taking reference pics...

[vio69]

does anyone have a good method of taking some reference images....
I have a kodak 2.1 megpixel

to make it easy lets say I have a car model and I want to take pics how do I get them to turn out good.....

I never seem to get them even close to what Im looking for....

should I make some kind of stand for my camera so I am always the same distance from the object....

should I use a certain background....potion lights a certain way to help elimate shadow....I can go on and on but I think you have the idea
Any ideas or suggestions helpful

[3D_Steve]

Hi,
Download the TV palace epi. 2

Cris show u how to do it, and also how to work it in max, if u using max!...great stuff

but for a car i would say use safe-frame on your cam.. and shoot side,front,back,and top...

[ray_]

for a car i suggest u find some blueprints first on the internet...when u have your blueprints, take some pictures of the details like the headlight/tail light units, logos, vents, grills, etc...

[3D_Steve]

to help u out with the blueprints...here are some good blueprint-sites:

http://www.onnovanbraam.com/
http://www.suurland.com/

doodeli-doo

[vio69]

ok the car was just an example...but thank you those sites are great and use them often. I have seen version 2 of tvpalace which got me thinking of a productive ways to make use of my camera....

lets try this what if I have a mech model and I want to take pics of the various parts ... I already know how to get them into max on a plane or as a background.....

I am looking for camera tips

[DigitalDemigod]

Ok... if you want to model a mech I don't think you CAN take pics first. lol. But if you do see any Gundams around, please tell me... I want to stomp some buildings with one. =)

But seriously... get a tripod. A lightweight tripod will make your life so much easier. I got a nice tripod for about $25 at Wal-mart (if you're in the states).

If you do not have a tripod and can't get one, the best tip that I learned in photogrpahy class was right before you take a picture take a deep breath and hold it while you snap the shot. Otherwise, as you breath you are moving... as you depress the button to snap the pic you are also moving... both those actions have the potential to screw up your shot. Luckily, with a digital camera you can preview your pics, but still, you don't want to spend more time than you have to taking the pics.

This may seem obvious, but many people cut parts out of the pictures when taking them. Take the time to look through your viewfinder or at your lcd and obviously make sure the object is in the center. BUT do not just focus on centering the object, scan the periphery of the object to make sure that if for example taking a pic of a car, that the rear bumper is in the shot too. This is a little different if you're taking zoomed in detail shots of the headlights, but still make sure the whole headlight is in the pic.

If taking pics of smaller objects, let's say something in your house that you want to model... place the object in front of a white background preferably. If not plain white, any solid color will do but you'll be happiest with the result if the background contrasts with the object. You want to be able to SEE the item your photographing afterall. Busy backgrounds are not good.

Also, lighting for indoor pics: flash is sometimes ok. I prefer not to use flash and instead use two spotlights on from 45 degree angles to the front of the object. I luckily have a chest freezer in my garage that has a nice white reflective surface and I have a white posterboard attached to the wall behind it. I place the object on the freezer, then hand the two lights so that each shines on it from the 45 degree angle. This gives me an image with no shadows. Because of the angle of the lights, the shadows cast from each direction end up behind the object.

That's all I can think of for now.

[ray_]

one tip on taking a picture without a tripod...support your right hand (left hand if u r a leftie), the hand thats gonna press the snap button, with something...lean onto a pole, rock, wall..anything thats heavy enough...