I've been away from making Quick Tips videos for YouTube for a bit. I'm guessing you know how it goes, equipment issues, new gear to figure out, just not as much to share. But I'm ready to jump back in with a few small tweaks. I'm splitting things up into "Quick Art Tips" (keeping that with the original music!) and "Quick Photo Tips" which might be less frequent, and I'm still hunting for the right music for those. I'm also playing around with different camera setups and experimenting with new ways to capture nic shots for these upcoming videos.
Today's tip is super simple but really useful: how to
make sure your camera is perfectly square to your artwork. This works
whether you're using a traditional camera, a DSLR, or just your smartphone.
All you need is a small compact mirror. Ladies, you
probably already have one! Guys, seriously, these little things are incredibly
handy. Beyond makeup touch-ups, they're great for bouncing light into dark
corners, checking behind things, and even signaling for help if you're ever in
a pinch.
Since most artworks are flat, you want your
camera lined up in a parallel plane to whatever you're photographing, whether
it's on a desk, wall, or floor.
The technique is dead simple: place the mirror in the
center of your artwork, then position your camera so you can see it reflected
directly in the middle of that mirror through your camera's viewfinder or screen. You
don't even need a tripod unless you want one.
If you're shooting something on an easel or wall, have
someone hold the mirror for you. If the artwork is way above or below or o bthe side of your position,
you won't see your camera's reflection showing on the mirror, as view from that camera. Just adjust
your camera position accordingly.
Sure, modern software can fix these alignment issues later,
but why rely on fixing distorted images in post-production? I think it's way
better to spend a few extra seconds getting it right in-camera when you're
capturing your precious artwork.
See you on YouTube!
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