Finding flaws

[Camaro lover]

One thing I’m learning is the best way to find flaws, mistakes, and areas I need to improve on is taking pictures and then viewing them on my computer. Especially since I’m older and my eyesight isn’t that great I’ve found that pictures will show everything. Pictures will show uneven paint lines, dust in paint jobs that you think are great may need improvement. Pictures will show flaws in chrome plating. Excessive glue squeeze out on parts being joined will jump right out at you. Today’s cameras capture details that can escape normal eyesight even with my glasses. Using an optivisor is also an excellent way to find room for improvement. Maybe this will help someone like myself.

[Straightliner59]

I agree. Photos are an excellent tool! I know a few others here, who'd also agree.

[Pierre Rivard]

X2, you're not done until the camera says so!

[Ace-Garageguy]

Yup.

If something looks pretty good blown up to several times its size on a computer screen, you can be confident it'll look great on a shelf or contest table.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Interesting related aside...Bill Cunningham's spectacular 1/24 "birdcage" Maserati is flawless blown up on a computer screen (I'm sure he knows where the imperfections are, but no mere mortal will ever spot one), but on a contest table it will simply blow you away.  

     

Edited April 29, 2023 by Ace-Garageguy

[Lunajammer]

  On 4/29/2023 at 5:27 AM, Camaro lover said:

Today’s cameras capture details that can escape normal eyesight even with my glasses.

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Which to me begs the question, "If you can't see it, why go looking for it?"

[SfanGoch]

To counter rivet-counting judges attempting to pick every nit possible using magnifying glasses, aka "The One-Eyed Cyclops", to ruin your day. Much more civil, but less satisfying, than resorting to a Three Stooges eye poke.

Edited April 29, 2023 by SfanGoch

[Oldriginal86]

If your going to put something on display and judged for a possible award, be prepared for the scrutiny. I have seen the shortcomings of my models just taking pictures with my phone. I don’t think I want to see my builds under the fine eye of a good photographer.

[Camaro lover]

  On 4/29/2023 at 5:23 PM, Lunajammer said:

Which to me begs the question, "If you can't see it, why go looking for it?"

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Because I may not be the only person to look at what I build. I’m also not too fond of the “good enough” mindset. And finally I like to improve my skills as time goes on. If I don’t identify the areas that need improvement how can I possibly hope to be a better builder. I have no desire to enter contests or compete against others. I do this for myself. 

[Andrew McD]

  On 4/30/2023 at 3:02 AM, Camaro lover said:

Because I may not be the only person to look at what I build. I’m also not too fond of the “good enough” mindset. And finally I like to improve my skills as time goes on. If I don’t identify the areas that need improvement how can I possibly hope to be a better builder. I have no desire to enter contests or compete against others. I do this for myself. 

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Exactly my point of view though I couldn't have stated it so concisely.

[Old Nasty]

Can anyone recommend a good starter camera for close-up shots like those seen here on the forum.

[SfanGoch]

If you have a cell phone, use it.

[Ace-Garageguy]

  On 5/6/2023 at 6:32 PM, Old Nasty said:

Can anyone recommend a good starter camera for close-up shots like those seen here on the forum.

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It won't do close through-the-window interior shots because you can't override the aotofocus, but for work like this, I'm still using an ancient 4-megapixel Nikon Coolpix L4 I bought new and have had forever.

I bought a used backup in perfect shape not too long ago on feePay for about $25 shipped.

You can get a perfectly fine used tripod at Goodwill or similar stores for under $25 too.

And I believe the Nikon photo editing suite ViewNX2 is still a free download.

Edited May 6, 2023 by Ace-Garageguy

[Rattlecan Dan]

Thanks Ace. I use my old Samsung phone on all mine. Only trouble is holdin' er' steady. Gonna' check out that Nikon site.

[Straightliner59]

I have a Nikon D3200. I originally bought it to shoot the Northern Lights, knowing it would also work fine for models, as well. It's a DSLR, but, once you're familiar with it, it's as easy to operate as a point and shoot--which it basically is, in "Auto" mode. That's what you should use to shoot model cars with anyway, isn't it??

[Pierre Rivard]

I used to do it with my DSLR but now I just use my iPhone. Not as crisp as a good DSLR on tight close ups but so easy to use and good  post processing features