Improve your images

Avoid noise

Images taken with both digital cameras and conventional film cameras will pick up noise from a variety of sources. Many further uses of these images require that the noise will be (partially) removed - for aesthetic purposes as in artistic work or marketing, or for practical purposes such as computer vision.

Many micro stock sites only accept noise free images.

There are several ways to reduce or even avoid noise :

Upgrade to a better camera (A DSRL camera).
Upgrade to professional lighting or add more lights to your set-up.
Shoot in ISO 100.
Reduce the amount of "in camera sharpening".
Get a good sharp focus to avoid having to sharpen with software.
Use deep "depth of field" to avoid blurry areas.
Use a tripod to avoid underexposing.
Use a hairlight on models, especially those with dark hair.
Use reflectors to fill in shadows.
Slightly overexpose black or dark subjects. Do not upsize images.
Always shoot in the highest quality format your camera allows.

And if all this fails, it's time to use a noise removal software...

Neat Image : http://www.neatimage.com/
Noise Ninja : http://www.picturecode.com/

But watch out not to overdo it or you'll lose details.

Source : Jaimie D. Travis (PhotoEuphoria)

Improve your lighting

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of photography composition. With the rise of digital cameras and the electronic flash, quality in this area has diminished, replaced by the convenience of the "snap shot".

The disadvantage of relying on the built-in flash is that its close location to the lens can cause severe shadows and unsightly reflections on shiny surfaces. When shooting stock photography, put priority in the balance of light in your image (to avoid the technical errors below).

If you're going to shoot small objects, it's not a bad idea to invest in a light tent (AKA shooting tent).

There are several good models you can buy on Ebay. Search for EZcube or light tent.


Home Micro Stock Sites Tips Improve your images Things to shoot Questions & Answers	Improve your images Avoid noise Images taken with both digital cameras and conventional film cameras will pick up noise from a variety of sources. Many further uses of these images require that the noise will be (partially) removed - for aesthetic purposes as in artistic work or marketing, or for practical purposes such as computer vision. Many micro stock sites only accept noise free images. There are several ways to reduce or even avoid noise : Upgrade to a better camera (A DSRL camera). Upgrade to professional lighting or add more lights to your set-up. Shoot in ISO 100. Reduce the amount of "in camera sharpening". Get a good sharp focus to avoid having to sharpen with software. Use deep "depth of field" to avoid blurry areas. Use a tripod to avoid underexposing. Use a hairlight on models, especially those with dark hair. Use reflectors to fill in shadows. Slightly overexpose black or dark subjects. Do not upsize images. Always shoot in the highest quality format your camera allows. And if all this fails, it's time to use a noise removal software... Neat Image : http://www.neatimage.com/ Noise Ninja : http://www.picturecode.com/ But watch out not to overdo it or you'll lose details. Source : Jaimie D. Travis (PhotoEuphoria) Improve your lighting Lighting is one of the most important aspects of photography composition. With the rise of digital cameras and the electronic flash, quality in this area has diminished, replaced by the convenience of the "snap shot". The disadvantage of relying on the built-in flash is that its close location to the lens can cause severe shadows and unsightly reflections on shiny surfaces. When shooting stock photography, put priority in the balance of light in your image (to avoid the technical errors below). If you're going to shoot small objects, it's not a bad idea to invest in a light tent (AKA shooting tent). There are several good models you can buy on Ebay. Search for EZcube or light tent.

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