outwest
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Figured I would start a thread to share advice on how to get the best images from your garden. I'm using a decent point n shoot digital camera with pretty complete manual controls. However, most things can be done with even basic point n shoots, or in post processing software. Most of these tips are for taking photos while under your HPS, but also apply for taking nug shots. Keep in mind I'm just a point n shooter so I may not have all the language correct, but you'll get the idea.
1) Don't take photos of shitty weed.
2) Use a flash. It may seem contrarian when photographing something under bright lights, but using the flash will eliminate shadow and help bring out detail in your flowers.
3) If your camera has white balance setting, set it to tungsten if you are shooting under the HPS. If it can't be set to tungsten, set to auto white balance.
4) Use a tripod. Since you are trying to capture details of the flowers, the more still the camera, the better the chance of capturing detail.
5) Use the timer setting. Some cameras can just be set for a 2 second delay, that way the press of your finger doesn't bump the camera. As in the point 3, the stiller the camera the better.
6) Understand the basic function of a camera. Understand how the aperture, exposure, and ISO factor into your image. You want the subject well lit, but you don't want the photograph washed out.
7) You probably want to lower the ISO if you can. For those of you who recall film cameras. Film came with different ISO settings. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive the film to light exposure, and vice versa. Setting a low ISO will help keep the photo from being washed out.
8) (most importantly) Tinker, tinker, tinker. Get to know your camera, take lots and lots of shots, only keep and share the best. The more photos you take and the more you tinker with your camera's setting the better you will understand how to take that perfect shot.
9) (how could I forget 8?) Get really fucking high before even thinking about taking pictures of your garden.
outwest
p.s. - I welcome tips and tricks from others!
1) Don't take photos of shitty weed.
2) Use a flash. It may seem contrarian when photographing something under bright lights, but using the flash will eliminate shadow and help bring out detail in your flowers.
3) If your camera has white balance setting, set it to tungsten if you are shooting under the HPS. If it can't be set to tungsten, set to auto white balance.
4) Use a tripod. Since you are trying to capture details of the flowers, the more still the camera, the better the chance of capturing detail.
5) Use the timer setting. Some cameras can just be set for a 2 second delay, that way the press of your finger doesn't bump the camera. As in the point 3, the stiller the camera the better.
6) Understand the basic function of a camera. Understand how the aperture, exposure, and ISO factor into your image. You want the subject well lit, but you don't want the photograph washed out.
7) You probably want to lower the ISO if you can. For those of you who recall film cameras. Film came with different ISO settings. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive the film to light exposure, and vice versa. Setting a low ISO will help keep the photo from being washed out.
8) (most importantly) Tinker, tinker, tinker. Get to know your camera, take lots and lots of shots, only keep and share the best. The more photos you take and the more you tinker with your camera's setting the better you will understand how to take that perfect shot.
9) (how could I forget 8?) Get really fucking high before even thinking about taking pictures of your garden.
outwest
p.s. - I welcome tips and tricks from others!
