tattoolady17 Loc: South Central PA

I'm mainly a genealogist and take photos in the cemetery. I don't have very good luck shooting the stones. They don't show the lettering etc. Help please. Jane from PA

jw32003 Loc: Oklahoma

Please, post some images and you will get a ton of suggestions. Also, post the equipment and settings used. Thanks.

rbmartiniv Loc: Nacogdoches, TX

Have you tried playing with the Contrast in an editing software program? What about lighting and shadows when taking the photo? Just some thoughts.

notnoBuddha

From my own limited experiece can tell a lttle that I think I know. Some of the old stones you just may not have any luck getting the lettering to stand out because of the years and often the stone became mostly one color. Two things I have noticed - the time of day of crucial, a harsh sun will likely wash out all deatails and shadows may be your friend. Photo editing can help greatly with details. While it may not work for you I have also found that a wide shot at times will capture the feel for the place. My final suggestion is get close, very close, if the lettering is what is importent that should should fill most or all of your frame - you will have a much easier time getting your focus correct.

London Cemetrey


Omaha Beach


Arlington National

tattoolady17 Loc: South Central PA

Those are awesome shots of the stones! Thanks for your tips. I don't have much in the way of editing so mine are "what you see is what you get" sort of pics! I've both a digital and Kodak camera. Maybe a flashlight, big beam will help with the ones under trees & in the shade. Thank you for your tips. Jane

Frank T Loc: New York, NY

The trick to making lettering pop is to light it from the side. This gives it a lot more depth and contrast. I do most of cemetery shots at night and light the stones with a flashlight from the side. This shot was taken just after dusk in an old cemetery and the lettering is quite prominent, the second one is much older but I think you can see what I mean.

See. What's Coming


The Children

tattoolady17 Loc: South Central PA

Thanks for your input, but, at night? In a cemetery? Hmmmm I'll have to think about that! Liked the pun, SEE...Eye "see" what you mean. Jane