Basic Model Railroad PhotographyFor digital camera users©2009 by
 This material is intended to help newcomers to the world of digital photography take photos of their model railroad scenes. It is not intended to be a totally comprehensive work on the subject, just something to help the beginner get started. Most points are illustrated, to help you visualize. There are several pages of material, and a final one that tells a little bit about me and my photography. Let's get started -
THE BASICS – Using the camera properly  
1. RTFM! RTFM! - Read the Factory Manual! Yes there is a lot of information in most camera manuals for all kinds of photography. Manufacturers want you to get the most out of your camera and usually include way more information than the average user might ever use. Whenever you have a question or problem, check the manual first. You will not be able to absorb all of the info in the manual and probably will not need much of it, but you should have an idea of the camera’s capabilities by reading the manual.
2. TURN OFF THE FLASH. Unless you want only “snapshots” to show a model or scene quickly. Any camera that I’ve seen has this option. See examples:  Turn off the flash!
 Photo taken WITH FLASH
 Photo taken WITHOUT FLASH
3. LIGHTING - Provide lighting on the scene in any other method - existing room lights, work lights, lights on extension cords, desk lamps, daylight from a window, etc. The more light you can place on the scene the better.
4. USE A TRIPOD. If you turn off the flash, the shutter will have to stay open for a relatively long time. During this time ANY camera movement will make the image blurry. With film cameras the idea has always been to have a good sturdy tripod, because film cameras are usually heavy. Most digital cameras are small and light, so can get by with lighter tripods, although heavier ones can be the best choice. Flimsy tripods can vibrate if the shutter is pushed too hard. For shots on the layout, you can place the camera right in the scene, making sure it is steady for the longer exposure.
5. USE THE CAMERA SELF-TIMER. Most cameras have a self-timer; use it when taking photos even if the camera is on a tripod. Pressing the shutter button can sometimes cause minute vibrations or movement of the camera, resulting in blurry photos. These buttons are usually marked with a clock like symbol. Some cameras have infrared remotes or the ability to accept remote control cords. These are better than using the self-timer as they take less time to trip the shutter.
 SELF TIMERS on different cameras.
 Some camera remotes - left to right: Wired, infrared, and the 2-part wireless set. Most small point and shoot models do not have the capability to accept remotes - check your manual. These are for DSLRs.
6. Set the color balance/ WHITE BALANCE in the camera for the type of light you are using. Better cameras will allow you to choose between daylight, fluorescent, incandescent, etc. Improper color balance can be corrected in the computer after shooting if you have a decent graphics program.
7. CLOSE UP SETTING – Most digital cameras have a close up setting; it is often shown as a flower icon on the camera body or screen. You should know what the distance range is in this mode; check the manual. Some will focus down to a few inches, others may be farther back. Most overall model railroad photos may not require the close up setting unless you want to get in really close like in the front of an engine, or a shot of a particular detail. For a small scene you will probably be shooting about two feet or so away, so the close up mode will probably not be needed too much. There are so many differences between camera capabilities that it is best to make some tests yourself to determine when the close up setting will be useful.
Continue on to the next page for more basics
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