This is a simple method, that I have been using to photograph
my creative work for my blogs etc.
This is at a very basic level, using the bedroom, and optimising the light available
to get the best possible result with minimal available equipment.
1.
The Surface
Firstly, I prepare the bed, which I use as the
surface to put the work on.
All that I've done, is,
pulled the under sheet tight,
and tucked it in at the sides.
Then, pulled the over sheet tight
and tucked it in at the sides as well.
Then, any wrinkles,
I've levelled out
by drawing my fingers across the bed
and over the sides.
2.
The light source
So far, I have found that natural light
is easier to work with
and produces a better result
than artificial light.
In this method, I'm using natural light.
So next, I open the curtains up at the window,
wide enough to let most of the light in.
For optimum light quality,
I've found that I've needed
the angle of light coming in through the window
to be direct, relative to the position of the sun,
as opposed to reflective (in general terms).
This means that the sun needs to be on the same
side of the house as the window.
In my last bedroom, this occurred in the morning.
But, in this bedroom, it occurs in the afternoon.
It was a bit of trial and error, to find the time of day
when the light was at it's best. Not too dull and not
too bright.
With the first bedroom, it was about 10am.
With this bedroom, it is about 2pm.
When the light is too dull, then the photo looks grey.
When the light is too bright, then there is a lot of
contrast (very light areas and very dark areas).
So, when the light is about right,
I place the creative work on the surface.
These photos were taken from 1pm - 1.30pm.
3.
Placing the work on the surface
This just involves finding a place on the surface
which has the best light falling on it,
and is going to be easy to access
using the camera.
I've placed the painting here
at the end of the bed,
as this spot has the best light
and I can stand behind the bed
to easily lean over to take the photo.
4.
Taking the photo
I have used "no flash",
as with the "flash" there was too much contrast.
Here, I have just leant over the end of the bed.
Getting a good photo, involves -
- adjusting the focal length
(Withdraw - Towards)
to make the subject fill most of the frame.
- tipping the camera slightly
from side to side
until you find where
the edges of the subject
(especially things of a square nature,
such as this painting)
line up evenly with the edges of the frame
otherwise it will look distorted.
Unless that's the effect that you're after.
The edge of this painting has gone a little wavy
from the sealer that I put on it.
So, in this case, it may be better
not to include the grey background in the photo.
Or, you can crop it out later when you edit,
and that will give straight sides as well.
Then, take a deep breath,
having your fingers at opposite positions
on the camera,
to minimise twist when you take the photo,
and press the button !
(c) Katherine Stuart 2014
