Nikon D50 Camera

[Mike McCarty]

Llaria:

If I were you I would remove the "focus closest" setting. You may have to put your dial setting into the "P" mode to do this.

Also, you need to be very careful to keep the surface of the painting perpendicular to the line of site of your lens. This would be especially important if you are in "focus closest" mode. If the painting is slightly tilted back at the top it would be focusing on the bottom close edge, or visa versa.

I have my best luck when I photograph my paintings outdoors under the cover of an awning (shade, not direct sunlight). Another helpful tool is to lay a black cloth behind the painting, such that the only thing that enters your view finder is your painting surrounded by black.

Of course the tripod is a very handy tool for this project.

[Ilaria Rosselli Del Turco]

Mike, thank you very much, I wil try again, today is overcast, thanks to the cloud of smoke over here!

[Michele Rushworth]

I also find that using spot metering (I have the Nikon D70) aimed at the light side of the face in a portrait gives me a good overall exposure also. I notice the example you indicated seems too washed out and this might help.

[Jean Kelly]

I'm considering the D50 but have a question on lens. So far they're all greek to me. If I were to purchase two lens, which ones would you recommend? I do have a limited budget, so please don't suggest a thousand dollar lens.

Jean

[Mike McCarty]

Hey Jean:

I believe that the D50, like the D70, comes in a kit form which includes an 18-55 mm lens. I think this lens is a good choice for indoor work. Nikon also offers an 55-200 mm lens for about $250. The extra telephoto is my lens of choice when working out of doors.

If I could only have one lens for portrait work it would be the shorter one. While out of doors you can usually walk closer to your subject, but, while indoors you don't always have the option of backing up.

Having both is nice.