Richard Jones wrote: I've been offered an informal contract to photograph some paintings. I am not a professional, but a keen amateur and would like to do the best job I can. I have a 20D with a couple of L glass lenses but hope to be able to borrow a selection of L zooms.
Without expending money on a studio or expensive lighting equipment etc. Can anyone recommend a cheap and cheerful way of getting the best results? My employer (and friend) requires photos of both the full painting and close-ups for capturing detail and brush strokes. I was thinking of using my 28mm f/1.8 prime lens on a tripod for the full size pictures, then a TS-E 90mm for the macro work. For lighting the best I could come up with was waiting for an overcast day then shooting either outdoors or next to a large window. I have no idea whether to use flash or not - I can rent a 550EX if necessary. I realise this is an EOS list, not photography 101, but any advice would be gratefully received! Regards, Richard Jones ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------- I have done this for a fiend of mine whose father has a large art collection including Picassos, Degas, etc. The trick is not to use flash if possible. Turn up the ISO to 400, use a tripod and shoot. If the art work is in a room where there are windows, pay attention to potential relfections. If you have to use a flash, use one a few feet away preferably with something like an omnibounce that will have a diffused effect. If you position the flash to your right or left about 3 feet you should avoid reflections and get some added light. I used my 28-135 IS for all of the images at various settings to frame them. Worked like a charm. And I DID have IS on when on the tripod, did shoot wide open and had no issues with resolution or reflections. I have a sharp version of the 28-135IS. Others say it is not sharp, but mine is superb. Maybe it was made on a Wednesday. :-) Peter K * **** ******* *********************************************************** * For list instructions, including unsubscribe, see: * http://www.a1.nl/phomepag/markerink/eos_list.htm ***********************************************************
