How To Take Better Progress Photos
Hey guys. I am no expert on anything, but here are a few suggestions that may or may not help with taking those starting and progress shots.
Don't hold the camera too close
Most camera’s don’t automatically do well at close range so either look into the “macro” features of your camera, or hold the camera further back.
While the forum does allows up to a 2 MB original image to be uploaded and viewed by the upload-er, the image size that other members will be able to view will be scaled down to 800 x 600. Most cameras are able to take images that far exceed that and this extra resolution can be used to your advantage by using it to create a “digital zoom”. A four mega-pixel camera (pretty standard these days) takes a 2240x1680 image which means you take a nice clear picture from slightly further back, getting it all in perfect focus, and crop down (or cut out) the 800 x 600 pixel area that you want others to see, which will effectively give you a 2x to 3x digital zoom of the of the image without having to actually hold the camera so close. As was mentioned, if you are loading your images solely for your purposes, you will be able to view your original 2 MB image so cropping to 800 x 600 is only necessary if you are concerned with the details that others will see.
Don't use a flash
Most likely the flash will wash out the image and/or reflect off a ruler causing unexpected results. Instead, take the picture in a well lit area with the flash off. This way you know what the scene will look like and you wont have to guess at how the flash will affect the final image.
Use a tripod
It is difficult to “perform for the camera” and having to worry about holding the camera makes things even worse. Many tripods have the ability to tilt and can be place up on a counter top or shelf and pointed downward to get a nice birds eye view. I use a mid-range camera tripod and it works very well, but if you don’t have access to a tripod you might try improvising something. For example, I have attached a quick and easy idea for a tripod alternative when taking birds eye photos with your digital camera (using a only a towel, two elastic bands and the curtain rod in your shower.) or with a web-cam.
Use a timer, or shoot video
I use a ten second timer set to take a still image which gives me lots of time to get into position, make sure the ruler is in the right place, and that everything is still when the camera snaps. Most cameras and web-cams have some sort of version of this feature.
As an alternative, many cameras will shoot “HD” video, which means you could record the entire time as you hold the ruler, tape, or whatever, then later you can go through the footage, stop and take a screen-shot of the frame that best shows off what you want to show them.
Show the entire ruler in the image
The first thing I notice when trying to believe gains between before and after photos is whether or not both ends of the ruler are in the image.
For your own piece of mind, try to show the entire ruler so you can be sure you are measuring from the same spot, at the same angle, etc. Consistent technique can help remove any doubt of measuring error and be confident in your progress.
For others piece of mind, like if you are trying to prove measurements to other people, strongly consider showing the entire ruler. If someone were trying to “fake” a measurement, it’s completely possible to show any number on the ruler beside the end of your penis when you don’t show the base of the ruler. Any ruler can easily be shortened or placed on a different area and without seeing the entire ruler, it’s impossible for people to know, and consequently makes it that much harder for people to believe your pictures.
:up:
I am sure there are many more suggestions and tips that other members can offer, these are the first few that come to my mind.
Keep an open mind and a closed wallet... unless it\'s open to making a donation!
Last edited by cantlook : 03-17-2013 at .
