Using a Digital Camera

"Think about which part of an object you are photographing is important to you and why"

Checklist of items you will need...

Practical Tips for Setting Up

Check the batteries for the camera are fully charged.

Under 'Camera Settings' select the lowest resolution - this will be fine for screen use of photographs.

Choose a room with plenty of natural light/windows or go outside to take your photos, natural light is usually more manageable than flash.

If you need to use the flash on the camera then watch for flare from reflective surfaces.

Set up your background cloth in the brightest part of the room and position it so that light falls on to the object directly. If an object is back lit then it can appear as silhouette or dull and washed out.

Taking Photographs

Only take 'landscape' photographs - do not turn the camera round to take long vertical/portrait shots.

Think about which part of the object you are photographing is important to you and why. This needs to be clearly visible in your photograph.

Ensure the image of the object you are photographing fills as much of the screen as possible e.g. When photographing a person, move in close to take a head and shoulders shot rather than a full body shot. When images are later transferred into passports the faces will be easily recognisable and not too small.

Move in closer when photographing objects rather than using the zoom as you will get a clearer and sharper image.

Use an appropriate contrasting background cloth when photographing objects so they stand out clearly e.g. a black mobile phone on a white cloth.

Be aware of the lighting - are you in the best place to take your photo?

Always view the photograph you have taken, review and delete it, if necessary. Take another one until you are happy with the look of the image.

Use the Teachers Record Sheet to record which photographs belong to whom.

Still unhappy with your photograph - would your objects scan better?