71 replies to this topic

[Azayles]

Hannah is an excellent teacher And it's made all the better because it's something she's passionate about! And that's always a win
I vote for more photography tutorials

[Chocolate Hamsters]

If this isn't already pinned, i think it should be! The amount of work gone into this is phenomenal... Great work HoppingHammy!

[Biscotti]

Omg I love you for this tutorial! It is so helpful with the white correction and diffused flash tips.

I hope I can get a dslr camera sometimes, point and shoot cameras shutters are no match for robos. =[

[HoppingHammy]

I'm so pleased you all have found this helpful and are excited to try out some of the tips. That makes me very happy!

This is *so* helpful, Hannah. The other day I was looking at old pictures of my crew, and oh my ganache, they were horrible! I couldn't believe I posted such yucky pictures. They progressed a little through the thread but hopefully these tips will help me even more once I have another little subject ! If you ever feel like doing another write-up, perhaps talk about the different modes on people's cameras or talk about videography. Thanks so much for staying up all night and writing this, because I know so many people wish they could take gorgeous pictures like you do.

Thank you Zoe! If you and others are interested, I would be more then glad to talk about the various modes and cover other aspects too. I appreciate your nice feedback.

I echo your sentiments entirely that the on-board flash is almost always horrible as-is. One way I've found to soften things a bit is to stand very far back from the subject, then zoom in. The flash will greatly fan out by the time it reaches the subject, so it won't be as harsh a light than if you were up close.

That is true...good tip for the compact camera users!

I don't think my camera has a shutter speed option. :/

It's a Sony Handycam HDR-CX150

Mika already answered your question so helpfully. She is correct! A camera and a camcorder are very different and a camcorder specifically specializes in video.

You've inspired me (yet again) to improve my photography (and videography) skillz, and to actually read my camera's manual so I can figure out what settings I need instead of trying random ones and picking from the results

That's fantastic to hear, and I'm very happy to see your interest level so high! You're off to a good start already!

Something else to mention, you can get daylight bulbs, too. These are in incandescent (tungsten) and fluorescent flavours, and put out the same colour temperature as the sun on a clear day. You can get them from most places, particularly hobby and craft stores, where you might want to work indoors on something and make sure the colours your using in your painting/cross stitch/sewing/knitting/etc are correct.

You are correct. There is such a vast array of material to cover on this subject, isn't there? While I'm not a huge fan of them myself and most people don't have them, they are certainly useful for the points you mentioned.

it's rare to read something educational that is so much fun to read!
the Dos and Donts were so cute!!

Well, I'm happy you enjoyed it and didn't find it too boring! Thank you!

I hope I can get a dslr camera sometimes, point and shoot cameras shutters are no match for robos. =[

Ahh, I feel your pain on that one. If you are unable to get an SLR camera any time soon, you can considering investing in a small light kit. $59.99 is not a bad price for all you get in THIS KIT .

[Simi]

WOO! I'm gonna go get my camer-
...
darn it

[MarathonRunner]

Awesome

[theta]

OMG thank you! But what if you sort of want a 'cluttered' background, like props? For instance... today I had a Punchi Party with Izzy and took some photos with my camera (yes they will be posted, in an hour) would it still be nice? She kept moving lol I deleted the ones I don't want, but for example something like this -http://oi48.tinypic.com/ngpnp2.jpg??

Also, for the Florescent lighting, I like natural light (probably because I don't have any florescent lights and sunlight feels waaaarm) and I agree that tungsten lighting is absolutely horrible, unless you need it for a certain thing, like if you want it to have a certain feel, would tungsten be okay?

Edited by ~RainyToast~, 23 February 2013 - 11:43 PM.

[HoppingHammy]

if you want it to have a certain feel, would tungsten be okay?

Tungsten is ok if you intentionally want that orangey tint, yes. Many times photographers will use gels and mix lights to purposely get a different effect for their photo.

But what if you sort of want a 'cluttered' background, like props?

That's an adorable photo of Izzy! Yes, of course you may use props and whatever you wish. Remember, there are "rules" in photography that ensure good results, but many times you can break those rules and come up with something exceptionally creative. I'm all for breaking the rules, so long as it works and looks of good quality. Hope this helps!

[LondonTheHamsterKing]

Definitely will utilize this information when i have a photoshoot with my furbabies.

[Django127]

I have one question. My hamster usually comes out around 8pm. Is it okay to use light at this time or will this confuse him and make him think it's day time?

[emiee7]

Thanks Hannah! I'm getting my new camera soon. Your tips really helped. I usually prefer the florescent.

[~Megan~]

Omg this is amazing!!! :DD I love this post!

[Biscotti]

My absolutely awesome OH gave me a Canon Rebel t4i for my birthday (after I lost my old point and shoot) and I'm slowly trying to figure it out via random googling. After reading a bunch of dsrl guides, iso, apeture, etc I felt like my head is spinning.

I'm currently trying out priority shutter on my robos since it's recommended for fast movements, and I can finally get non blurry pics of them running. But I ended up with very dark images, especially the ones in my bedroom. I'm not able to get more lighting as my room is already very cramped, can anyone give me some tips on what setting to use on my camera in low light situations?

[HarryHideout]

wow, i just read this topic it's so helpful!! i just take photos on my phone and it's actually really good i use the flash on it. The camera focuses really well, i'm hoping to get a proper camera soon though

[TheNeatNerd]

Awesome. Now I know....what to do. *singsongy*