Bling! pictures, understanding focus.

[strmrdr]

This mini-tutorial will just cover P&S cameras and not DSLRs as they use a totally different focus system.

The first thing you need too know is that it is contrast based, areas where there is a large difference between light and dark is where it will focus.
I will not get into how it does this because it is very complicated.

This picture shows it in great detail.
Where is the strongest contrast and where did the camera focus?

 

[strmrdr]

This one is a little harder it actually focused on the shadows on the leaves.

 

[strmrdr]

How can you fool it into focusing where you want?
Provide contrast where you want it too focus...

 

[strmrdr]

the results, with the paper removed before finishing pressing the shutter button...(more on that leter)
In this lighting the camera would not focus at all with just the stone and no P&S likely would.
A dslr might or might get a focus lock on it.

 

[strmrdr]

How do you use a focus aid?

First you pick something with high contrast that isn''t too shiny, the paper I used was actually a little too shiny but it worked OK.

Hold it where you want the camera to focus then press the shutter button 1/2 way down.
Then not moving the camera remove the paper and press the shutter the rest of the way.

Method 2:
set the aid beside the item and focus on the aid by half pressing the shutter then keeping the distance the same move the camera over to the object itself.

 

[strmrdr]

too recap:
Where did the camera focus in this shot?

 

[strmrdr]

On the black white and gold area under the pendant.

 

[strmrdr]

using method 2 above...

 

[strmrdr]

using method 2 above but with a twist, the shadows from the pendant where the focus aid.
By pressing the shutter 1/2 way then moving the camera back slightly.... tada

 

[D2B]

thanks heaps - very useful. any other tip will be much appreciated. Great idea.

Afterall, it can never be a bad idea to get more and better diamond shots

D2B

 

[strmrdr]

more tips:
Before you start shooting check your manual or the web for the min. focus distance for your camera in macro mode and how too set it too macro mode.
You do not want "super marco" also called "super close up" because the camera will block too much light that close.
You can also try non-macro mode at a longer distance and cropping the images.
This will often give you better fire shots than being closer.
If you cant find out what the recomended distances are try 12 then 22 inches they are both very common.

 

[bee*]

Thanks for that! I never seem to be able to take descent photos of my ring.

 

[strmrdr]

I would like too thank wifey2b for all her help in creating this mini-tutorial.
I could not have done it without her :}

All errors and omissions that may be present are my fault and not hers however.

 

[strmrdr]

For help on editing your images for the forums see these threads:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/using-paint-net-to-edit-images-for-forums-on-windows.71386/

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/faststone-image-viewer-for-editing-images-for-forums-on-windows.71470/

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/using-gimp-to-edit-images-for-forums-on-win-osx-linux.71430/

 

[Mrs Mitchell]

Thank you (both) for taking the time to post this. Very helpful!

Jen

 

[door knob solitaire]

Thanks Stormy and Wifee. You too rock, in focus no less. §

 

[partgypsy]

Thanks! That was very helpful, and makes me understand what was going on when I was previously trying to take pics (and swearing)!

 

[marvel]

Thanks strmrdr and wifey! I been wanting to take better pictures of my ring, but it''s just not as easy as it looks. I''m going to give your tips a try and see how it goes.

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 1/22/2008 1:29:58 PM
Author: marvel
Thanks strmrdr and wifey! I been wanting to take better pictures of my ring, but it''s just not as easy as it looks. I''m going to give your tips a try and see how it goes.

welcome
If your still having problems start another thread with sample pics and the specifics of your camera(make model and what not) settings used and distance to the object and I will try and help.

 

[somethingshiny]

Strm and Wifey~ This thread is a great idea. Thanks!

Thanks, Andrey, for making it a sticky!

 

[Cachette]

Thank you for the tips! I applied your tutorial just yesterday and got amazing results! (see Fire thread)

Cachette

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 1/31/2008 11:32:54 AM
Author: Cachette
Thank you for the tips! I applied your tutorial just yesterday and got amazing results! (see Fire thread)

Cachette

Your welcome!
kewl pictures!!
That makes the time spent on this project so very worth it!! :}
Thanks!

 

[gtn]

thanks for the tips. Time to try to take more pictures

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 2/14/2008 6:30:34 PM
Author: gtn
thanks for the tips. Time to try to take more pictures

:}

next part is here:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/bling-photos-white-balance.78097/

 

[Diamond*Dana]

Very informative, thank you strmrdr & wifey2b!

 

[wifey2b]

Thank you all for the nice compliments, but I do have to admit - most of all this is Strms work. Most of the pics and all the write ups are his time and effort -
I just want to thank everyone who appreciates my honey as much as I do...I am so terribly proud of him :}:}:} I am so blessed, and can''t wait to be wifey4fr rather than wifey2b.
I know I don''t appear so much lately - but working and cold/flu has been keeping me away more, but will try to be here more often from now on :}
HUGS you all are the greatest - well next to Strmy giggle :}

 

[CJ2008]

this was so nice of both of you to do! I had the hardest time taking pictures of my ring! I''m going to try again, with these tips in mind! THANKS!