Slot Car Photography Part 2

[HomeRacingWorld]

In Rob's thread there was a lot of good advice.

Although I installed new lighting above our track and staggered it for good effect, I still needed more light at times.

I asked two of the best photogs I know - Dave Kennedy and James Simpson.

The answer is cheap and easy.



These are cheap little drop lights you have seen for years. They are pennies in cost compared to "real" photog lamps and they REALLY WORK.



Pics in my reviews/articles are not the greatest...still have to be smarter than the equipment you are trying to use :)

But I never have to use a flash.

This lamp helps a great deal.

[waaytoomuchintothis]

I hadn't really put much effort into the photos until Ember came along and shamed me with her extraordinary work. Just about the time I think I'm getting better, I start this project with all the HO cars and discover I didn't know much at all about what I was doing. I knew not to bother trying to make a flash work on minature work, but I have been using desk lamps. These cheap floods are much better. If I don't have any out in the barn, I sure know where to find one. I know I have some of the bulbs. Thanks.

[Ember]

Your track lighting is way better than mine Harry. Mine is simply lit by a fluro ring about 3'6" above it and a big tree-shaded window. I like your flood light idea. I don't really have anywhere available to sit or hang things on or around the track. Not much room at all. All my inside photography is shot in these fairly low light conditions with some fairly long exposures. I really must force myself to learn to use a flash properly. No matter how bright the room, flash is still the best way to capture real action.

A couple of investments work making:-
1) A tripod. I ALWAYS use a tripod. It doesn't have to be expensive.
2) About 3 years ago I finally invested in a remote shutter release for my camera. I think I paid USD15 on Amazon. I have since upgraded to a cordless one which cost me USD30. I now use it all the time. It saves any camera shake from pressing the shutter button.

For diorama shots outside, this is the setup I use.


I lashed out on a new tripod recently. The old one now gets used for the subject. I just screwed a steel plate with a threaded hole in it to the underside of a square of 12mm MDF. Now I can easily adjust the angle and height of the subject and shoot into a sky or tree background for a more realistic shot.

[HomeRacingWorld]

Everytime I see your work, I have "equipment envy".

Yes, tripods are essential.



Most are very inexpensive. In a pinch? Try a slot car lid.

I need a remote...just have not gotten around to it yet!

GREAT shots as always.

[Ember]

Absolutely no need for equipment envy H. That camera and a pair of zoom lenses cost me a small fortune (AUD 5,500) 10 years ago. I don't use my 80-300mm zoom much unless I'm out in the bush. It was a present to myself with the last of my bank balance after paying off my ex-other's debts.

But you can get new equipment equal to and beyond that standard now for well under a thousand dollars. In fact, I'd say under $500.

If I had some leisure money currently I'd actually consider buying myself a new camera rig, just so that I had something that wasn't so darned heavy to lug around. That thing is a beast to try to lug through the bush when stalking. Damn thing weighs a tonne due to the full metal body.

Seriously there are some really good cameras out there for very little money these days.

BUT... You don't need expensive camera equipment. You've just got to learn what you can do with what you have.


This was taken on my HTC Incredible S. OK, it's not a perfect shot, but it's not bad for a phone. Unfortunately I 'upgraded' my phone and the camera on it is not nearly as good.

[HomeRacingWorld]

[dreinecke]

I do need more light and have looked at almost the same on you show Harry. However, for my pitiful attempts, I use a small paint can or a roll of tape to position the camera. I'm laaaaazzzyyy and it shows.

[Ember]

`A small bean bag would work well for "on track" work.

[RichD]

If your camera has a self timer you can use that instead of a remote shutter release to avoid camera shake. Always try to avoid mixed lighting when you shoot pictures, often the camera's auto color temperature compensation will not be able to cope with that and the colors will come out looking weird. With a more sophisticated camera you can compensate for mixed lighting, but I have found that to be a pain. I often use a special flourescent light that simulates natural sunlight. I also have a LED ring light that I use for closeups.