Good Photographs; Photo Technique for better pictures |
Martin Renz ![]()
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D Articles: 694 Schem.: 262 Pict.: 349 03.Jul.05 19:50 Count of Thanks: 31 |
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Good Photographs; Photo Technique For Better Pictures Better pictures with only reasonable effort It takes only a few, simple tricks and photo technique to create good quality pictures suitable for uploading to the respective model page. This can be achieved without expensive photo equipment and/or sophisticated editing software. At the example of a test transmitter, it is described hereafter how to create above average quality photographs using a digital camera and applying minimal effort. Required Set-Up
The picture above shows the set-up used in this case. It's on the patio with a lawn chair replacing the non-existing wall needed to support the back of the white background material. The camera is mounted on a tripod in front of the table. A relatively inexpensive digital camera will be sufficient as the resolution for pictures intended for the RMorg should not exceed 933 x 700 pixels. Good results are achieved by taking the pictures at a slight angle of about 15 degrees, and ever so slightly from the top by perhaps 6 - 9 degrees. To avoid, or at least reduce perspective distortions, it is recommended to keep a greater distance to the object and compensate for it by applying the (tele) zoom function of the camera. Mobile or cellphones are not suitable for this purpose, as pictures taken with these devices are usually of poor quality. Lighting Proper lighting is the prerequisite for a satisfactory outcome.
Preferably one waits until the sun is behind a cloud. Shadows will be drastically reduced while the picture still appears three-dimensional. Pictures taken on a heavily clouded day may show so little contrast that the results could be called "flat". This can and should be subsequently corrected via suitable image editing software. Photo Shop (light) and freeware such as IrfanView come to mind. Practically all programs currently on the market provide the necessary tools to adjust contrast and brightness. More sophisticated software will allow for more graduated corrections. Some have the "auto-contrast" feature that may also lead to good results. Reflections The white background, and its set-up intended to emphasize the object to be photographed, is accompanied by an inherent disadvantage: it is often reflected in the surfaces of the top and side of the radio cabinet. This effect is especially pronounced on dark-coloured, highly polished cabinets. Affected surfaces appear white or in light gray tones, completely hiding the fine wood grain of an otherwise beautiful cabinet.
Results
Another RMorg requirement is to upload pictures in the .jpg format and to limit the size to not more than 100Kb. (Many thanks to Alfred Zeeb for the translation) This article was edited 03.Jul.05 20:03 by Martin Renz . |
Robert Sarbell † 22.3.22 ![]() Schem.: 44 Pict.: 162 16.Aug.05 01:53 Count of Thanks: 32 |
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I wish to express great appreciation for the the photo tips, and the excellent presentation by our esteemed members Herr Martin Renz, Mr Fred Zeeb for the translation assistance, and for the previous articles (of the same topic) offered by our illustrious benefactor Mr Ernest Erb. They have provided invaluable tips and techniques that make the graphics of the Radio museum a "Standard of Excellence" in the technical data and in the presentation thereof. Respectfully, Robert Sarbell |
Ernst Erb ![]()
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CH Articles: 5692 Schem.: 13756 Pict.: 31072 12.Aug.08 14:59 Count of Thanks: 33 |
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Pictures show normally smooth color changes or gray scale changes. They should be converted into .JPG. But printed matter or schematics should show sharp lines. This would be very wrong to put into .JPG which destroys the sharpness but you should convert to .PNG or to .GIF. You can also help for clearness by using "gamma" on a better processing program - or for Photoshop you use Image/Adjustments/Curves ... and do the following to get rid of gray parts from old paper etc. after changing from color to gray scales. ![]() In the attachment you see a this way processed schematic in .PNG and how our system presents it as .PDF - since guests can not open such schematics on model pages. See also the articles which show how to process schematics with Irfanview (and Photoshop). Attachments: This article was edited 12.Aug.08 16:13 by Ernst Erb . |