How to Take Photos of Tiny Things
There is so much beauty in the small details. Some of the best things in life also happen to be the tiniest. However, photographing small items can be a challenge. The pictures are often out of focus or just do not capture the tiny item as you hoped. However, you don’t need to be a professional photographer or have a fancy camera to take great photos of tiny things. Here are a few tips to make sure your photos of tiny items turn out well.
Keep it Simple
Pay special attention to the background of your photo. You want to keep it simple and clean. We suggest using a contrasting yet neutral background. Think white, black or even grey. If the object you’re photographing is a dark colour, pick a white or light background. This will make the object pop. If your object is a light colour, use a darker background to accentuate the object.
Lots of Light
Natural light is recommended. Not only will it produce beautiful results, but it’s also the easiest approach and doesn’t require spending extra money on lighting equipment. Try to take the photo near a window, but avoid direct sunlight. Contrary to popular belief, a cloudy day would be perfect because the more the light is diffused, the more likely you are to avoid shadows and deep contrast.
Of course, the Rule of Thirds
This is a classic photography rule, but for a good reason. And it also applies to photography when taking photos of tiny things. Following the rule of thirds will help you create a more balanced photo. To follow this rule, imagine breaking down your image into thirds horizontally and vertically so it’s split into different sections. To help you compose your picture, turn on your camera screen’s grid lines and place your subject where the lines on the screen intersect.
All About the Focus
Unfortunately, your camera’s autofocus mode will most likely not work for this setting. Most cameras have a macro mode — turn this on. This setting allows you to get close to your object while making sure it is still in focus. Another bonus of macro mode is that you probably will not need to crop your photo afterward!
Edit if Needed
Sometimes a little tweaking is all a photo needs to be taken from good to great. Upping the sharpness of the photo will make the object look very clear and crisp. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with the colours, too! Just be sure that the photo doesn’t end up looking too overprocessed.
Now that you’re equipped with all the tips and tricks, what tiny item will you be photographing first? Have fun!
