[Pete Rieger]

Hi gang, I can't seem to get a good quality pic of my work. With the flash getting into the shadows, things don't appear accurate at all. It washes out all the details. I see some really clear shots in the galleries and I would like some tips, please.

[GeorgiaCarver]

My best pictures are outside without flash. My problems come from the flash.... as many in my galarie show!

[Paul_Guraedy]

I have had the best luck photographing my carvings outside and in a shaded location. No direct sunlight. I, too, have been disappointed with the use of flash on my digital camera. It also helps to have a good photo editor. I am using microsoft photo editor and have had great luck with it. But then, I am just trying to use an easy program to get a decent photo and not make them exhibit quality.

[wade clark]

I believe I've read that the problem is with shadows. If you have another source of light besides your camera flash, it softens the shadows and shows a more realistic image.
It seems Lora Irish and others had an "enlightening" discussion on here about this a few months back.
Wade

[squbrigg]

Don't use the on board flash, use some other lights, perferbly a couple of photo lights, but even 75 watt gooseneck lights will do, in a pinch. Studio photo lights can be quite flexable, and will give you great lighting and shadows on your carving that you can control. You can purchase bulbs that don't effect the color balance of the shot, I forget what they're called. Daughter's the photo pro....she knows the names of all this stuff, I just know how to use them. Daylight is best light. You can also use a white card to bounce the light if you have to....a reflector, like a mirror only not as harsh. Watch using colored card, it will effect the color of the image, though that can be sometimes used to an advantage. Use a tripod for the camera too, that way your shots will be clearer and less camera shake (blur) .

Bob

[Nancy-ID]

Yup, what Bob said.

[Mitchell]

I turn my flash off for better pictures - though not all turn out that good even without the flash......

I have some success by adding extra light sources - a soft light from overhead and a stronger from straight on or slightly below - sort of like what Bob has explained, but completely by accident.

[David_Aaron_Sercel]

I never use the onboard flash for photographing my carvings. I use between four and six gooseneck lights with 75W “Reveal� light bulbs (they have a more natural light) positioned around the carving to achieve the effect I want. I also illuminate the backdrop with one light to remove any shadows. For a backdrop I use a sheet of white background paper (available from most photography supplies), sloped gently from the vertical to the horizontal surface to avoid any hard edges and achieve a seamless effect.

David

[Anthony Filetti]

...the fall 2005 WCI issue has a great article in it related taking photographs and lighting, check it out looks like a real simple solution...


I will be experimenting with the technique hopefully this week...