Photography
Before jumping into photographing your model, you should consider:
What do you want to highlight about your design?
How can this best be communicated through your photograph?
Remember someone viewing your design for the first time may not know anything about it, so it is important to consider this when framing your photograph. In this sense, consider an overall view showing the design, followed by images of specific design features you wish to highlight. Thinking about the composition and angles you want to photograph will help with positioning your camera, tripod and lighting.
DSLR Settings
DSLR Manual Mode Summary
Low ISO setting (eg ISO 100)
High F-Stop (eg F22 or F16)
Low shutter speed (eg 1/13 - adjust according to your light meter)
Image format (RAW)
White balance (automatic)
Auto lens and camera focus
When using a DSLR for model photography, it is recommended to switch your DSLR into Manual mode. Manual mode will provide the largest range of settings and adjustments.
ISO
ISO is the sensitivity of your camera sensor to light. For model photography, it is recommended to use the lowest ISO setting as possible. Once your lighting kit is set up, mount your camera on your tripod and start by adjusting your DSLR to the lowest ISO setting (eg ISO 100). Gradually increase it until your model appears properly lit.
Aperture
Aperture controls the amount of light that passes through a camera lens; think of this like the pupil of an eye. It also determines depth of field in your photograph and is measured in F-Stops. For model photography it is recommended to use a high F-Stop setting (eg F22, F16) and decrease this as needed. To highlight any details in your model, try using a lower F-Stop setting (e.g F8).
Shutter Speed
The shutter speed, simply, is how fast your camera lens opens and closes. Since our camera is mounted on a tripod and is hence stable, a slow shutter speed can be used. For model photography it is recommended to use a low setting like 1/13 and to adjust this according to your light meter.
Image Format
For model photography it is recommended to shoot your images in RAW format (if your camera allows) as this is the highest quality file type. RAW files will take up more memory space but are higher quality and will allow for greater editing flexibility. RAW files can be converted into JPEG files in post-processing.
White Balance
It is recommended to use an auto white balance for model photography.
Focus
It is recommended to place your camera and lens into auto focus mode so the camera will lock onto your model.
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