How cool are my measuring cups??

[brianwahl]

So, I got my wife a set of these measuring cups for Christmas, and I thought they'd make a cool photo.

Anyway, it was a bit more difficult to get a good shot than I thought it would be, but I'm fairly happy with what I've got.

What do you think? How could I improve it?



EXIF:
Pentax K100D, kit lens
67mm
1/10
f/4.5
ISO 800

My thoughts:
Well, I need a tripod - its next on my list of gear to buy. It could have been sharper. Otherwise, I'm happy with the colors and composition.

Another from the same set:

[Gunsotsu]

Well, you hit the important points right off. It's off focus. Once you get a tripod, try knocking down the apeture to bring more of the cups in focus and shoot a lower ISO to avoid the graininess.

[Sergio]

I really like the picture and it's concept. But yeah, it'd be nicer if the first cup was sharper.

[brianwahl]

Thanks for your responses. The more I look at that first photo the more I see how out of focus it is - its becoming more and more distracting each time I see it.

Well - I need to starting shopping for a tripod then. Suggestions (on a tight budget)??

[Saralonde]

I know cheap tripods are often considered not a good investment, however I have an inexpensive one and it has served me well. I picked up mine as a markdown at Target. I don't know where you live, but I'm sure you could find something similar for $50.00 (or maybe less). I figure inexpensive is better than none at all.

[hsroxas]

Yup, the tripod will do the job.
In the meantime, you can try shooting where there is better available light. Then you can use smaller aperture, lower ISO and higher shutter speed which should make hand held shots more focused. You should also see the colors pop out as there will be more contrast.
Nice composition of the 2nd shot.

[Redrabbit]

Good. But I think you need a tripod. I got one for 9.95 and it is the only one I use now. Nice and light.

[brianwahl]

Originally Posted by Redrabbit

Good. But I think you need a tripod. I got one for 9.95 and it is the only one I use now. Nice and light.

The price is right! Any links or info as to the model?

I was at Target today shopping for groceries and saw one for $40. I think I'll buy a cheapie now and if I really use it a lot I'll upgrade to one that better suits my needs. Since I don't really know what needs those will be at this time, I don't want to sink a lot of money in one.

Buying cheap stuff is usually a bad idea, but I'm not in a position to spend a lot on a tripod right now, though I realize that I definitely need one.

[Saralonde]

I think there are some at Best Buy, Sunpak brand for a little less then $30.00. Wal-mArt may have some inexpensive ones, too. The one I got at Target was on a clearance sale for $10.00.

[brianwahl]

Originally Posted by Saralonde

I think there are some at Best Buy, Sunpak brand for a little less then $30.00. Wal-mArt may have some inexpensive ones, too. The one I got at Target was on a clearance sale for $10.00.

Sounds good - thanks for the info. I think the one I saw at Target was a Sunpak brand. It seems people generally liked it according to Amazon reviews (for what their worth) - and on cheaper tripods people mentioned going for a Sunpak brand over whatever the cheaper brand was.

I've been considering going with a monopod instead, but I wonder if a tripod would be a better tool for me, considering I have neither. Sorry - I realize this conversation belongs elsewhere on these boards. I can start up a new thread (or search older threads here and elsewhere) for more info.

Thanks again!