out of focus

[tequila]

does anyone have any ideas of how to get a good pic of a crestie. i have tried different backgrounds, different lighting, and different cameras but i can't get a clear pic of him. any help would be awesome

thanks

[Big Mike]

Can you post an example?

My guess is that either you are too close or there is not enough light. Are you using the flash? Film or digital camera?

[tequila]

actually i don't have any examples because they were so blurry and i decided to delete them. but i will try to take another one some time soon and i will post them for you.

[Davey312]

I find a lot of cameras blur when the object you are trying to take a picture of is too close..

Davey

[Big Mike]

Check your manual. There should be a minimum focus distance for both regular mode and macro mode (on a digital). Keep the camera further away than that minimum distance.

[tequila]

then can i just use my photo editing software to crop the pic and resize it? he is just so small that if i get too far away you will never be able to see him.

[Big Mike]

Originally posted by tequila
then can i just use my photo editing software to crop the pic and resize it? he is just so small that if i get too far away you will never be able to see him.

That's what you will have to do. Use optical zoom if you can but don't use digital zoom. It's better to just crop with your software.

You can maximize the sharpness of your photo by using a support like a tripod. It's even better if you fire the camera with the self timer so that you are not touching it.

Does your camera have a macro mode? (usually a flower icon) That mode will allow you to get closer while still being able to keep in focus.

[tequila]

yes it does have a macro mode but i tried this and it was no different. i find when i turn the flash off the picture is horrible but when the flash is on the pic is way to bright. i put him on a white towel last night and took some pics with the flash on and no lights on in my room but they were still blurry.

[Chaotica]

The white towel is going to wash out your image. If your camera has a manual setting you can adjust the apeture to cut down on the amout of light reaching the sensor. If it doesn't have manual mode try using something middle gray in color for your background.

Also, use the highest quality setting when you take the image, that way when you crop it you won't lose as much detail.

[Ducksarefun]

I don't know if what I do is good or not, but I find if the flashing is washing everything out, and no flash is too dark, I'll cover half of the flash with my finger.
*shrug* it works!

[ATBlover]

hmm ym camera was like that until i changed something...in the settings or w/e...it shows a flower and mountains...if you click it once or twice then it will be the flower which means it is focusing on the tiem and not the background...try it......Connor..

[CDN-Cresties]

The best thing to do it read the manuel. Thats how a got a hold of my camera. Im still working at it but I got loads of success by reading bits and pieces. Also check out the trouble shooting section. Good Luck.

[Big Mike]

If you don't use the flash, it will most likely be blurry because of camera shake. You can avoid this by using a tripod and the self timer.

The flash is probably very close to the camera's lens, giving you flat, unattractive lighting. You could try covering the flash with tissue paper to lessen it's harshness.

Read the manual, then read it again. Practice Practice Practice.

[tequila]

thanks for all the great ideas. i will try what you guys suggested.

thanks a lot
chris

[peterm15]

if its shaking thats doin it keep your elbows close to u.. and experment with different settings..

[TopShelfExotics]

I see alot of good suggestions but no one has yet to ask you what model camera you are using. the quality of your camera has EVERYTHING to do with your photographs. Simply put, some cameras just dont take good photos. Whose the manufacturer of your camera? Model number? If you can list this information I can look up your available features and perhaps give you some tips for your specific application.