sheltie
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since January 2012
Posts: 982
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Post by sheltie on Apr 14, 2013 14:39:30 GMT -5
I have a small Canon Powershot A2200 which is perfect for me because I can just slip it in my pocket when I go hounding or have it by my side when I slab. It takes good enough pictures for me and is simple to download to my computer.
I've just started to polish my slabs and I can't figure out how to take a picture where it really shows off both the polish and the rock. Inside or outside I can't figure it out.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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Geoff
spending too much on rocks
Please add 1074 to my post number.
Member since December 2012
Posts: 446
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Post by Geoff on Apr 14, 2013 14:44:17 GMT -5
Don't go for a head on shot. Try different angles. Alternatively, use a scanner. A few people use a quality scanner for all of their slab/cab photos.
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Post by Pat on Apr 14, 2013 15:56:55 GMT -5
I'd put a diffuser in front of any lamp you are using.
Can you post of picture of the problem?
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sheltie
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since January 2012
Posts: 982
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Post by sheltie on Apr 14, 2013 16:36:15 GMT -5
Don't go for a head on shot. Try different angles. Alternatively, use a scanner. A few people use a quality scanner for all of their slab/cab photos. That has me baffled. How does one use a scanner to take a picture?
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sheltie
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since January 2012
Posts: 982
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Post by sheltie on Apr 14, 2013 16:38:37 GMT -5
I'd put a diffuser in front of any lamp you are using. Can you post of picture of the problem? I haven't taken any pictures inside so there is no lamp involved. All my pictures have been taken outside and trying to find a way to keep the glare off the slab has been very problematic. The only way I've been able to is to go inside my garage and take it there. Unfortunately, it doesn't show off the shine to the best advantage. I don't have any examples to show you because I erase those I don't like.
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Post by NatureNut on Apr 14, 2013 16:40:37 GMT -5
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Post by Pat on Apr 14, 2013 16:46:02 GMT -5
Hmmm, put your diffuser near the lens between lens and item.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2013 17:06:11 GMT -5
What I do is take one shot for shine and one for the rock. Beats the hell out of trying and trying to get both in one shot. Jim
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Geoff
spending too much on rocks
Please add 1074 to my post number.
Member since December 2012
Posts: 446
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Post by Geoff on Apr 14, 2013 17:07:19 GMT -5
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sheltie
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since January 2012
Posts: 982
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Post by sheltie on Apr 14, 2013 18:12:00 GMT -5
I'm sorry but I'm missing something. My scanner sits on a desk next to my computer and doesn't take pictures. What am I missing (again)?
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Post by deb193redux on Apr 14, 2013 18:45:42 GMT -5
Ron Gibbs who teaches photography of minerals, rocks, and jewelry for the William Holland school has compiled a PDF file of his series of rock club newsletter articles on this topic. It is excellent - and FREE. www.theimage.com/apubimages/20photopaper.pdf
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Simon
spending too much on rocks
Member since March 2009
Posts: 352
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Post by Simon on Apr 14, 2013 18:48:43 GMT -5
Open the scanner cover put the slab on the glass close the cover press the scan button. one picture of 1 slab.
I used to sell coins used a scanner for those as well. Just like scanning a document just yer putting rocks or coins or anything else you fancy in.
Simon
(Edited to add the following) you can put colored paper behind whatever yer scanning to change the background color.
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Post by Jugglerguy on Apr 14, 2013 19:10:37 GMT -5
Daniel, that link is really good. I'm going to have to give some of those tips a try.
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unclestu
Cave Dweller
WINNER OF THE FIRST RTH KILLER CAB CONTEST UNCLESTU'S AGUA NUEVA AGATE
Member since April 2011
Posts: 2,298
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Post by unclestu on Apr 14, 2013 20:01:40 GMT -5
One of the most important things is keeping the camera steady so I would recommend a tripod. Next when taking pictures of shinny things that produce a lot of glare is to use indirect light. Try to not shine your light source directly on the subject but rather in front of or behind the subject. Next you want to minimize shadows by defusing the light. One of the best investments I have made was getting a light box/tent. I picked up a complete set up for $59.00 which included the light tent and two Florescent lights with reflectors and 6' light stands. The lamps are 5100k which simulates natural sun light at noon. This eliminates the effect of reddish or blueish tint from the lighting. The kit also included a black, white red and a blue background. As I said the best investment I made especially if you sell on line.
Good luck
Stu
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Post by rockjunquie on Apr 14, 2013 21:51:37 GMT -5
I'd just like to throw into the mix that I use a polarizing filter to move and or eliminate/decrease glare on stones and metal. I don't need or want it for every shot, but it is always on my camera and is invaluable when needed.
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Geoff
spending too much on rocks
Please add 1074 to my post number.
Member since December 2012
Posts: 446
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Post by Geoff on Apr 15, 2013 1:44:58 GMT -5
I'm pretty cheap. I made my own light box thingy out of scrap wood from other projects and a light fixture I found at a thrift shop. I used paper to diffuse the light, but it kept burning. So I fixed it by taking all four bulbs to the flat lap. Bam. Diffused lighting. The way I set it up, three of the lights shine directly on the subject. But, I have it set up in a way that the reflected light doesn't go straight at the lens. Here you can see the front lamp and both side lamps aimed directly at the subject: Here you can see the lack of glare on the stone: And here you can see my custom bulbs: I do all my shooting hand held right now so I use manual mode on my camera. In order to not get motion blur I have the aperture all the way open (f2.3) shutter at 1/100 and ISO200. I also use a white card to set my white balance before every shoot. I'm doing this on the floor as I've been evicted from the kitchen table. I have to find space in the shop to set this up, then I can go back to tripod shooting and deeper depth of field (smaller aperture). So if you want it boiled down, Better lighting, Tripod, and Angles to eliminate glare. Or scanner.
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,178
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Post by jamesp on Apr 15, 2013 7:30:40 GMT -5
I hand hold these in front of a $10 single desk lamp.Bulb is PAR20 GE 50watt floodlight.Very common bulb about $6.Camera also hand held about 12 inches away.Light from left at pretty sharp angle. I put the lamp on the desk to my left,rock in left hand,camera in right.Look thru the camera and adjust the position of the rock until you get maximum light penetration and minimum reflection,usually about a 50-70 degree angle.The back of your left hand should get hot at about 10-14 inches away from the light.This may not be the quality you are looking for but beware a snapped these off fast hand holding everything.If you get the camera too close to the subject(less than 12 inches causes you to about have to have a tripod causing extra work).Best viewed in flicker slide show mode.Notice tricky contrast of jet black and brilliant white increases challenge www.flickr.com/photos/67205364@N06/sets/72157632764554676/with/8471682927/
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