It isn't easy to get great pictures of miniatures at the best of times. Under show conditions it becomes harder. Here are some things that will help improve pictures you take at the show:
- Avoid Using Flash - On the automatic settings most of us use on our digital cameras, the flash will automatically fire under the low level fluorescent light common in most auditoriums. Flash photography of miniatures will create washed out foregrounds and high contrast shadows. In order for the flash to work at all, you have to be within a few feet of the object you are photographing. If you use flash when you photograph a scene behind glass, you will get great reflections of yourself, but no pictures of the miniature. Find a camera setting that lets you take a photograph without a flash or adjust the film speed setting.
- Use the Macro Setting - Most cameras have a macro setting, often displayed as a little flower, for making small objects as large as possible. If you are photographing something small close up, your camera will take better photos if you use this setting.
- Use the Film Speed (ISO) Setting - Many cameras allow you to change the film speed setting. Higher ISO settings (up to 800) will let you take photographs in lower light levels. Higher film speed makes photos slightly grainier, but it is a better alternative in most cases than using the flash.
- Set the White Balance for the Right Light - Cameras usually have settings for daylight, shade, flash, room lights and fluorescent lights. Use the correct setting for the light conditions you are in.
- Line Up Your Subject - To help your camera focus, and to get a better picture, make sure you are holding your camera so that it is on the same line or plane as whatever you are trying to focus on. A camera held at an angle to the subject will have a harder time getting everything in focus. Line up any obvious frames or straight lines in the scene as well so that your photograph doesn't have jarring angles.
- Change Your Viewing Angle - To get a better view of the miniature (and less glare from glass cases) bend down or kneel to get a better viewing angle of the piece. Often you can use your body to block some of the glare from the lights on the ceiling.
These aren't hard things to do, but any one of these tips may help you take a lasting memory for your reference file, instead of another washed out reflection.
