I have a gripe about photography

[Bill Hollinger]

The more "for sale" items I'm seeing the more horrible the photos. Sellers are putting their items up for sale and the photos are out of focus, angles are bad and lighting is bad. Taking photos is not that difficult. I think the best thing the photographer should do is review your photos on your computer prior to posting them. This way you can dump the bad ones and edit some of them to improve the shot like lighting, contrast, etc.

Use the "macro" feature on your camera when taking up close, detail shots. Take photos in natural light when possible, indirect florescent light works also. Use a neutral back drop/back ground. Don't ever use white or black. Don't use card board. A green or gray, like an old Army or Navy blanket works great. I medium blue or green towel works great. The idea is you don't want the flash to reflect back with white or the black to absorb all the flash to make the subject item to look too dark. If you have an item with a reflective surface, turn it slightly away (even 5 degrees makes a difference) so the flash doesn't reflect back. Don't take photos of your item sitting on the dinner or coffee table.

If you don't know how to use the camera you have then ask someone. An 11 year old kid will be able to tell you anything and everything about your camera if you are unwilling or too lazy to look at the manual or get on the net for advise. Practice taking shots with your camera until you have it figured out and have mastered the art of photography.

It ain't rocket science!

Information

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[rondog]

The problem is, that many folks nowadays actually believe their cell phone really IS a "camera". Whoever thought up the idea to make cell phones take "pictures" needs to be roundly beaten to a pulp.

[xa-coupe]

Another thing to remember is to hold the camera steady. Most indoor shots without a flash will result in a long(ish) exposure. Use your fingers to steady the camera. If you are using macro you can usually rest your fingers on the object you are taking pictures of. Flash and macro can be a problem due to over exposure so don;t be afraid to try a shot without flash if you can hold the camera steady. It can't be that hard, after all, I an do it

[Bill Hollinger]

Xa, good point. Use a tri-pod

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Good points Bill and others. I agree there's no excuse to post poor or blurry photos that don't show detail. They're useless.
Sometimes I think people actually post blurry photos in sales to hide flaws. Others just don't seem to put any work at all into it.
If I see a sale with poor photos I just pass it up.

I learned to take really clear close-up photos of guns years ago by simply using macro, a tripod, and the three second delay so I'm not touching my camera when it takes the photo. Let the camera work and even the inexpensive ones can take very nice photos. Since you can take as many photos you want for nothing with a digital camera there is no excuse for posting the bad photos.

I took all of these photos in my garage with an inexpensive 8 year old digital camera and an army blanket. They're good enough to show the details.

Remington 1903A3 (displaying original configuration and finish)

[Bill Hollinger]

Oh, there is more!

If you are taking photos of your collection on the carpet or floor, make sure your feet are not in the shot! I can't tell you all how many toes, shoes, socks and sandals I've seen in the frame when all we want to see is your rifle. I don't have a foot fetish and I don't think that many people here do either. I'm just sayin'! Use the "crop" feature on your computer before you upload it to a URL to get rid of all that. Unless you are intentionally taking a shot with your pet in the frame, shew them out of the way before pressing the button. Yes, Rover is a cute dog but..... I'm just sayin'! Center the subject item in the frame. Don't take the shot if you are facing a mirror or window. Oh, did I mention don't upload the photo if it is out of focus!

[gunner]

I don't have a foot fetish and I don't think that many people here do either. I'm just sayin'!

Thats a good one, Bill! Thank god that there is no "Smell function" at here!

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Bill, how many days do you think we should suspend my good buddy Dave for this?



I DO NOT want to see your naked feet again Dave! ((((SHIVER))) ((((CRINGE))))

[gsimmons]

Now if he was wearing a pair of open toed pumps........ Oh never mind!

[tbonesmith]

I like the odd foot or 2 in the floor shot... Preferably in bunny slippers, but whatever.