The Energon Pub

[Bonecrusher27]

Hi all,

Having perused many image galleries, I'm wondering what the best set up for taking photos would be. For one thing, every time I think I've cleared enough space off the table, I find that with a wide angle lens I still catch unwanted objects I couldn't sworn would be off the capture area, such as vases, chairs, and various knick knacks.

The other thing is, what sort of equipment are people using?

Finally, what do people like, or dislike, about various shots, and any other advice?

I'm trying to make this a project of mine for the limited collection I have, and so that I can do detailed reviews to put up on my website. Thanks!

[Lapse Of Reason]

Good lighting is key. Avoid using a fill flash and use a good flash or setup some good lights. The lights should be diffused through some sort of material to avoid glare.

Use photoediting software to crop your photos.

[Blurrz]

This is a photography guide from a forum I go on(my username is philleehellphia). It's pretty good.

http://asrai.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3631

[Bonecrusher27]

Thanks guys, appreciate the tips! I remember reading somewher Michael Bay saying that it's not that easy to film cars because of highlights when you don't want them, and in a smaller way, I have found photograping transformers to be really tricky. Rewarding when you get the shot though!

[allisonaxe]

I'm kind of weird, and my advice is probably the exact opposite of good, but I've had success with taking photos in complete darkness, but with one light directly overhead the subject, and no flash. the lighting really should be based around the kind of mood you want the image to convey.

Here is an example of a photo taken in the dark, with one direct-overhead light. this was taken on my apartment's countertop, but with the lighting conditions, I think it makes it look like blacktop. I'm pretty happy with how this came out, even though its something I did in all of 5 minutes.