Hey all! I've had requests for this guide pratically every week on every message board, so here it is:

How to Take Professional Custom Photos

It outlines the steps I take for my pictures and while it may not be news to some people, I hope this helps those of you who are always asking, "How does Jin get those detailed pics?" It's all there folks. Enjoy!

Yay you are awesome!

Not that you'll see any pics from my trainwreck of a collection anytime soon.

hey jin. nice beginner DIY for decent shots.

here is a little tip I came up with. I call it "Poorman's Macro"

Point-n-shoot cameras have a "flower" feature but the macro is limiting.

here is a way to get REALLY REALLY CLOSE.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showth...562#post2551562

What the hell is a loupe?

Thanks Jin, I never though about making my background curved.

A small magnifying glass shaped like a cup and used for looking at slides or proof sheets

Cool DIY magnifying/macro trick there, thanks for sharing. I would of mentioned something akin to that, like the one I heard at the SDCC where one of the panel guys at the custom panel used magnifying glasses stuck in clay to focus a macro with. But really I wanted to suggest to people to get a good digital camera. I've had 4 cameras so far. 1 didn't have a macro feature and the other three did, but only my new Canon cam takes photos worthy to go in my portfolio.

ah nice. I went and bought a Digital SLR. a Nikon D40. on clearance for $300. I have yet to get a macro lens but it takes NICE pictures.

One problem with point-n-shoots is the lack of depth of field.
http://macrossworld.com/mwf/index.php?show...26904&st=20

check out the first pic on that link above.
If I tried that angle with a point-n-shoot not all of it would be in focus. I could have taken a better pic but i didnt have a tripod. these shots were shot on the fly with a light tent, and two halogen 500w work lights.

here is another decent pic I took with my Nikon D40
http://imageshack.us/?x=my6&myref=http...2555&page=4

nice Tut Jin. I made that cardboard lightbox thats was on that link. Haven't taken any pictures yet though.