First, set your white balance before each session.
If the colors aren't right, the pictures can look muddy.
Getting it right is preferable to correcting the colors in Photoshop.
Use a white piece of cardboard or plastic to calibrate your camera for current light characteristics.
You can zoom in if it's a small whiteboard.
(see your camera's manual or search your camera model online for procedure details)
Secondly, establish your background.
Greenery is good. You don't want to distract from your subject.
Put a small box on the stage as the 'stand-in' for your chicken.
Work in a cloudy or shaded area for the most control.
Thirdly, position yourself so your lens is at the eye level of the chicken.
Move back at least 6 feet and use the zoom to frame the bird.
Being closer than 6 feet can cause fisheye distortion.
If you're shooting on automatic, place the bird on the stage, step back & begin shooting.
Film is free so move to your left and right, taking shots from many different angles.
You will learn how to best compose future shots by looking at these results.
Keep the camera height aligned with the eye level of the bird.
Of course you have the variable of a moving bird this whole time,
making it even more challenging... and rewarding when you capture a great moment.
The most vital ingredient for a great photo is a great subject.
If the colors aren't right, the pictures can look muddy.
Getting it right is preferable to correcting the colors in Photoshop.
Use a white piece of cardboard or plastic to calibrate your camera for current light characteristics.
You can zoom in if it's a small whiteboard.
(see your camera's manual or search your camera model online for procedure details)
Secondly, establish your background.
Greenery is good. You don't want to distract from your subject.
Put a small box on the stage as the 'stand-in' for your chicken.
Work in a cloudy or shaded area for the most control.
Thirdly, position yourself so your lens is at the eye level of the chicken.
Move back at least 6 feet and use the zoom to frame the bird.
Being closer than 6 feet can cause fisheye distortion.
If you're shooting on automatic, place the bird on the stage, step back & begin shooting.
Film is free so move to your left and right, taking shots from many different angles.
You will learn how to best compose future shots by looking at these results.
Keep the camera height aligned with the eye level of the bird.
Of course you have the variable of a moving bird this whole time,
making it even more challenging... and rewarding when you capture a great moment.
The most vital ingredient for a great photo is a great subject.
