I use a point-and-shoot $75 camera for my pictures. In such cases, I can only agree with the others. Good lighting and backround.

 

New camera setup, first attempts. Already way better. I agree the photographer is a major factor, but I gotta say having a nice camera makes it a whole lot easier.

 

If you use point and shoot, try setting it to manual and use a indecent light meter.

 

or meter off a gray card (18%) and lock exposure ..OR.. meter off the palm of your hand and open up 1/2 to 2/3 stop

 

Waaah, never thought about the gray card trick. Never knew you could even do it.

 

Not sure about todays digital sensors.. but in the old days all meters meter for 18% gray
Example.. Unless one is an advance amateur or a pro you probably dont have an incandescent meter.
Using a cameras 'reflective' meter with camera setting on auto - a snow scene will come out gray.
For the snow to come out white you'll need to over expose the shot by increasing the exposure by 1.5 to 2 stops (give it more light via longer exposure/shutter speed and or larger lens opening/fstop) .. vice versa for very dark scene.

Most if not all automatic cameras (including cheap phone) has an over/under exposure mode- so the above example- when shooting a snow scene, just set the exposure setting to +1.5 ish

 

Hmm Nokia Lumia 1020 can do the trick too.

 

That's very nice. What camera did you finally buy?

 

Leica compact....one lens......800ASA..........F4.........Natural light.... A4 printer sheet as reflector .......& a bean bag for support.........

To improve your photography.......learn to play....the ratio of Good Vs Bad will improve dramatically.

 

I bought the Panasonic Lumix G6, and I'm very happy with it, but still learning how to really use it.

 

The first one was taken with my Nexus 5, the second with my Cannon T3i

 

A little post processing will help eliminate a decent amount of that glare.

 

Your first photo after basic editing from iPhoto and Photobucket:

 

Although I'm not a fan of post processing as I am very lazy, I have to agree that even a little goes a long way in some cases.

 

Like Dennis - This is my version of your image - The result of 2 minutes simple retouching - including 'sharpening' - ALL digital images should be sharpened.

I would suggest the flare in your initial image is the result of the lens on the nexus 5, being smeared with dust / finger grease.

 

Ok, so based on your comments I can certainly see that editing software makes sense. I downloaded a simple and free version of photoshop express.

Aside from the software, I clearly need to clean the watches....

View attachment IMG_0754_edited.jpg View attachment IMG_0754.JPG

 

I agree- all you really need for solid smart phone photos (or any good photos from any camera) are:

1. adequate, well diffused light
2. good composition
3. good (close, in the case of watches) macro (close focus) range
4. subscribe to the "less is more" rule

Technicalities (exposure pyramid, rule of thirds, etc.) aside, this is the easiest way to see (and the most noticeable) improvements in your photos

 

One nice pointer unless you have a good macro lense avioid flat shots of the dial, or head on shots. Tilt it so the light source is about 18 to 35 degrees in reference to the lense. This will clear reflections....then work around those angles and look for any "attractive" flares or reflections yiou can use.

Another, pay attention to your background, even if out of focus the background counts. If in focus it will take attention or, if done well, complement your shot. If plain colour does it disappear ( white black and gray bckgrounds) or does it create a mood ( blue, red etc) this is an important factor that most photographers pay attention to even subconsciously.

Yellow light and filters enhance steel and warm up the shot.

Post production for watches. Most effective quick tweaks are contrast and black point enhancement.

The canon g series and fuji x series are excellent mirror less cameras. But the better the camera the easier it is to make a bad shot. Camera phones are what we use mostly for what are you wearing today shots, and threre are a lot of good shots there

 

More good insight- and x2 on fuji's being awesome! Best bang for buck cameras out there. Exposure preview is nice for learning the ropes as well.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/travisrockphotography/16256804171/

Xt1 with the 60mm f2.4 Macro, some window light, tripod, slight tweaks here and there, and boom!