I always have trouble getting good shots of my work which typically consists of a tv, stereo, speakers or some combination of all of these. TV's are tough because of the glare caused by the flash. I am not sure if I should be bringing a tripod and shoot with a slow shutter and no flash or if there are some other tricks to taking the kind of pictures I want. Does anyone have any experience shooting something similar with great success? I would like to start putting a portfolio of my work on my website. I currently use a Nikon D60, and have the kit lenses and just ordered a Tamron 18-250mm (don't have the funds for any other lenses right now).

 

I think a tripod and the wide end of the 18-250 will help, others who are more versed in lighting will probably chime in too

 

I would work with a tripod first, see if that allows better images until you can get going. Maybe post some of what you have done, it would help to give better advise.

 

Well my new site is under construction so the pics aren't up there. I'll look for the direct links tomorrow. Figure typical home theater stuff. I'll try to experiment with my system and the tripod a little this weekend if I get the time.

 

If more light is needed, shop lights and white sheets to diffuse can be pretty little money.

 

as mentioned earlier i'd definitely start with the tripod (with a slower shutter speed) first. as you said a tv is always going to give glare and unless you get into diffused off camera flash you are probably going to always run into that. however a tripod with a long exposure should give the the light you need.

also when you get the funds going wider than 18mm would make for some great room shots.

 

A tripod would be very helpful. If you want more light, bounce your flash off the ceiling slightly behind you, to keep the light source from glaring back off the glass surfaces. That's assuming you're using external flash, rather than the pop-up on your camera.

 

Can you get your company logo put into a short video clip on DVD to have running on the set for the photo?

Might be more beneficial than just having a black rectangle.

Polarizing filter might help for the glare off entertainment center glass, plasma screens, etc...

 

Thats a good thought. I was planning on putting together my own test disc to test and demo systems that has a custom menu with my company logo and contact info. I could play that while shooting.

To answer wndrlst, I don't currently have an external flash. The type of photography I have been into up till now hasn't required it. Do you think it would make a huge difference?

 

I'd work with what you have, first - meaning the tripod and a longer exposure. If you find it's still not what you're looking for, you can rent a flash for a day to play around with and decide if it will get you where you're aiming to be and whether it's worth the investment for your purposes.

 

It's hard to say if one hotshoe flash will make a difference, you'll be in many different situations. Give the tripod a shot, first. If you need more light and funds are tight, forget the new lens and get a hotshoe flash.

 

the yongnuo flash's are pretty damn cheap if you need to pick something up without breaking the bank

 

If you use a tripod, you should be bale to use room lighting to your advantage rather than needing to buy a flash, but the more control you have over the lighting the better.

I am always amazed at how many lights go into creating some of the professional interior photo shots...

 

Agreed Stogie. It's not just smoke and mirrors. Lots of flash bang too.

 

I am hoping to figure out something without going to the lengths of draping a sheet with lights everywhere in customer's houses. I want decent shots, but am looking to just take some decent shots at the end of a job. In some cases I can go back later to take the pictures, but its not always practical. After a 10 hour day installing a system, I am not going to be up to a 2 hour photoshoot. I am hoping a tripod will greatly improve the quality of my shots to where I don't need that much lighting. I am not looking for Magazine quality, just very good web quality.

 

I think the tripod will be the best bet for you at this time. I was just thinking of ways to do so w/o throwing a lot of money at it at this time.

 

Maybe hiring a pro to document the first few that you do would be a good idea to give you better marketing material? Offer a 10% discount to the homeowner for the inconvenience and in this market you could probably find a photog for less than you think.

Have a friend that can do a time lapse of your crew doing an install and put it on your website?