BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Photography Question 

Jeffrey Cole
 

How to see white lines on a black background


 
 
I am an artist and new to the digital camera world. My problem is with my drawings. I have a Canon Rebel XTI, Iuse the same setup as I did with my 35MM camera. 2/500 WT. tungsten bulbs with umbrellas, tripod. shutter release and white photo papre back drop. Here is my proplem. My drawings are very black with white line work on them. If I use an exposure that is correct for the overall work everything comes out beactiful except the white lines. They are no where to be found. If I overexpose the image in order to see the white lines everything else becomes washed out. Help!!


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October 27, 2006

 

robert G. Fately
  Jeffrey, it may just be that the digital camera does not have the dynamic range that the film you used did. That is, the difference between those white lines and black areas may simply exceed what a CCD chip can read simultaneously. Print film has a few stops more dynamic range than digital cameras - so perhaps with film you were just eeking by thanks to that greater range.


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October 27, 2006

 

Andy
 
 
 
What does the "dynamic range" has to do with taking a correct exposure of a black and white art piece? Come on.

Jeffrey, as on your other thread, Greg mentioned exposure - how do you know you have the right exposure? This is the key.

I have uploaded two self portraits to show you the point. They were taken with a point and shoot digital camera with N O exposure compensation, and using afternoon light source from a window. You may consider different light source and watch out for white balance for your art pieces.

Also it would help if you upload a picture of yours so we can see what the problem may be. Hope this helps.

p.s. I know I am cute. Thanks.


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October 29, 2006

 

W.
  Pretty portraits, Andy.
However, those aren't exactly "very black with white line work", are they?
Different subject, different probs...


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October 29, 2006

 

Jeffrey Cole
 
 
 
Here is a Picture of my problem


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October 29, 2006

 

Jeffrey Cole
 
 
 
Here is a picture of my problem


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October 29, 2006

 

Jeffrey Cole
 
 
 
Uploading this image is a problem, so I will try once again.


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October 29, 2006

 

Jeffrey Cole
 
 
 
CAN NOT FIGURE HOW TO UPLOAD TO THIS SITE. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP. FRUSTRATIONS HAS GOTTEN ME. I WILL JUST PLAY WITH THE CAMERA AND HOPE FOR THE BEST.
JEFFREY


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October 29, 2006

 

Jeffrey Cole
 
 
 
o


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October 29, 2006

 

Andy
  W. S., think what you are saying. Why do we see zebras in black and white?

"Dynamic range" has to do with different level of light. If I put a black and white subject under one light source, there is only one level of light. And the dynamic range of light, in this case, is one. So if the exposure and the white balance is correct, should I not see a black and white image?

Jeffrey, go to the upper right corner and enter your login name and password there. If you login with your email address only without the password, you won't be able to post photos. Hope this helps.


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October 29, 2006

 

Jeffrey Cole
  I think that I can post an image now. The site will ont allow me to add a camera to my list. As I do not have a camera on my list I can not upload an image. As soon as this site allows me to add a camera I will send you an image. The add a camera does mot have a Rebel XTI to click on so I will just pick a close camera.
Jeffrey


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October 29, 2006

 

Andy
  Jeffrey, in your member center's "My member info" page, you can scroll down to the bottom and click on "Add a "Miscellaneous - Does Not Apply" option to your list" if you don't see your camera on the list. Then when you upload your photos, use that as your camera. Hope this helps.


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October 29, 2006

 

Jeffrey Cole
 
 
 
Lets try this


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October 29, 2006

 

Jeffrey Cole
 
 
  OBIE
OBIE

Jeffrey Cole

 
 
One more time


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October 29, 2006

 
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