distances approximate).


Focussed on 1.


Focussed on 2.


Focussed on 4.


Focussed on 6.

[betty]

riot, this close up malarky is harder than it should be!

i just tried to take some photos of my favourite birthday pressie - a sort of Tibetan bell.

(why mr bets thinks i need a bell round my neck is unclear - but it is very pretty and tinkly.)




....on some white paper..... that seems to have come out very bluey

then i put it in a metal bowl - very out of focus!



and then in a glass one....better, but still out of focus.



quite like this one



last attempt

- untouched by photoshop

- enhanced

i think Weyland needs give some tips on how to get in focus.

[betty]

i see you have!

must find a ruler now....