Transformers Photography - Tips and Tricks

Discussion in 'Transformers Toy Discussion' started by simplygriff, Jun 8, 2010.

  1. simplygriff

    simplygriff Elitist Dick

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    I was just gonna post this in the Cool stuff thread but figured it was high time we had a thread devoted to the tips and techniques of Transformers, Toy and Macro photography. Gonna start off with this quoted from the Cool Stuff thread...

    So Syd, how did you get the reflection along with the infinite background? I know I've tried using glass and polished granite tile and always end up with a horizon line to either Photoshop out or just get lazy and re-take the shot. What's your setup?
    -G
     
  2. Crimson Primus

    Crimson Primus Deceptinut

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    Two words..... Light Box
     
  3. Crimson Primus

    Crimson Primus Deceptinut

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    Cardboard box with an open front, a circle cut out of the left and right side and a circle cut out of the top. Get a white sheet to line the whole box then get some clear plexi for the bottom to put the toy on.Get three lamps with bright white bulbs from a photography store for the cutouts and make sure they are behind the sheets for diffused lighting.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jun 8, 2010
  4. Auto Morph

    Auto Morph Gimmick Bot

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    I don't own a lightbox or a decent camera. For someone in my position - who is interested in taking more 'professional' looking pics of their TFs in the future - what would you recommend?

    For example, what's a good size for a light box, and what sort of spec camera should I be looking at?

    Also, please be aware that I (and possibly many reading this thread) am not well versed in a lot of the technical jargon to do with cameras and related hardware, so spelling everything out in simple terms would be much appreciated. :thumbs2: 
     
  5. Dormamu

    Dormamu I am Broot.

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    One of the most important things I found when working with digital or SLR was just investing in a decent tripod, and using the macro (the flower icon for non-camera folks) with a 20 second timer set on the camera on the piece/figure to photograph. That way I don't have to worry about blur or low lighting. I still have yet to throw my hand into trying a light box though.
     
  6. chrisr291

    chrisr291 Master of the Unknown

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    That seems like a lot of work, I think i'll just continue with my Gorilla style photos lol
     
  7. Crimson Primus

    Crimson Primus Deceptinut

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    I have a 250 doller canon A620 and a 3-8" tripod and take pretty good pics with out a light box....see my sig below for my gallery.

    Just be sure to play with the Macro and manual settings to get the best pictures like flash power and exposure.

    Shutter speed is usually between .5-1 seconds for good light and 8-10 seconds for low light.
     
    Last edited: Jun 8, 2010
  8. Th0r4z1n3

    Th0r4z1n3 PlastiqueBoutique.com Veteran

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  9. simplygriff

    simplygriff Elitist Dick

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    I got the light box and tripod on lockdown. Built 2 of my own and they both sucked. I grabbed an eBay light box (same one process uses I think) for $40 it was totally worth it.
    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270505941337

    I've got the infinite background on lockdown.
    [​IMG]

    Hell, I've even done reflections but you can still see the horizon line. That's what I need to learn to get rid of.
    [​IMG]

    The above was shot with the figures sitting on a slab of polished black granite tile.

    -G
     
  10. chrisr291

    chrisr291 Master of the Unknown

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    That link is dead, could you send me the seller? i got 20 dollars in ebay bucks and it sounds like I know what i'm blowing that money on:thumbs2: 
     
  11. Taziir

    Taziir Well-Known Member

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    Duct tape ftw, otherwise known as Gaffer tape if you're british ;) 
     
  12. simplygriff

    simplygriff Elitist Dick

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    Yeah hang on a sec.
    -G
     
  13. chrisr291

    chrisr291 Master of the Unknown

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    lol, anything worth having can be fixed via duct tape lol. Cars, basketball hoops, TV's, Shoes... you name it.:rock 
     
  14. simplygriff

    simplygriff Elitist Dick

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  15. chrisr291

    chrisr291 Master of the Unknown

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  16. ryanlb

    ryanlb Well-Known Member

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    My wife got me a lightbox on eBay, I'm getting it for Father's Day, I can't wait!

    One thing somebody told me a while back that sometimes works for me, and sometimes doesn't, is to use the Night Portrait setting if you don't have a light box, because it changes something about how or when the flash flashes and helps lessen the shadows.
     
  17. simplygriff

    simplygriff Elitist Dick

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    I'm sure they will. I bought mine back before Christmas.

    ryanlb, that's a pretty good idea. Personally, I don't use the flash at all and use a tripod and all together separate lighting. The flash on my camera is way way too hot and blows everything out.
    -G
     
  18. Shadowbreaker

    Shadowbreaker ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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    I'll be making myself I lightbox soon.

    Maybe someday I'll get a professional one...
     
  19. poorboy8u

    poorboy8u Well-Known Member

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    It's all about lighting, one or two speedlight's off camera can do wonders for creating shadow,definition and soft light. Never use the pop up flash for a main light for table top photography. Below is a setup shot to how I did my poncho contest entry taken with my phone.

    [​IMG]


    Also here's a link to a very good thread over at another message board dedicated to DIY lightboxes and tabletop photogrpahy. It's got over 3000 posts so theres a wealth of information that can be applied here.You can use a few pieces of white board for a great lightbox.It can be broken down very quickly for far less than buying a dedicated one if you won't be using it all the time.

    Another DIY light box, with build and test pics - Canon Digital Photography Forums
     
  20. simplygriff

    simplygriff Elitist Dick

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    Nice. Is that just a straight up white umbrella or is it a fancy dedicated photography umbrella?

    A speedlite is next on my camera list. That or a dedicated macro lens. I can't decide what's more important. Shooting with my 70-300mm from across the room is getting old.

    Also to note, that light box I posted on eBay can be folded up and stored inside itself. It's a suitcase style. Also, it's big enough for G1 Scorponok to fit in and be shot.:thumb : Fort max on the other hand can only stand outside. :(  :lol 
    -G