Pony photography tips? Plus, show off your pictures!

[TexasGal]

So...I would love to get some tips on taking better pictures of my customs/rehairs...should I build a lightbox, should I take the pictures outside, fabric backdrop, etc? 

Also, feel free to show off your photography!  There are lots of talented people on here, and y'all aren't limited to just one thing, which is really cool!  You should be so proud of yourselves for being so talented!

[Sanadaookami]

In my experience light is a huge thing in photos- good lighting can make up for even the cheapest of cameras. I use full spectrum daylight bulbs (two of them in desk lamps so I can arrange as needed) they were a little pricy ($25 each) but well worth it!

hear is an older photo in a light box I made- its just a USPS large flat rate box with the top flaps and one side cut out then the back/floor covered in a cute wrapping paper I had- this photo was taken with just one normal lamp.

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I don't have a light box anymore as I felt it took up to much space- I have switched to using Paradise Estates court yard (It looks supper cute as a back drop!) This photo is with the two daylight lamps. Same camera same settings/time of day the only difference is the lamps.

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[silverdragon54]

I like outdoor pics, especially on drizzly days or clear days with high humidity. Moisture in the air intensifies color.

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[Stormness_1]

Even if you have an old point-n-shoot, using the macro setting can help with small items like ponies. I use hubby's DSLR with a macro lens, and macro turned on. It's great for ponies. This was just a brag shot I took in our bathroom after cleaning - but I love it!

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[LightingElectricDream]

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Post Merge: February 25, 2014, 04:35:19 AM

Lighting is really important, its going to depend on your camra and your atmasphear. I found for me I couldent take pictures at night they would come out fuzzy and or reallly shadowed. But that's just my camra. Its like getting to know your camra . Other than that I would have to say try an our doors picture. Maybe try fabrics?

[Bibsy]

I echo what Sanadaookami said about light.  Whether you're outdoors or indoors, it's the most important thing when it comes to taking photos.  I take my collection photos indoors with a white piece of heavy paper leaned against the wall with natural lighting.  After lighting, the next most important thing is how steady the camera is.  If you don't have a tripod, you can rest your camera on a box or a stack of books.  I also use the auto-timer for shots because it eliminates the movement caused by depressing the shutter, which can lead to blurriness in photos.  This definitely helps if you're using a macro like Stormness does, or if you take shots from further away and crop the rest out, like I do.

I love the idea of using playsets as backdrops, so I hope I'll get a chance to do that soon.

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[Eurocoin]

My personal problem with my own photography (regarding pony and other toys) is the fact, that my apartment has very poor lighting and most of the year natural light is very scarce overall. Also I only have this crappy point-and-shoot camera.

That said here's some pics I've taken (outdoors) during past two years.

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[Sanadaookami]

I echo what Sanadaookami said about light.  Whether you're outdoors or indoors, it's the most important thing when it comes to taking photos.  I take my collection photos indoors with a white piece of heavy paper leaned against the wall with natural lighting.  After lighting, the next most important thing is how steady the camera is.  If you don't have a tripod, you can rest your camera on a box or a stack of books.  I also use the auto-timer for shots because it eliminates the movement caused by depressing the shutter, which can lead to blurriness in photos.  This definitely helps if you're using a macro like Stormness does, or if you take shots from further away and crop the rest out, like I do.

I love the idea of using playsets as backdrops, so I hope I'll get a chance to do that soon.

Oh- yes camera steadiness is a big deal. if you cant do tripod/books and need to shoot free handed keep your arms tucked in next to your torso- (or anchored to another surface like a table) your elbows should be touching your sides and hold the camera with both hands. I know it feels awkward but it will do a lot to stable the shot.

Also if you find your hands shaking frequently eat a banana Potassium controls the activity of our muscle and nerve cells, and over time its deficiency may also cause shaky hands and tremors.

[NoDivision]

As others have said, lighting, lighting, lighting.

I used to have a light box (just a DIY one made out of a cardboard box) and a couple of good clamp lamps that I could position how I wanted. My pictures at that time were much better. I scrapped the box when I moved into a much smaller apartment and my pictures since have been a lot harder to get right.

[emery]

I have been doing a lot of selling lately so it's mostly ponies and other toys against a white piece of poster board. I actually take most shots on my phone now (Galaxy s3) and I use the "assistive light" which is essentially a flashlight instead of using the flash so I can see how the shot will look and adjust for glare, etc. I used to use my digital camera but using my phone makes it so easy to just upload directly to Facebook or dropbox that it saves so many steps. If I want a really good shot and I want to take the time I will still get out my real camera though.

Here's some just from my phone. It's not the greatest but it works fine for selling and I think the shots are pretty clear

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[hathorcat]

Yes I shall agree with the over riding theme here - its all about lighting.

I have a couple of daylight bulbs in portable, gripping lamps; I can move them to any position and to any location. They cost £2 each for the bulbs and £3 for each lamp setting. They were one of the best purchases I have ever made. They even slide into a lightbox in order to be used there if I wish

[LadySatine]

I agree with everything that's been said so far, and I have also learned some new tips myself. Thanks!

[Miss Violet]

great pics everypony!!!!

[Pony Adventures]

Definitely lighting! I prefer outdoor lighting but that limits you in when you can take your pictures. The best time of day is dusk and dawn, I think. It makes for some very pretty colors.

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This pic is not mine but a friend's/Arena user over at pinkiepiesightings
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Here's an extra, just for fun!
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[himmie]

I take most of my photos inside using wrapping paper as a background. My camera is generally on a tripod.

I try to take advantage of natural light from the window and also use my camera flash:
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Or, with just the regular room lighting and camera flash:
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