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I really think we could justify a whole section to this subject as it's such an art form in it's own right, and it's a subject that goes right across all the games and mini-related hobbies we cover here, but anyway...

I've tried and tried and tried, and more or less utterly failed, to get a good close up image of any of my minis. I've tried the normal settings, macro mode with the camera really close to the mini, macro mode with the camera far from the mini and then zoomed in, flash on, flash off, loads of additional lighting and just can't seem to get it right. There are obviously some folks on here who have mastered the art as they consistently post pro quality pictures of their work. I'm not adverse to building a lightbox or something to shoot it, or buying a different camera that's more suited.

I currently use a Fuji Finepix E550i and it's rubbish at this sort of thing.

Would people like to post up their methods for taking really fine detail very close up pictures? Lighting, background, camera settings, type of camera, any other equipment etc, and possibly a couple of pics they've taken with that method that they are really pleased with?

I'm sure I'm not the only one who struggles with this, it would be nice to build up a sort of reference base or "how to" and then keep it somewhere.

Thanks all

Nat

You're right.

The fuji Finepix is rubbish at this sort of thing.

It has ... issues ... dealing with close-up subjects (the wife has one). I use my pentax DSLR for mini photography (always been a SLR user).

My setup:
Lightbox (preferred method) or two bright desklamps (2x halogen lamps work well) one on either side to eliminate side shadows. Good photography is all about getting the lighting right. A good neutral background is also good. There are graduated backgrounds available on the net (blue-to white, grey to white, etc.) Do not use white. This fools most cameras into underexposing the shot.

Tripod for camera. You don't want the camera moving. Any movement is magnified, and will result in blurring of the subject. Fine for 'art' photography, absolutely sheissenhausen for mini work. Dosn't have to be a big, expensive one. It just needs to hold the camera - instead of you.
Macro mode or zoom (either works and give similar outcomes).
Self timer (mine works with macro as well as the auto / manual programs).
There's a good tutorial here:http://warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8972

http://www.dakkadakka.com/wiki/en/Dakka_Modeling_FAQ:_Photographing_Models

http://www.dakkadakka.com/wiki/en/Photography:_It%27s_All_About_Light

Learn from the professionals at Fine Scale Mode magazine.

Its the best article I have ever seen written in any format and should be required reading for anyone starting out.

[edit]

dammit, malfred beat me again

Um, you were the first one to post the Fine Scale Mode magazine link.

Thanks folks *gives out affectionate Orky kisses*

I've tried and tried and tried, and more or less utterly failed, to get a good close up image of any of my minis. I've tried the normal settings, macro mode with the camera really close to the mini, macro mode with the camera far from the mini and then zoomed in, flash on, flash off, loads of additional lighting and just can't seem to get it right. There are obviously some folks on here who have mastered the art as they consistently post pro quality pictures of their work. I'm not adverse to building a lightbox or something to shoot it, or buying a different camera that's more suited.

The combo for those sorts of cameras is macro mode on, flash off (unless the mini is very dark), lots of external light eg; in sunlight or a bright lamp nearby, and then not zooming in on the mini (still in macro mode), with the camera about 12-18" away from the model. Zooming in with poorer cameras destroys the focusing capability of a lot of compact cameras. It is better to just take a picture from far away and then crop it in software on your computer.

edit: oh and also light must be in front of the model pointing back, never behind the model.