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Archiver > PABEDFOR > 2001-11 > 1006389313


From: David Athey <>
Subject: Re: Photographing at the cemetery
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001 16:35:13 -0800
References: <3BFC0725.BD770520@ameritech.net> <3BFC3610.A57784A9@gallaudet.edu> <3BFC13AA.53760C01@lor.net>


Another help for too much light: If you have too much light on the stone and you
are using a 35mm SLR camera, try using a polarizing filter. I have also tried
various other filters with varying success. The good thing about the SLR, is that
what you see is pretty much what you get, so if you can read the inscription
through the lens with the filter, the film will probably pick up the same image;
although this is only a rule of thumb and there are exceptions to the rules.

As for side lighting with a flash in poor light conditions: If you have a
detachable flash, try buying an inexpensive extension cord for your flash. I have
one that resembles a coiled telephone cord. It stretches to about 12 feet. Of
course, if you want to stretch it the entire 12 feet, you will need an assistant
(or extremely long arms ;-). A 45 degree angle should give you enough shadow to
enhance the inscription. So, you should be standing in front of the stone with
the camera while your assistant stands at a 45 degree angle with the flash.

David A.

johndortco wrote:

> Hello, List,
>
> As a photography buff from way back I thought I''d jump in and give my
> two cents worth.
>
> The key here is side lighting a stone to cast shadows into the engraved
> lettering, making them more visible to the camera. Mirrors, foil, a white
> sheet will all work under bright sunny conditions and are excellent ideas.
> Again, the key is to sidelight and cast a shadow with your reflector.
>
> More often than not though, you arrive at the cemetery to find that the
> sun is glaring right into the stone. This poses a new problem. Too much light.
> In this case you can stand in front of the stone, shading it with your body
> while a helper arranges the reflector to sidelight the stone, or bring along
> an umbrella or anything that can be used to shade the stone.
>
> Probably the worst condition of all is low light. The easiest method I've
> found to counteract low light is to stand to the side of the stone, turn on
> your flash unit and take your photo. This method allows the flash gun to
> cast a shadow into the lettering, thus enhancing them.
> Drawback: This may cause the stone to look distorted depending on the
> focal length of your lens.
> Another method is to use a battery powered spotlight to illuminate the stone.
> If your spotlight is too bright, use it in conjunction with your reflector.
>
> Hope this helps somebody next time out,
>
> John W. O'Neal, II
> The O'Neal Web Site
> <http://www.onealwebsite.com>;
>
> David Athey wrote:
>
> > Yes, aluminum foil is an old photography standby. Another hint: If you
> > want subtler reflections of light, crumple the aluminum foil first and then
> > smooth out flat and attach to a piece of cardboard. It makes a wonderful
> > lightweight reflector that can be used again and again.
> >
> > David A.
> >
> > Tootsie wrote:
> >
> > > Your suggestion for the mirror is excellent but a mirror can actually
> > > shine too much light on the stone. An alternative
> > > is to carry a big piece of cardboard with you that has one side that is
> > > white or silver
> > >
> > > I am a rookie and I didn't want to take a chance of breaking a mirror
> > > (remember the 7 years bad luck tale) so I took a roll of aluminum foil.
> > > I could tear the sheet the size I needed, mold it and it reflects the
> > > light upwards. I had good success taking pictures here in Detroit for
> > > people in other states. I have a digital camera. My son took pictures
> > > in Ashley, Ohio with a disposable camera and they all turned out great.
> > > He does know photography though.
> > >
> > > Tootsie Shoemaker Tomlinson
> > >
> > > SHOEMAKER, EXLINE in Bedford, PA
> > >
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