How can I photograph one type of object in many sizes while showing scale clearly?
Asked 8/31/2019
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I want to make a photo or multimedia series featuring the same kind of object in many sizes, from very small to very large, such as shells. I'm looking for ways to show the size differences clearly and create a strong sense of scale across the series. Should I keep the camera fixed and change only the object, or move the camera or change lenses? Would a textured background or another reference object help?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
6y ago
2 Answers
1
Here are some ideas.
Just fix the camera in one spot and put the objects on a marked spot on your background. Frame for the biggest one. (the smallest ones can be really tiny on the frame)
Use some aid to frame the image, for example, if you are using live view, you could put some Scotch Magic tape (that can be easily removed) on the back as a reference, but take the photos on a textured background, for example, wood or a Tartan fabric. This background is the one that will give you a sense of scale. Leave the camera fixed on a tripod on a fixed spot, and use the zoom lens to frame the different sizes.
Use some other reference for scale, like a printed scale (imagine a forensic ruler) or a bill.
Use a fixed focal lens, and reframe dollying in or dollying out. The change in perspective for the background will add to the perception of scale.
Put them next to each other.
Try to connect the camera to a computer, it will be easier to compare previous photos, and you potentially remove the need to tape your camera... You can tape the monitor instead. Tape and un-tape the scotch tape into some cloth to remove the stickiness to a minimum, use only small chunks as a reference, do not press them too hard on your monitor.
So, you have the option of using different lenses, (for example to use the idea number 2) but try to keep the aperture consistent. Do not use the maximum aperture that can potentially vary from lens to lens, and from focal length to the other, use an aperture of let's say f11, that also will aid you in maintaining focus across the objects.
If you are using a single lens, like in the idea No. 4, you could use the maximum aperture. The shallow DOF on the background will also give an impression of scale, but on smaller objects, when focusing too close can give you problems on the edges of the object.
Keep the light consistent, so try to use artificial light. If you use natural light this will change across the day.
Originally by user37321. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user37321
6y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A simple way to make the size differences clear is to keep the setup consistent. Put the camera on a tripod, choose a marked spot for each object, and compose for the largest item first. Then photograph each object in the same position.
To help viewers read scale, include a visual reference such as:
- a textured background like wood or fabric
- a printed ruler/scale
- another familiar object for comparison
Lens choice depends on the look you want:
- If you keep the camera fixed, you can use a zoom to reframe each size while keeping the overall setup consistent.
- If you use a fixed focal length, you can move the camera closer or farther away to reframe, but that changes perspective.
So if you want the series to feel very uniform, keep the camera fixed as much as possible. If you want perspective changes to become part of the project, move the camera instead.
A framing aid can also help consistency—for example, using live view with a temporary reference mark to place each object similarly in frame.
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