Photography tips?

[BrainGirl]

I know I have a crappy camera, and I know I lack photography skills, but which is more important to taking decent pictures if I'm not keen on the hobby? With babies potentially on the way I want to be able to share lovely photos of lovely fluffs but if 99% of my clicks are going to be junk (my usual rate) then I'm going to need some tips! Every so often my camera surprises me with a pretty picture so something went right and since I didn't replace the camera I figure it's down to technique

[Vectis Hamstery]

I have found that using a plain background and good lighting has helped - even a one colour blanket/sheet over the sofa helps. Also resting the camera on the surface reduces the shake from hands so all the camera has to worry about is the hamster moving. I've also used smearing a small layer of baby food onto a surface so the hamster is distracted by licking it and stays stiller, or else I make funny noises so they stand and look at me!

[BrainGirl]

Ooh, thanks Vectis! Will definitely give those ideas a try

[Esmy]

If you have a point and shoot camera, I doubt you can buy a polarized filter but if it is possible, it makes a huge difference in tank shots! It eliminates the glare. Also, if you have a setting for action shots (like maybe a swimmer icon?) that will help too.

[ChocolateCream81]

How To Do A Photoshoot With Your Hamster

A thread i made a while back after having a sudden urge to take photoshoots...... :P Hope that helps

[Truffle]

I love taking photo's. I find that I often get better pictures of my hamsters in the first 30 seconds or so before they get bored. If you have a multi shoot mode on your camera that can help if the hamster is wiggling around

[BrainGirl]

Ha! Never even thought to do a search for a thread about this!

[ChocolateCream81]

Originally Posted by BrainGirl

Ha! Never even thought to do a search for a thread about this!

I'm sure there is a few of these kinda threads floating about... hopefully you won't be needing any photography skills to take pictures of pups lol

[Biscotti]

I'm nowhere near professional with my photos, but I've found that these helped to improve the ones I took quite a bit:

* Have nice and bright lighting. Flash is hit or miss and can wash out the subject so I don't use it. But overall bright ambient lighting helps the camera focus better.

* Use contrasting background. I use dark beddings for my lighter colored hams, and white bedding for my agoutis. This will help having the hamster stand out.

* Take lots and lots of photos. I usually pick the best 2 or 3 out of a set of 50+ photos taken in a sitting. A lot of them are blurry, but it's good to have lots of options.

* Do light touch-ups on the computer if you can. I like to do small amount of color correction as my room lighting (don't have professional light sets) makes a yellowish cast over all my photos.