I've got an oldish digital camera (Canon Powershot G2) and I've been attempting to photograph one of my GID figures tonight but I simply cannot get enough exposure for the glow to show up brightly.

I was hoping one of you guys out there might have discovered the techniques for achieving the best results when photographing GID toys!

Pics below are before and after ( please note after pic blurry because I couldn't stop myself from moving during the time it took picture to take - shakey hands! )

Thanks for any comments/suggestions

the best pics I've seen seem to use blacklights, I think

blacklights + 1

black light or a super long exposure with a tripod and "charge up" the GID fig real good before taking pics.

What Loco said...send that mav over to me and I'll take you some good pics!

Thanks loco!

Now I just need the tripod, black light and patience heh

Khanate, thanks for the offer but it's fine where it is right now thanks

If your having trouble shaking, try tucking your elbows in at your sides, it'll help to stabilize your hands without the tri-pod.

If you don't have a tripod, just use a 2x4 or even a broom stick. Not as stable as a tripod but much better than holding completely by hand.

I've had a lot of fun doing GID photography and experimentation is a lot of the fun. Here are a few tips I've discovered.

Set your camera to the longest exposure it will allow. If your pictures are still coming out too dark, let a little bit of light into the room. If you're taking photos in a bedroom, for example, turn on the hallway light and crack the door a bit. Just a bit of ambient light can help bring out any colors the figure might have.

As stated by others, stability is key with non-blurry long exposure photography. I've had great results with a 9 dollar mini tripod like this one:

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr ... B00005T3W4

or you can fashion a "tripod" by stacking book, soda cans, or anything else that will get your camera to the ideal height.

Set your camera on a timer to avoid the shake of button press and you'll get nice crisp results.

A little level boost in Photoshop doesn't hurt the final results either.

Here's some pics I took of my glowing Obake collection a while back.
http://www.skullbrain.org/bb/viewtopic. ... ht=#106158

Have fun, can't wait to see your results!

I remember those Obake pics, killer job!

Also, if your camera has a timer, that will help eliminate the blur you might get from snapping the button (see first pic)...

Thank you for the detailed advice, now hopefully I will be able to reproduce results as good as your photos!

Thanks for taking the time to give me some pointers everyone!

if you take it out of the bag then the plastic won't reflect either. lol

good luck

i was waiting for that one !

I haven't got any space yet to display most of my collection, so they'll remain in the bag! I've been clearing most of my western vinyl away to make room!

I've used tripods and 15 second manual exposures to get most my GID shots.

OMG that mav is hot!