50 replies to this topic

[Draznar]

Busted out the foldio again tonight!

I did multiple different things:

Got closer with my camera
no flash

no digital zoom

uploaded to my computer, then to here (as opposed to using Facebook as a middle man)

I feel like these are quite good!

Feel free to critique!

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[NeonGreen]

Wow, huge improvement! Nice work!

[Draznar]

Thanks man!

[steverotters]

You also got lower, eye-level with the figs.    Great work!

 

Maybe, just crop out the corners of the Foldio.

[BaltanII]

I could've missed you saying so, but have you tried using a macro setting (if there even is one)? I think that's the only thing that could conceivably hold your pictures back right now. Otherwise excellent work! And yeah, cropping out the edges, but I figure you weren't shooting for that level of polishing yet.

[Draznar]

I have had the "macro" setting recommended, but totally forgot to look into it. I will likely look into that this weekend.

You pretty much nailed it in regards to the corners. Right now I'm more worried about consistently taking good quality photos.

Thanks for the kind words, folks!

[fkro6784]

Nice job man! You got some good detail in those dino shots. Just wanted to suggest a simple web-based tool I like to use for editing (cropping, adjusting brightness, color correction, etc). It adds a bit of time onto the process but the tweaks can make the photos pop that much more. 

 

http://www.picmonkey.com/

[Draznar]

Nice job man! You got some good detail in those dino shots. Just wanted to suggest a simple web-based tool I like to use for editing (cropping, adjusting brightness, color correction, etc). It adds a bit of time onto the process but the tweaks can make the photos pop that much more. 

 

http://www.picmonkey.com/

 

For most shots, I probably won't go that length just due to time constraints. I would like to utilize stuff like this to improve specific shots though, so I'm grateful for you sharing this.

Thanks a ton! (To you, and everyone who has offered, and continues to offer great tips.)

[fkro6784]

For most shots, I probably won't go that length just due to time constraints. I would like to utilize stuff like this to improve specific shots though, so I'm grateful for you sharing this.

Thanks a ton! (To you, and everyone who has offered, and continues to offer great tips.)

 

No problem. It's my go-to editor that I've been using for years now. Easy to use but you can also do a lot with it. 

[Draznar]

A buddy on facebook took the one picture of the turtle and put him in the sewer, which inspired me to 

A ) Actually try photoshop for the first time ever

 

and

B ) Create this goofy TMNT-themed picture (Be gentle, guys. It's my first time.)

 

 TMNT.jpg   94.75K   5 downloads

Edited by Draznar, 06 March 2016 - 09:48 AM.

[Draznar]

Took some toys outside for the first time ever.

You guys weren't kidding around about the whole "Sunlight is great" thing. My pictures have never looked so good! Now let's just cross our fingers that nobody beats me up while I'm taking pictures of toys outside. 

 

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[Rubberhammer]

Reigubas -vs- Galberos!

[Draznar]

Yeah bro!

[Ridureyu]

How did I miss this thread?  You're doing great, Draznar - good focus, and I'm enjoying seeing how you're progressing.

 

Also: https://nerditis.com...ding-any-money/

[Draznar]

I'm off and on with activity, easy to miss.

Thanks for that link, homie!

[Ridureyu]

But yeah, invest in some small, handheld lights - even flashlight apps on a smartphone that use the screen can be good (since you can adjust brightness).

[Draznar]

My next step is some more LED strips for my Foldio. I want to see if that improves things at all.

I'm only investing so much there, because a  Foldio is easy to store. I don't have a lot of room in our apartment for all kinds of other things at the moment, unfortunately. So I'm really hoping I can get the Foldio to produce better! (I will try the flashlight thing though!)

Thanks man!

[UraHameshi]

Some recommendations and tips for good quality pictures:

 

1) If your camera has a RAW setting instead of .jpg, then go for it. It will take more space in your memory card but it'll be worth it.

2) Use a simple "setup". I use a white tri-fold display board (the one kids use for scientific projects and stuff), but you can use other similar things like a blanket. Whats important is to have a clear background. 

2) Light is very important, the best light will be always natural light (the sun baby!). Pictures will look brighter and whiter (if you take pictures with house light, pictures will tend to look yellowy). Also never take pictures around 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm in the afternoon, too bright and ugly shadows (sun will be at the center of the sky).

3) Your focus point should be always in the face of the figure, or the most important area (place you want the viewer to pay attention).

4) Do not shake. Even if your camera has "stabilizer" pictures will look blurry. Place your camera in a flat surface (table, a book, box etc...) if you don't have a tripod.

5) Use photoshop or similar programs to edit your pictures.

 

Those are a few basics that should help even if you're using a potato camera lol Hope it helps!

[Draznar]

Thanks!

[Draznar]

I have come a long way!

Thanks to everyone for all of your tips. I know I've still got some work to do, but I am very happy with the results I am getting these days.

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[BaltanII]

I don't know what it actually is, but I keep looking at that first pic and all I see is a Wobbuffet hiding in tall grass.

[Draznar]

That's exactly what it is!

I know it's obscured a little, but I wanted it to be as if you were actually in the tall grass, hunting some Pokémon.

[Ridureyu]

Nicely done, man!

[Draznar]

Thanks!

Learning from the pros!

[BaltanII]

Whoops! That's pretty cool that I did get it right after all. Was it some keshi of him then?