The photo I have linked below from one of the Wu archives is an example of the best foot photography you can find. See how every detail of the foot is captured including blemishes like hard skin on the soles, (which I love as it gives the foot added character).
My question to the photographers out there is how would you take such a picture ?
In he past I have tried taking indoor shots of feet but for the close ups the camera flash light does not allow that level of detail to be captured.
The use of optional back ground lighting works best as it doesn't cause the flash to wash out the object/foot that you are trying to capture. In this pic it looks like the photographer used flash towers that are remotely used with his camera...just a guess!
Posted by footsaab (Member # 23116) on :
thanks. does background lighting stop the flash from going off?
Posted by Scotty7493 (Member # 13127) on :
Using a flash with poor indoor lighting usually don't get you the macro results you'd like.
If your camera is on auto and flash enabled the camera will not require the use of the flash if the right exposure is met for the subject.
Sometimes you can use the flash (force it) even if the background lighting is sufficient. It really all depends on the type and mood of photo you're looking to capture.
A lot of times it's really about experimentation. It helps to have a basic idea of camera settings and how lighting in relation to a subject works. The rest is up to you.
Btw, I don't find that particular photo you suggested a great example of this all (not taking away anything from the model).
Posted by edelbrock (Member # 17055) on :
The flash burns images. If u don't have professional lights, try draping a white sheet over a regular light. If u want the focus and the definition, nothing will get u that other than a good camera.
Posted by goodguyneighbor (Member # 2824) on :
Looks like the linked photo was shot in auto mode.
Needs a slightly faster shutter speed (or steadier hand/tripod/image stabilization) to get rid of the motion blur, and a smaller aperture for more depth of field.
Putting the the camera in charge is never going to yield the best results. The photographer should be the one leading.
Feet are really curvy and difficult to get the entire foot in focus.
Throw away the stock all purpose lens and get something specific and high quality.
Most importantly, read the camera's instructions, and set every single feature manually.
Most any camera can take good pictures in the right hands.
Posted by Patrick (Member # 1169) on :
<-- doesn't use flashes
Patrick
Posted by Wrinklesguy (Member # 732) on :
Possible use of soft boxes as well, either auto or manual mode but it does appear to be blurry. Manual mode is best indoors and out. My indoor settings are F9,ISO 200-400, 1/200 shutter with 2 soft boxes on each side of the set.
Posted by Patrick (Member # 1169) on :
Bondo, what's this meter stuff you speak of? LOL... Damn the metric system, we live in the USA where the best measurement, is of course, the foot. LOL
Patrick
Posted by barefoot_maniac (Member # 30965) on :
All of these guys are right. Flash has its place, but you will find using external lighting blows your camera flash out of the water any day.
It took me a while to get the hang of this, and its still a work in progress. Once I got away from using the built in flash, flash shots just seem boring. Don't get me wrong, it has its place sometimes - especially if you lotion up their feet first you get a great shine off the peds
My advice: a lot of practice, a lot of trial and error. I am nowhere near the level of GoodGuyNeighbor or Patrick, but I feel I have come a long way.
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