Pat, I'm no expert for sure but here are a few "tips" from what I've learned over the last few years about photography.
- I like to use natural light from outside our dining room window and set up on the table (when my wife isn't looking or around
![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
)
- If you have ample light do not use the flash... the flash is too much light and diminishes the realism of the photo, not allowing for naturual shadowing, etc. I hardly ever use the flash in my dio photos.
- I have been using a Nikon D3000 for several years now and am pleased with the results.
- I put the camera on the "A" function which stands for Aperture. Aperture is a number ranging from around 4 up to around 32. The lower the number the
sharper the "focused" subject with less focus on anything in the background. A higher Aperture number like 20+ will give increase the focus on the subjects in the background
The trick when using a higher aperture number is it is critical to have ample light and to also hold the camera almost perfectly still or you will not have a clear picture. When I want a photo of an entire scene with the background subjects in good focus as well, I will typically use at least 20 to 25 aperture setting. If I want good detail on a single figure I will use a much lower aperture setting.
- One other tip I like to do (and may just be a personal preference of mine) is to shoot the picture from a low angle or what would make it seem as the photographer was actually on the ground at the dio scene.
I hope some of this might help someone. Remember to keep experimenting and see what comes out best for you. The great thing about digital photography is you can take lots and lots of pictures and just delete the ones you don't like.
Duke