File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
Too dark, not really in focus. I had to stand on a chair to shoot this, (it's over a door) I wanted to get the dust in. I tried a few times but this was mostly the best. A little changes were done in photoshop.

How would you get this kind of shot (indoors, fixed location) to come out better?
EXIF data available. Clickhereto show/hide.
Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeNIKON CORPORATIONCamera ModelNIKON D40Camera SoftwareAdobe Photoshop 7.0Maximum Lens Aperturef/3.5Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaColor Filter Array Pattern814Focal Length (35mm Equiv)27 mmImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2007:06:18 17:33:07Exposure Time1/3 secF-Numberf/3.5Exposure ProgramManualISO Speed Rating200Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModeCenter Weighted AverageLight SourceTungstenFlashNo FlashFocal Length18.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width800Image Height532RenderingNormalExposure ModeManualWhite BalanceManualScene Capture TypeStandardGain ControlNoneContrastHardSaturationNormalSharpnessNormalSubject Distance RangeUnknown
>> Anonymous
tripod
>> ac !!VPzQAxYPAMA
Higher ISO. Don't be afraid of ISO400 on a dSLR.

Wider aperture. Not really an option on the lens you've got, but if you don't mind manually focusing, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 is cheap.
>> Anonymous
>>56663
>I had to stand on a chair to shoot this
Somehow, I dont think a tripod would work very well.
>> Anonymous
Could you have flashed? That would've helped a lot.
>> Anonymous
>>56672
Most decent tripods can have a small footprint on the ground and have an extending thing on the top to raise the camera up.

Simple solution: Set exposure. Screw the camera on the tripod. Unfold the legs, but don't fold the legs all the way out, stick up the extending thing, and put the tripod on the chair. Frame. Set a timer, and get your hands off the thing. Done.
>> Anonymous
>>56680
Only have onboard flash. I didn't think I would need a flash enough to buy a good one.

And I don't actually have a tripod. XD
I originally thought I had a tripod already so I never bought one but turns out we lost it. I'm going to a camera store tomorrow and will probably get one then.

I'm going to buy the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D soon I think, though.
>> Anonymous
>>56696
Get a Gitzo tripod with an extending tower up the top. They're adjustable at any point one can imagine, take a beating well, and are generally light-weight.
>> Anonymous
>>56712
Wow they are like $350. Are tripods really that expensive? I can do without one then. >.>

I can't really justify spending more than $100 for something that a stack of books and some socks can do.
>> Anonymous
>>56718

A nice Bogen/Manfrotto will do what the Gitzo he speaks of does. I paid $150 for my B/M tripod and ball head and it holds up a DSLR with a 200mm telephoto with ease. It just weighs more and doesn't look as pretty as the Gitzo.
>> ac !!VPzQAxYPAMA
>>56718
Even a cheap $20 tripod would've helped you out here. It's a worthwhile investment. "A good tripod" > "A tripod" > "No tripod" > "Michael J. Fox"
>> Anonymous
>>56718
Wow, I got mine on the cheap. I had no clue they were that much. I don't remember how much I paid, but it was much, much less than that, or what a quick E-Bay search reveals they go for used.

>>56720
I find the light weight extremely useful. Whenever I need the tripod, I just grab a spare strap (camera, camera bag, general bag, I've even used random things like some belts or a piece of rope), loop it under two of the legs, fold them down, hook each end of the strap together, put it over my shoulder, and go, with no discomfort.

But>>56722
is definitely right, although I don't appreciate the joke.
>> Anonymous
>>56725
When I need my tripod, I generally hook the adjustment handle into my pocket, and go off with it hanging out like a wallet chain.