Display cabinets and photography.

[Azouzoo]

Hi all,

with Gamesday UK around the corner I was wondering what advice any of you could give regarding taking photos of the minis on display there?

I have a Nikon D5000 with its basic kit lens 18-55mm and a 55-200mm lens, I know I shouldnt be using a flash while taking pics through glass but is there some kind of filter I should be using and which of my two lenses would do the job best?

Really new to the DSLR malarky so any tips would be welcome.

Thanks

 

[arris138]

Interested in this as well. Recently came into use of a really nice camera, but would like tips for good mini photos.

 

[paedia]

The thing to be most aware of is the reflections in the glass. (this is why you don't use a flash):
- use your widest aperture. This us the lowest f number if you are using aperture priority mode. Another option is to use the portrait preset. This will make any reflection go out of focus.
- try to take pictures at an angle to the glass.
- all other things being equal, the kit lens has more depth of field and will get more of the mini in focus.
- there are lots of great sites field renting lenses online. (I've used BorrowLenses.com at like them). Maybe rent a macro lens for the event.

 

[Azouzoo]

Thanks for the tips Paedia, I will also check out the lens renting option also.

 

[Legacy Account]

You can use a polariser to cut down on reflections. Crank your ISO to get faster shutter speeds. Buy or borrow a faster lens.

 

[War Griffon]

Having taken photos of entries in the cabinets at GDUK in the past all I have done is just use the flash and be careful how you frame the photo to avoid the flash reflection.

 

[Azouzoo]

All great stuff, I think I'll try a dry run at my local GW store and see what kind of results I get.

 

[Dragonsreach]

You might be better off setting the camera to Program mode and allowing it do work out best exposure.
Times I've gotten good photos at GDUK is when I've taken the effort out and let it do what it's built to do.

 

[GBDarkAngel]

Use a tripod, use the timer, use a CPL (circular polariser), use manual focus.
Best not to use a flash.
What you are trying to achieve is the best possible shot of a static subject in probably terrible lighting.
The downside you are using the basic kit so you need to box clever.
You really want to manual focus, with around f8 to f11 and as low an iso as you can.
Also bare in mind a CPL or polariser will cost you 1 or 2 stops of light so if you are getting 1/100 normally you will be getting 1/50, 1/25 with a polariser.

Personally i would be putting it on manual and testing out different settings.
What you do need to appreciate is that you are probably only going to get average pictures with your set up so you really need to give yourself every advantage you can.

 

[freakinacage]

Use a tripod, use the timer,

never been to a games day i take it?

i would reccomend some sort of cattle prod or sharp stick ime even getting close is hard enough, let alone taking a photo