Can you give me an idea.

[Aaron]

Hi Dave,

So hows the week going,busy.

When you get a chance can you check out the Photos I took in the Rolex Forum.I used a flash and there was plenty of natural light from a nearby window but the photos appear washed out.

If I don't use the flash I keep getting camera 'steady warnings'.Even when I use the small tripod non flash shots still get the same warning and most times will blur.

Here is a link to the post.

jholbrook.proboards33.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=1105523131

[glow=red,2,300]Cheers Aaron.[/glow]

[henryhyde]

Hi Aaron,

Few things that come to mind:

1) You may be able to increase the ISO to allow a faster shutter speed and eliminate the warning and possibly the blur

2) One of the most common place to introduce blur is when the shutter trigger is pressed. Typically it moves the camera just enough to create the blur, especially in macro shots. The solution is to use a cable or other remote release. If you don't have one of these, use the timer delayed release on the camera, that way, when the shutter releases, the camera should be steady.

3) You may be able to eliminate the glare from the flash by using something to diffuse the light. Light diffusion is the key. Try the garbage bag trick or some of the others people have mentioned around the net for fixed flashes. The best solution would be to eliminate the flash comepletely by either using the tricks mentioned above, or building a light box.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,
Henry

[DavidHernandez]

Aaron;

What camera are you using?

Where are you taking the pictures?

What is the lighting setup?

Is the flash built-in or an attachment?

The middle 2 pictures looked good. The first and last looked washed out.

I noticed that the 2 "washouts" are face-on, while the 2 "good ones" are at an angle.

Let me know about the above questions and I'll see if I have some ideas.

Dave.

[Aaron]

henryhyde said:

One of the most common place to introduce blur is when the shutter trigger is pressed. Typically it moves the camera just enough to create the blur, especially in macro shots. The solution is to use a cable or other remote release. If you don't have one of these, use the timer delayed release on the camera, that way, when the shutter releases, the camera should be steady.
Henry

Hi Henry

Great idea Henry.I do get a lot of movement when pushing the button. I will try that.

I also think I will build a light box.You don't have any suggestions or specs that could get me started in the right direction. (Type of lights used and material of the box etc)

Thanks for your help

Cheers Aaron

[Aaron]

DavidHernandez said:

Aaron;

What camera are you using?

Where are you taking the pictures?

What is the lighting setup?

Is the flash built-in or an attachment?

Dave.

Hi Dave,

I've got a Nikon Coolpix 4100.It has a standard inbuilt flash and I am using a cheap short tripod.

The shots are taken on my office desk near a window letting in natural light (Not direct light,shot approx. mid day.)There are no other lights used.

I tried with the flash in all positions.(Off,on,redeye off etc) and found Auto was the best.

Thanks for your help,

Cheers Aaron

[henryhyde]

Hi Aaron,

I do not currently have a light box, but am in the process of building one. Using the John's box as a model - jholbrook.proboards33.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=general&thread=1103490141&start=15

The translucent storage box I nicked from my wife is - 47lx36wx31d (cm) It's a little on the big side, but will allow me to use it to protograph other things as well, so I went with it.

I'm going to light it with 3 table lamps, or a halogen work light and 2 table lamps. I plan to use "daylight" bulbs in the lamps.

I also plan to play with velum paper and other materials for light diffusion.

Not much else to say I guess, time to build and experiment.

Cheers,
Henry

[DavidHernandez]

This is exactly the setup I'm using now. I have one table lamp and 2 of the 48-inch daylight-balanced flourecent lights as well.

Aaron: The first thing I suggest is that you take control of the lighting situation. Right now, yours is kind of random.

Remember that light which filters through drapes can ruin your white balance. It looks to me like you may have blue or orange curtains in the room.

Using a timer or cable-release will help you shoot at ISO 100. I don't think there's anything wrong with using the AUTO mode, unless the flash is going to fire at the watch. In that case, use a different mode (TV or AV) and turn the flash off. You will have plenty of good light if you set up a simple set of inexpensive lights.

Try to soften the light by filtering it through something like rip-stop nylon or a storage box (like in John's setup). Lights get hot, so be careful about melting your equipment or starting a fire.

Dave.

[Aaron]

Thanks Guys,

I will give it a go and see what happens.

Cheers Aaron.

BTW.Henry make sure you post pictures of your light box.

[henryhyde]

Will do as soon as it's done..... Currently my camera is away for repair, so I am unable to take pictures :-(

I'll be posting as soon as I get it back.

Cheers,
Henry