Photography tips please

[Astoria]

Yesterday I photographed my G. Grandparents marriage certificate (Italy - 1886) from a narrow film. It looked in focus (well as good as we could get it) on the reader and on the camera, but I am unable to get a sharp enough image on the computer to translate it. Part of the document is typed with names etc written in.
Any photography tips or computer tips would be much appreciated.

[Colin Moretti]

I've used a digital camera for many years now, generally without problems.

It could be that you are trying to enlarge a digital image too much or it's possibly something to do with the viewer screen (some types of viewer/screen are better than others); can you put up a small section of an image, that might give us some idea of what the problem might be?

The main problem I have is camera shake as there's no point in using flash with a projected image - so I always take at least two pictures, one is usually good enough.

Colin

[somanyrellies]

Hello Astoria,

If you are using a digital camera you may have not prefocussed on the image.

A good tip is to frame the subject then half-depress the trigger mechanism for a second or two before taking the shot; this allows the camera to 'focus-lock' on the image before you shoot.

It is especially useful when there are two points of interest in the shot (i.e. two people side by side head and shoulders perhaps). Point the camera at one of the subjects and focus-lock as described then while still holding the trigger half-depressed bring both subjects into frame and take the picture.
This should ensure that you are not focussed on the scenery behind and in-between them. In any event, always pre-focus for good results.

Happy snapping.

[Peter Goodey]

Depending on the capabilities of your camera, you might like to think about experimenting with:

Increasing the digital equivalent of the film speed (measured in ASA units)

Try switching to macro mode, if available (I very much doubt if it's necessary, but I'll leave the thought with you).

Try switching to manual focus.


Some general tips:-

Use the eyelevel viewfinder when actually taking the picture. If there's a wall or pillar that you can lean against, even better. To my mind, holding the camera a foot in front of your face while you peer at the LCD screen is a recipe for camera shake!

Flash should of course be switched off.

[Astoria]

Many thanks for your tips. It is now quite clear that my photography skills need a little help. I have rooted out the manual |book2| and will have another try next week, I'll let you know how I get on.
Thanks again

[Mutley]

It is not easy to photograph a certificate or text page. Is the camera a single lens reflex (SLR)? A google will explain this better than I can and perhaps give some tips. I believe they are best for this type of work.

Also the software on the computer may not be able to handle text as well as it can a photograph.

Shame you could not scan it. By far the best way for a certificate.

[Astoria]

No Mutley my camera is a point and shoot. I am sure I didn't have it on the right settings for the job, took me ages to work out how to turn off the flash - actually, I just looked dumb and someone else turned off the flash.

[somanyrellies]

Astoria, Is that a rabbit or two fingers in your manual icon?

[Astoria]

Had me confused for a moment there, looks like the playboy bunny to me. Oh dear, what will people think. |blush|

[Jan1954]

;) Perhaps you would be better off with this...

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee187/Jan_07/ReadingBook-1-1.gif

[Astoria]

Thanks for all your tips, went back today and my photos are great. Camera shake I think was the main problem. So the nice man at the LDS found me a tripod and suggested I weight it, handbag sorted that out :D
Half pressing the trigger, actually shows me a hand shake symbol, so thank you Somanyrellies for that tip.

And the result, you ask????

Found my G.Grandfathers birth certificate, the banns for his marriage and marriage certificate, which I can now read. His parents. His brother and sister.
The witnesses to his marriage. The witnesses to his banns - different.

An index to my G. Grandmother's birth certificate (parents names, but actual certificate missing)
Her marriage as above to my G. Grandfather and her parents names.

And the birth certificate and christening of their first child, my great uncle, John.

SO |jumphappy