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Post by Shepherdess on Dec 11, 2014 15:14:09 GMT
I am due to get my severance soon and though I should use some of it to get a decent camera. I want to take decent stills and want to be able to make videos. Do you use two different cameras or do you have one that does both? I am thinking of making or buying a light box to take some decent pictures. What do you use?
Those that make tutorial videos. What do you do about lighting?
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Post by Teri Berry on Dec 11, 2014 18:16:30 GMT
Hi Ann
I think Zed is our resident photographer so will I bow to her greater knowledge. That said I love my little point and shoot Cannon (IXUS 220HS), it has image stabilisation, can shoot HD video, has a macro function (but not as good as I have seen Zed produce) and has 5x optical zoom (not that I ever use zoom on my textile photos). I have just ordered a tripod but the IS does a really good job of keeping the images sharp.
As for lighting, I find the custom white balance feature resolves most lighting issues and corrects the colours cast in different situations. But the flash is rubbish (all colours become washed out) so I prefer to use natural light.
As for a light box, I use an old cardboard box with 3 sides cut away and 2 large sheets of white paper glued inside (I think it was Lyn who posted something similar). I read an article (I think it was on textile.org but can't seem to find it now) about using daylight replicating bulbs and cheap angle-poise lamps so you can angle the light source.
Let us know what you choose and how you get on....
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Post by MTRuth on Dec 11, 2014 19:33:04 GMT
Ann - I don't know the camera make and models. Have to look when I'm at home. We got a light set up with backdrop when we did the book. It worked really well. It has the lights with the umbrellas behind them and stands etc. We always use a tripod. We have a different video camera from the regular camera but I haven't used it yet. I will be starting on videos soon.
I have made a light box before but my problem is half my stuff won't fit in the light box. So I end up outside with a large piece of white matte board taking photos.
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Post by Shepherdess on Dec 11, 2014 20:30:13 GMT
there is a 36" by 36" light box I was looking at. I wonder if maybe having a roll hanging from the ceiling that I can pull down when I need it would be better. Maybe get a couple of the lights with diffusers.
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Post by zed on Dec 11, 2014 20:56:34 GMT
Teri I was just looking at your cuff and thinking how good your macro was I answered on Facebook, Ann: Hi Ann, I have an Olympus D-745. It was about £70, it has a lot of easy to use settings, and the video is HD, though you can set it lower for uploading videos. I haven't made too many tutorial videos, and relied on natural light, so can't help you with that. For photos, I try to use natural light as much as possible, I don't have time or space for a light box, so try to choose the best backgrounds and camera settings to get good photos. I forgot to say that a piece of reflective card is good for extra light.
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Post by Shepherdess on Dec 11, 2014 22:46:35 GMT
I saw that thank you Zed. I put it in several places hoping to get some different opinions.
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Post by zed on Dec 12, 2014 10:06:22 GMT
And instead, I just followed you around and said the same thing twice My son had a recentish iPod, the phone sized ones, and that took excellent photos and videos. If you have a camera phone, check the settings, it might be just as good.
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Post by lyn on Dec 12, 2014 10:25:22 GMT
I dread having to take a photo of anything felted. The light has to be just right (usually happens when I'm away from home at work) otherwise the felt is lifeless and the colours aren't true. I prefer to take my photos outside around midday on a calm cloudy day - yeh right - like that happens a lot!
I often spend more time trying to get a satisfactory photo than I spent making the item.
During the winter it's almost impossible to photograph outside. So indoors we go. I've got a mainly white craft room (that helps) and white boards and reflective boards (stiff cardboard covered with tin foil) and a couple of cheapo daylight lamps. But I find that the artificial light is not that good - I would think a professional photographer's lamps would be different but I don't have that kind of money, or space, to invest in any.
I get very frustrated with photography. I've found ways to improve my work but the best photos I've ever taken seem to be down to a dash of luck. I haven't found a way to reproduce good shot after good shot. And that means some of my photos are 'good enough' and not 'ideal'.
I think part of the problem is the variety of things I need to photograph - a good set-up for one thing is no good for another.
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Post by luvswool and dyestuff on Dec 12, 2014 12:55:31 GMT
Like Teri, I have the Canon point and shoot camera, which does a decent job; and it also has the video possibility although I only ever use it by accident. I like the convenience of the cable cord that links up to my MacBook Air and allows instant download.
Natural light is best for me, but it can be a challenge in Chicago in the winter to achieve that light. I have halogens in the kitchen which can be used as a supplement when necessary. I use a large white card for background when I think of it. Never invested in the lighting equipment, although I know it makes a big difference. When I was photographing my artwork for a couple of exhibits, I waited for the sun to come in through my bedroom window and photographed against the wall or white closet door. Small felt objects often get photographed on my kitchen counter when I’m in a hurry, but I really should take the time to set up with white backdrop and cards.
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Post by jwugg on Dec 12, 2014 15:38:15 GMT
If you want to get into photography as a hobby, then a DSLR is the best option still in my opinion - but then the most important item is the lens - I use a Nikon D7000, & mostly use a 40mm fixed prime lens for close-up shots. I love them both. If you don't know what that is then you don't need it I suppose!! If you go for a 'point & shoot', which is fine for most occasions, look for one that is recommended for close-ups & low light. My top tip is to never use the flash; use as much natural light as possible & don't be afraid to turn the ISO up on your camera - to 800ISO for instance - unless you want to print at poster size you will not see the degredation in quality - it'll allow you to take photos faster in lower light.
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Post by Pandagirl on Dec 13, 2014 2:37:33 GMT
I have a camera but seldom use it. The phone camera is too convenient, but I don't seem to have a handle on getting decent photographs. I frequently turn off the flash especially when taking pictures in the basement where we have overhead lighting. I have used white boards as a corner,but am very inconsistent using it. I guess I'm no help here.
Jill and Zed, you could probably teach a class on this.
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Post by zed on Dec 13, 2014 11:39:32 GMT
If you aren't going to learn your camera settings, don't get an expensive one, otherwise you'll be like my Dad with his DSLR set to 'auto'.
I'd agree with Jill about the flash, not so much about the ISO though, maybe it's different on DSLR's but the graininess starts to show easily above 200.
Learn the settings, sometimes they work the opposite to what you think. It might look like there's not enough light, but it could be that the point of light is too bright. Using the Exposure Compensation can work wonders, especially using a black background, it makes your piece stand out.
Bright cloudy days in Winter would be the perfect time to take photos, for us in the North anyway, it's crisp and sharp unlike yellowy summer light.
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Post by koffipot on Dec 14, 2014 8:58:30 GMT
As I'm sure you've all noticed, photography isn't my strong suit! Teri, I've been meaning to make one of those light boxes for a few years now - just need to get "a round tuit" or maybe just a box and some white paper!
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Post by zed on Dec 14, 2014 11:02:45 GMT
You've taken some lovely photos, Judith, your monet piece was really nice.
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Post by Shepherdess on Dec 16, 2014 2:04:53 GMT
Thanks for all your advice everyone. Right now I use my iPhone. I haven't tried the video for much. Image stabilisation was suggested as a good thing to have. I have a very low ceiling and it's hard to get good light and it is too cold to be outside taking pictures.
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