Building photography: tips for pro results without the specialist gear

jmeyer | Photography Tips | 24/10/2012 02:00am

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Set up your camera correctly for building photography

Three essential tips to set up your SLR correctly

Try the two-second timer
Shooting with your hands off the camera creates the sharpest shots. Although a cable release works brilliantly for timed images, you’ll find that your camera’s two-sec timer will work perfectly well on a tripod. Remember that the longer your lens’s focal length, the more camera shake will occur.

Fit a spirit level
If your camera doesn’t have a built-in spirit level, a hotshoe spirit level is essential kit when your camera is tripod mounted. Whether keeping things centered or level, the accuracy of your set-up will pay dividends when altering perspective in Photoshop.

Activate stabilisation
When shooting close-ups, image stabilisation is invaluable for creating sharp images. Although very useful at handheld focal lengths of 200mm, don’t use it when your camera is on a tripod unless manufacturer-approved, as IS can actually soften shots.

PAGE 1: What you need to get started with building photography
PAGE 2: Set up your camera correctly for building photography
PAGE 3: Get creative with filters
PAGE 4: Building photography tips you need to remember