ROUND 1 Ladies and Gentlemen vs Sodbusters

[Figouze]

Thank you for the advice on photo, Bugsda.

Those contrasts are indeed excellent !

[Malamute]

I think they're Redoubt and Foundry, they were a commission so maybe the owner can tell you for sure, Nick? 

They surely ain't inbred, coz they'se all sorts . Foundry, Redoubt, Dixon and a solitary Old Glory female just for the fun of it. No idea who makes the Heffer though 

[Rob_bresnen]

I think this was very close, but it's all in the eyes to me. The ladies and gentlmen had more expresive faces, and that just tipped the balance. impressive stuff for both though.

[Doomhippie]

Sometimes it's really a shame that you can't vote for both of them. But I don't think not voting is an option. What hurts is to see such a great difference in vots when the actual quality is very close to each other. But then again, it's for the fun of it.

[Orctrader]

...I've had a lot of practice at aiming lights and a camera at small groups of figures...got mine close to the camera and aimed straight at the group...

What camera and settings are you currently using?  Macro on or off for group shots?  Reason I ask?  None of the figures are out of focus.  The camera "knows" that some figures are nearer the lens than others.

Both great entries.   

[Figouze]

Even if the question is asked to Bugsda, I just answer in order to improve my own photos.


Something is wrong but I don't know what after many tries. Perhpas, you may help.


I used macro mode, iso 100, White balance tungsten mode, at 15cm of the figures with no flash, AF mode (the camera is 12 Mo pixel).
I also use a dark blue paper and the lights are two white lights spots (with two greaseproof paper on each spot)  at 45° from each side of the miniatures.


I see a problem with the colours and effects eaten with the lights.

[Bugsda]

What camera and settings are you currently using?  Macro on or off for group shots?  Reason I ask?  None of the figures are out of focus.  The camera "knows" that some figures are nearer the lens than others.

Both great entries.  

I don't really understand the settings Malcolm but the macro's on.

I always have the figures at a distance from the blue backgrond sheet, It gives a more dramatic look and maybe it helps with the auto focus.

Just an intuitive guess on my part, you're a techie Malcolm, is that possible?  


PS. It's still that Fuji Finepix S55700 Malcolm. 

[Bugsda]

I also use a dark blue paper and the lights are two white lights spots (with two greaseproof paper on each spot)  at 45° from each side of the miniatures.

I started using these bulbs after Redzed recommended them on Steve Dean's site, they'll help with the bleached out colours.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2x35w-Photography-Light-Bulb-Trumpet-5500K-Daylight-UK-/300502600685?pt=UK_Photography_StudioEquipment_RL&hash=item45f759cbed

[Figouze]

 

[Orctrader]

I don't really understand the settings Malcolm but the macro's on.

I always have the figures at a distance from the blue backgrond sheet, It gives a more dramatic look and maybe it helps with the auto focus.

Just an intuitive guess on my part, you're a techie Malcolm, is that possible?  

It is possible, yes.  I'll try it.

If you have the time would you mind emailing a photo to me?  Any group shot of similar quality, but MOST important, as it comes out of the camera.  Uncut/unedited. 
I can tell the settings from that.

Email address is on my website.  Risks SPAM if I write it here.

And I will fully understand if you don't have the time.   

Apologies for any hijacking.  Won't make further comments after this.

@ Figouze - follow Mr B's advice on the lights.  Oh, and dump the greaseproof paper.  ISO at 100 - will it go lower? My camera goes down to 64 and that is what I use.
 
Post information on your camera and the settings you are using by starting a new thread in the appropriate area, with some sample photos - when rules permit - and some helpful forum members will, er, help.   

Both great entries.  (Worth repeating.)

[Galland]

I cant vote in this one, both are stunningly beutiful!

[Ray Rivers]

Love the cow

Farm animals always seem to catch peoples eye in this competition.

That's from personal experience... losing a round to a goat.