You will need´

• Digital Camera
• Batteries
• Black Background Cloth
• White Background Cloth

Practical Tips for Setting Up

Check the batteries for the camera are fully charged.

Under 'Camera Settings' select the lowest resolution - this will be fine for screen use of photographs. Low resolution images make smaller files so they are quicker to upload.

Choose a room with plenty of natural light/windows or go outside to take your photos, natural light is usually more manageable than flash.

If you need to use the flash on the camera then watch for flare from reflective surfaces.

Set up your background cloth in the brightest part of the room and position it so that light falls on to the object directly. If an object is back lit then it can appear as silhouette or dull and washed out.

Taking Photographs

'Landscape' photographs look better on web pages. It is best not to turn the camera round to take long vertical/portrait shots.

Think about why you are photographing the object. This needs to be clearly visible in your photograph.

Ensure the image of the object you are photographing fills as much of the screen as possible e.g. When photographing a person, move in close to take a head and shoulders shot rather than a full body shot. When images are later transferred onto the web the faces will be easily recognisable and not too small.

Move in closer when photographing objects rather than using the zoom as you will get a clearer and sharper image.

Use an appropriate contrasting background cloth when photographing objects so they stand out clearly e.g. a black mobile phone on a white cloth.

Be aware of the lighting - are you in the best place to take your photo?

Always view the photograph you have taken, review and delete it, if necessary. Take another one until you are happy with the look of the image.