Good Photography...what is your secret?

[CoinHunterAZ]

Try as I might, I can't seem to take very good close-up pictures of my finds. Can anyone please give me some tips? My digital camera takes awesome landscape shots...but the close ups are giving me fits! Thanks...

 

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[onadraw]

Check your Camera's manual to see if it has a Macro setting.

 

[RGINN]

Tell us the type of camera you got. Make, model, etc. And yeah, read the manual cause it will probably tell you how to do close-ups. If you need some photo tips, there are some awesome photographers on here and they're glad to help you out. I know I've learned a thing or two from them.

 

[CoinHunterAZ]

OK...I will see if I can even find the manual for it. It was a hand me down...so I don't even know if I have it or not.

 

[pat-tekker-cat]

Check out the photographs/photography thread on down. I get great close-ups using a cheap magnifying glass. I'm using one of the first Kodak easy shares. I just put the magnifier up to the shutter and click. I have it set to where I can view what I am going to take a pic of, once it comes in to view the way I want it, it works pretty good, almost every time. I'm still perfecting the technique and lighting needs to be good also. Here's example, I can't even see that good with my eyeballs! LOL!

 

[onadraw]

OK...I will see if I can even find the manual for it. It was a hand me down...so I don't even know if I have it or not.

What is the make/model?

Also, look for a icon on the camera that looks like this:

 

[cmaracing]

Macro

Hi, I tend to use a program on my Android phone (Samsung Note 2) called (Magnificent Magnifier made by c.p.s.) and its free...
Even if you have an Iphone you can download this type of program to use, but 90% of camera's have a macro setting the trick is to be at least 2 to 3 inches from the object and use the zoom to clear the image and focus..

 

[CoilyGirl]

Hi, I tend to use a program on my Android phone (Samsung Note 2) called (Magnificent Magnifier made by c.p.s.) and its free...
Even if you have an Iphone you can download this type of program to use, but 90% of camera's have a macro setting the trick is to be at least 2 to 3 inches from the object and use the zoom to clear the image and focus..

Thanks for the tip on Magnificent Magnifier,I will look for that app.

 

[Silver Searcher]

I find it best when using macro function to reduce the recorded pixle size of the picture, it's easier to crop down.

SS

 

[Number9]

You have to hold the camera real still!!

 

[CoinHunterAZ]

OK...My camera is a Fujifilm Finepix A340...I didn't have the manual, but just downloaded and printed the owner's manual. 94 pages jeez! I will be studying it tonight, and checking back with this thread. Thanks!

 

[vpnavy]

Take a look at Fujifilm FinePix A340 Review. They have a nice review (pictures, etc.) and talk about "focusing range"...

 

[CoinHunterAZ]

Thanks vpnavy!

 

[63bkpkr]

Close ups require paying attention to details, the first you've already been given keep the camera still. This is best done by using a simple tripod, I'm talking $10 or less for something that will just put the camera up in the air about 6". If you have a tripod where the center piece comes out and it can be put in from the bottom of the place it just came out of then even better as the camera can be mounted upside down for some amazing tight close ups.

Lighting: The White Balance will need to be adjusted to the type of light you are using: sunlight, mecury coily type of bulb light, fluorescent etc.

Focus: Macro setting needs to be used and then you must figure out how to hold the object to obtain the picture you want. Some common "Holding Aids" would be plumbers putty, silly putty, a mild rubber cement IF the camera can not be tilted over to look down on the subject.

IF you have good sunlight, not too strong/bright and not too dim that will be a plus as the camera will change its 'F' stop and shutter speed to compensate for all the light making the picture depth of field greater and hence the picture sharper.

Lots of tricks one can do with lighting and backgrounds to create very special pictures........................63bkpkr

 

[onadraw]

On either side of the Zoom rocker button are two arrow keys, which also navigate menu options. The left arrow toggles Macro mode on or off while the right arrow steps through the flash modes.

 

[Native Floridian]

Fuji makes great cameras. The a340 should be able to do what you need it to do. It has a macro mode good from about four inches.

macro, good lighting, and a little practice and you should be on your way!

 

[CoinHunterAZ]

Thanks for the help everyone. I figured out the "macro mode", but still need some practice in different lighting, etc. I guess the real "secret" is: Read the manual. If you don't have one, get one!