Improving Image Quality

[Former_Member]

Hi everyone, I am new to the group and after some advice. I do hope that I will be able to bring something to the group rather then pump you all for tips and pointers but right now my knowledge is VERY basic.

For my general setup I use a light tent with either natural (usually grey, over-cast British weather) or if the day is just too dark I will resort to artificial 'everyday' lamp light. My camera is a Fuji Finepix AV120 Red 12mp Digital Camera. I do not use a tripod as find that photographing jewellery requires me to contort into all sorts of interesting angles. I use macro setting and ensure that white balance is adjusted each time.

Despite using exactly the same set up for every session, my photographs come out very grainy and are not as crisp as I would like;

https://www.etsy.com/listing/98289765/amethyst-and-rose-quartz-wire-wrapped

Even on photographs that firstly appear of acceptable quality seem to carry this graininess on closer inspection;

https://www.etsy.com/listing/95891993/amethyst-rose-quartz-and-butterfly-charm

I don't know how to remedy this. When I see other jewellery photographs there seems to be none of this. I have tried adjusting the MP value (was previously advised that 6MP would be ideal) but this has made no difference. I always make sure that the Macro is auto focused before snapping.

Any help would be greatly appreciated as it's driving me crazy!

[Former_Member]

Regardless of how many MP your photo is, it is the resolution that will make a difference. Sometimes when you resize your photos in a photo editing program you don't pay any attention to the resolution and you may end with a lower value than you want. I try to do all my photo editing at 300 dpi. I may or may not reduce to 72 dpi before posting. Try it both ways.

I noticed in the photo above that the graininess is heaviest in the purple beads that (I presume) are closest to the camera (the bottom beads in this case). When shooting closeups, make sure that you focus on the point CLOSEST to the camera. This is because the area in focus will be much larger in the area BEHIND the focus point than it is in front.

Also - I have noticed that sometimes in macro mode, even when I am within the 10 in. supposed minimum distance, that the camera has trouble focusing if I also have tried to get too close with the telephoto. When I move out (wider angle) the camera has less trouble focusing and usually results in cleaner shots.

[Former_Member]

Danielle,
My first instinct is to say, "more light!" Graininess results from a high iso, which is necessary in low light. You can try to decrease the iso, or slow down your shutter speed (if you do slow your shutter, you should get a tripod! there are several out there that won't break the bank).
Hope this helps a little! Good luck :)
Katie

[Former_Member]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I will try all mentioned adjustments and fingers crossed that will work!