Small Objects Photography Check Lists

These are some check lists to use when preparing to phtograph objects.

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By Charles Lewton-BrainMore from this author

These are some check lists to use when preparing to photograph small objects.

Setting up the Camera Check list

Mounted so you can get at the film rewind button
Film installed and wound on correctly
Film type box top inserted in back of camera
Battery checked
ISO checked
Lens front checked for cleaning requirements

Taking the Photo Check list

Review what the photo is supposed to do for you, what it is supposed to reveal about the object to the intended viewer.
Object is a good proportion to frame.
Composition is good.
Object is shown to its best (most informative for the purpose) advantage (turn it around and check it at different angles and heights of camera angle through the viewfinder). Does the image do what you need it to?
Model the lighting to best suit the object (and the degree of your dramatic intent).
Re - check for poor composition.
Check for odd lighting in background, holding stand parts visible, edges of shot for all the things you don't want there in the final image.
Check for deep shadows and hot spots and adjust the lighting accordingly.
Make the primary depth of field focus and f-stop decision.
Accept the composition and lighting decisions.
Take light meter reading off the center of the object.
Swing the viewfinder around the object to check for hot spots and deep shadow metering variations, fix any problems in lighting if it is necessary.
Take light meter reading half on the object and half on the shooting surface as a cross check.
Make a light metering decision.
Possibly check the metering decision with a gray card. Correct it if it feels appropriate.
Shoot. (make a decision to bracket or not and by how much).

Copy Set - Up Check List (Collins, p 139)

select a set
estimate size of art
position the lights
balance the illumination
place the art under the light
set the camera back parallel to the art
center the camera
frame the art and focus
check for problems
calculate the exposure
make the exposure
re-check the alignment of the camera

By Charles Lewton-Brain

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Charles Lewton-Brain

Master goldsmith Charles Lewton-Brain trained, studied and worked in Germany, Canada and the United States to learn the skills he uses. Charles Lewton-Brain is one of the original creators of Ganoksin.