How to: photograph your teaware. A beginner's guide.

[Geekgirl]

Primarily, yes. Secondarily, making sure the cam is not focusing on the wrong part of the image. You can eliminate the focusing problem entirely by using as small an aperture as possible, but in so doing, you may also eliminate any artistry you may be trying to preserve.

In seeker's example, (F5.0) the DOF really should have been enough for his purposes, and he would have been better served by using selective focus. He could bump it to F8, which would help, but for me personally, I like to keep the aperture as wide as is useful so that the background is still thrown a bit out of focus.

[Seeker]

so like was said, use tripod if not enough light...

Thanks S.
I did use a tripod - I always do nowadays when i shoot tea related subjects.
btw - tried some things - smaller aperture, checking the distance from subject. Nothing worked. Most shots were worse - more blur with nothing in focus.
edit/add - occurs to me that this camera (s2is) gets very fussy about focusing if the batteries are down past 50% - and I'm currently using rechargeables (the battery use issue is very frustrating about this cam; maybe all cams? ); so I'm recharging, and might try again to see if this theory is correct. Tho I think it is correct - when I haven't replaced the batteries in several days and I try to shoot, the camera sometimes just won't focus at all, and it tries, kind of going in and out a bit, but won't land in focus.

[silverneedles]

the s2is eats alotta batteries, and very annoying with rechargeables after many recharging cycles the camera would not recognize the batteries as full anymore or just work very short time.

if on tripod, how do you shoot - use timer or hand. is tripod sturdy when you press for shot it wont move?

get a buncha lights make sure you get fast shutter just to test for correct focusing, then rule that out if it doesnt missfocus.

[Seeker]

Thanks S.
I use the timer when on tripod, just to be sure.
I've wondered about light - but the light is the same as other shots.
I'm thinking batteries.
I've got a huge/important exam this Thur, so don't really have the time to play w/ cam right now.
(might anyway tho, as a break )

oh, and i also wonder about distance of camera from subject and lighting. wonder if macro needs LOTS of light?

[Seeker]

Okay, so I am actually studying today, but also starting to back off, and tomorrow I'm going to try to study hardly at all if any - tomorrow's day before exam day - they say to rest.
Anyway, don't have the time or calm to apply the requisite detail this warrants, but here's a photo that works. I used supermacro, f5.6, .6sec, about 3-4" from subject (on supermac no ability to zoom or select focus frame - all cam position):

(click if you want to enlarge)
I think this one works.
Any other setup, and the camera just would - not - focus (unless I was 5.5ft away and zoomed in - but that doesn't give the close up I want).
edit/add - oh, and - GG, it looks like there's a bit of "artistic" feel, as the leaves seem to be in focus, but the edges of the presentation plate are not so much?

[Geekgirl]

Pretty! oooooh! aaaaaaah!!!

[Chip]

That is deep dude ... er ... great DOF.

[Seeker]

Oh, Thank you, p'shawww; btw, that's a little pile of Ancient Moonlight White.
Bless the tea.

[Victoria]

That's a great pic!

[Seeker]

Thks V!
Tho, still completely baffled and frustrated at the s2is's refusal to focus at times.

[Seeker]

I have a question for those that appreciate photos. I showed a pic of my TC avatar that I've been using of late to someone, and got a pretty negative response.
Does it suck and I don't know it?

(I've been really liking it. )

[Chip]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder ... however since you asked, whenever I see this I think it has very good elements, but not together necessarily. It is a juxtaposition of sorts in my eye. Just my thoughts, funny you asked because the photo has conjured up thoughts in my mind since you first posted it. So, it is thought provoking.

I first see the extremely asymetrical Chawan, that screams out keep it asymetrical, wild, nonconformist, informal.

Then I see the Chashaku so almost perfectly, formally placed. Symetyrically dividing the photo/Chawan, formally placed, vertical in the photo. It would almost be better if it was just thrown into the Chawan. I first thought it was a side by side comparison of two Chawan-s cleverly divided.

Sort of like a tie on an orc.

On the other hand, it reminds me of the symbol for yin/yang.

But that is just my 2 cents worth.

[Seeker]

Thanks Chip.
And, wow, I hadn't intended any of those things you mention like the splitting, the yin/yang, the illusion/suggestion of two chawan when I took the photo - but each time I see it, I perceive those things and kind of like that effect on me. I think it's cool you perceive those things too.
I just struggled to put the elements together and take a shot that didn't look like s#@t.
Also, I must admit, I showed the person the pic in it's original size.
Perhaps I'll post it here - maybe it's better when really, really small.
Happy SB-day C.

J

edit/add - here's the original photo (squint/grimace):

[Littlepig2]

My take on seekers avatar is I rather liked it. I find the Chashaku to be quite two dimensional especially where it runs off the bottom of the image. for me it is less a three dimensional and functional object and more a graphic design.

[debunix]

Nothing wrong with the initial photo, but it is a bit difficult to read when reproduced at avatar scale.