October 2 2008 - Features
Just Like You Picture It - Tips from Techs on Photographing Nails
By Tim Crowley
THE MACRO SETTING
The most important thing to remember in taking photos of nails is to use the camera’s macro setting. The macro setting is usually shown as a symbol of a flower, and when activated it automatically sets the camera up to take high-quality close-up shots.
Without the macro setting, close-up pictures may be out of focus, as in the photo on the left. With the macro setting on and the camera focused, the shots come out very detailed and sharp as in the photo on the right.
Watch out for back focusing when shooting on the macro setting though. Sometimes cameras will focus on the background instead of the nails in the center. Read up on your camera settings and if you are having continuous problems with back focusing, manually set your camera to focus on center images.
LIGHTING
Once the macro setting has been activated, the next thing to worry about is the lighting. Lighting can be tricky because different lights have different color qualities that your naked eye might not notice, but your camera will pick up.
Christie Gibson of Christie’s Nails in Ocean View, Hawaii, built a “photo box” out of poster board and a desk lamp to help her get the lighting she wanted. The desk lamp shines up onto the white poster board to reflect the light back down onto the nails. Bouncing the light like this takes away the bright glare on the nails and it also softens the color hues in the light.
The flash - The flash is a personal preference for nail shots. Some techs never use it, while others use it depending on the lighting situation. But when the light is dim, a flash can be helpful in making shots come out clear, depending on the situation.
Kristi Bell of Bella Miah Day Spa in Kingsburg, Calif., took the picture on the left using a flash. You can see how the image is blown-out. The picture on the right is the same shot without the flash.
Some flashes are too strong and can blow out the shot. Flashes can also add unnecessary shadows and glare. A good rule of thumb when taking pictures is to experiment. Take the same shot using different settings; with the flash on and off, with the camera at different distances, and with different lighting. Then compare the shots and keep track of which settings produce the pictures you like the best.
PROPS AND SHOT DESIGN
Once you have a good understanding of your equipment and are getting shots you are pleased with, the next thing to think about is the concept behind the image.
Bell does not use a tripod. She holds the camera still and uses a black velvet pillow for background.
Bell uses props as well. The intricate charm bracelet forces the eye to move throughout the picture, seamlessly alternating between the details in the bracelet and the details in the nails.
You don’t have to be limited by traditional hand poses, many techs use simple props and backgrounds to add an extra visual appeal to their shots.
HIRING A PROFESSIONAL
Davis hired photographer Jake Easly from Around 395 Photography, for $180 dollars, and the shoot was done at The Trona Pinnacles, a dry lake bed near Death Valley, Calif.
In some circumstances, when techs want to really make a statement with their work and possibly enter the photo into a contest or put the image on a business card or brochure, they will enlist the help of a professional.
Cindy Davis, of Studio 1632 in Ridgecrest, Calif., used a professional photographer for these photos she submitted to NAILS’ cover tech contest.
Professional photographers can vary on price and expertise, so it’s important to make sure you call different photographers and talk to them about what you would like to do. You can search the phone books and the Internet to find local photographers, or talk to other local businesses owners who may have used a professional photographer in the past to see if they have any recommendations.
Once you find a photographer, check their prices and see if they have experience in the type of shots you are interested in. You’ll want to see their portfolio and samples of their work before hiring them.