RE: [OT] Photographing Objects

["Andy Laurence" <andy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Rob Mouser <mailto:groups@xxxxxxx> wrote:
> Sorry for the OT, but I know you guys are a knowledgably
> (does that word really exist) bunch.
>
> I (OK, maybe not me personally :-)) need to photograph around
> 2000 products which range in size from 2cm up to around 40cm,
> they all need to be on a white background. Getting them done
> professionally is really not a cost option and super quality
> is not required as they're only going to used on the net.
> However a budget for camera and kit is an option.
>
> Here was my thoughts:
>
> Build a frame with a piece of mat white plastic mounted on it in a
> concave (So no edges).

Sounds like you need one of these ...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Light-Tent-80cm-Photo-cube-Soft-box-4-Colour-backd
rops_W0QQitemZ7584904217QQcategoryZ3860QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

> Place items in/on it.
>
> Photograph
>
> I'm guessing that I need to light the items in some way as a
> normal flash is going to flood the image with light especially close
> up.

Indeed, a flash may do this.  You could always turn the flash off.
Assuming the camera is reasonable, it should adjust the exposure to
compensate for available light.

> Any recommendations on how to go about this and what camera /
> equipment you would recommend.

Personally, I'd use a light tent near a window (or outside), and a
camera capable of taking a decent photo without a flash mounted on a
tripod.  I'd also use a camera with a manual mode so I could adjust the
aperture, and hence depth of field, but you can use your manual zoom
(your legs) to adjust that too!  Make sure you use a remote to take the
photo, or use the self-timer to ensure you don't knock the camera whilst
it takes the photo.  You should be able to get a suitable tripod for
around a tenner, and a camera should set you back less than a ton.

Cheers,
Andy