Improving Photo Images - Is an SLR camera a must?

[MrsMotoko]

Hello

The more I read about increasing sales, the more I think I need a better quality camera. I also hate how pathetic my pictures are on my blog, compared to other bloggers that I read who have lovely clear shiny fresh looking images.

Does anyone have a digital SLR that they love and want to recommend?

Im still indecisive though because I think they cost alot of money and I really dont want to spend to much more on my business if i can get around it another way.

Or should I keep at it practicisng with natual light/make a photo box and edit them after I take them to improve the image? I dont have photoshop but I think you can do this in Picasa for free?

Any tips or advice would be appreciated

Thanks

Elissa

[mrsmonkei]

Hey Elissa

This is a recurring problem for me as well, I've been wrestling with my lil old camera for too long. I feel like I've brought my pictures to "okay" level with my macro setting and a lot of natural light but winter was a nightmare and I have a long way to go.
I'll be interested to see what other people say, especially the jewellery makers as it's a whole different demon photographing light reflective crystals and such :D

Erin :)

[Julie Smith]

I have a Panasonic DMC digital and even though it does have some manual settings I tend to keep on going back to the automatic button! having said that, I use both photoshop Elements 7 (not the full version so not as expensive) to crop my images plus Gimp (http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=gimp&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDYQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gimp.org%2F&ei=LICoTpTeAcqTiQeU36D6DQ&usg=AFQjCNHSDGuHdZTSGB1PiMFTSSn1zSDRCw&cad=rja) a free photo editing software where I use their levels to brighten the image or remove colour casts plus the contrast button to sharpen. There's heaps on this program to play with. Try that before buying a new camera. Unless of course it is truly dodgy.:)

Sesenarts (http://www.madeit.com.au/sesenarts)

[corinneski]

I use both an SLR and a point-and-shoot camera but for my jewellery work mostly I use the point & shoot. I use my Canon Ixus on macro and make sure that I have plenty of natural light and a white background. If you want to stop unwanted shadows and add some more light, get a piece of white card and prop it up so it reflects light back onto your subject.

If you're having trouble getting a sharp picture you may need a tripod. You can get little ones, eg gorillapods, for not much money and they stop the shakes.

In Photoshop elements there are also sharpening tools that will enhance your pics. If you're having problems with colour casts, maybe you need to adjust your white balance setting. Overall, try to experiment with different angles and props to make your pics stand out. Have fun!

[ZippyZippy]

I don't have a digital SLR, I have a Panasonic DMC - tZ3, it's a point and shoot, I usually use the macro setting and if you have a good read of your manual, you may find you can do all sorts of things with your camera.
I also use picnic to edit photo's if needed. I mostly use it to adjust the exposure if the light is not exactly right when I am taking the pics.
Good Luck - also, a digital SLR is much bigger to carry around on outings.

[GistCreative]

I don't have a DSLR either and rely on my trusty pointnshoot Canon. I agree that you need to have a good white background and some free photo editing. I use microsoft office picture manager, but have just scored PSE7 which I'll test run.
Trial and error is the key, depending on what your handmade product is and which photo treatment works best.
Good luck!!

[EscapeJewellery]

I'm having the same delema of whether to update my point and shoot Nikon to another one or bite the bullet and get a digital SLR. I want something that is reasonably portable for general use but can be used for photographing jewellery. I use picnik for editing but even though I use white or black backgrounds outside in natural light it comes out grey or pale blue. I have done some reading today and am even more confused. I will also try Gimp when I get a chance. I new to doing closeup photos so probably it's just the need for more practice
Jenny

[MrsMotoko]

Thank you everyone for all your advice. I think it sounds like its really trial and error and ill take all these tips and practice. I will watch out for my natural light and actually read my camera manual.

I had a look at photoshop elements - you can do a free trial for 30 days so ill give that a go.

[RainbowLollies]

I used to use a Nikon point and shoot for my photos but ever since hubby got a new digital SLR, I find that my photos have improved a lot. The point and shoot camera is not that bad but you have to use the macro setting especially if you are going to take a lot of close up shots of small items (such as jewellery). Lighting is of course important and I am sure we all know by now to always try to take it in natural light (a nightmare in winter). If taking photos outdoors, I learned that midday sun is the worse as too bright and shadows too dark. Overcast sky is best (like early morning or evening).

To be honest, if you can afford it, get a digital SLR. It helps to take better shots as there are less 'shakes' and the pictures turned out sharper. Of course a tripod is also good but I prefer to use my own hands as I am too lazy to have to set up one more piece of equipment.

I currently edit my photos using the Microsoft Office Picture Editor. Must explore the other free photo editing software mentioned here.

Lastly it takes a lot of shots in order to get one decent one so thank goodness for digital technology!

[Nataliedrest]

I upgraded to a Canon 40D at the start of the year. I got it second hand. I found it immediately improved my photos! Having said that, the photography for my shop has been a long journey. I use 2 big work lights as my lighting (got them from Bunnings) as it is easiest for me to take photos when the kidlet is asleep. I have also recently started using GIMP to edit my photos and that is a godsend!
Looking at your photos they could use a bit of lightening up, Picasa may be useful for that, and it is very easy to use.

[tractorgirl]

http://www.picnik.com/ is a free and easy to use substitute for Photoshop. Definitely use a macro setting on your camera, and a tripod, which should give you reasonable clarity. Then up the brightness (usually quite a lot!) and the contrast. If you're concerned about whether it's TOO bright, go for a flick through Etsy or Madeit & find other sellers with pics that you like, then compare your pics with theirs. Try and analyse exactly what it is that you like about their pics, and then interpret that for your own pics. Good luck!