Let the Small Item Play the Major Role

[Peter_S.]

To bring out the characteristics, coolness or cuteness of a small item, it is essential to focus accurately on the item and let it play the main role in the photograph. This chapter provides some shooting techniques mainly for shooting fancy goods and tabletop photography.
First, set the camera to the P-mode to start shooting.

 

Basic rule: Getting close and shooting on the telephoto side

When you shoot a small item as the main subject, defocus the backgrounds to emphasise the subject.
To capture the close-up of the subject and defocus other area, getting as close as possible to the subject and shooting on the telephoto side (with longer focal lengths) of the zoom lens are the golden rules, as advised in "1. Shoot Impressive Portraits with People Highlighted", "8. Capture the Micro World", etc. However, filling the entire frame with the subject may not be effective for conveying the characteristics of the small item. In such cases, take several shots repeatedly while moving the camera away from the subject little by little.

This photograph was shot with the zoom lens SEL1855 included in the NEX-F3 zoom lens kit. To defocus the background, the focal length was set to the telephoto end at 55 mm. By focusing on the small item and shooting from the same level as it is positioned, it was highlighted with the background defocused.
Also, macro lenses are useful when shooting small items. Compared with other lenses, macro lenses let you get much closer to the subject. Therefore, you can shoot close-ups of small jewellery items such as rings, necklaces and earrings.

This is a pendant shot with a macro lens.
In addition to the capability to shoot close-ups, another great advantage of macro lenses is that the photographer can get extremely close to the subject. With a macro lens, you can decide the angle, composition and size of the subject flexibly even in a limited space, such as on a table or in a small room.

Considering the Composition

Pay attention to the composition before releasing the shutter.
If a beginner photographer releases the shutter unintentionally, the main subject is often placed in the centre of the frame. This composition can clearly express the power and theme of the subject. When shooting small items, however, it is difficult to utilise a space for photographic expression and a sense of rhythm.
For shooting small items, the "Rule of Thirds" composition or the diagonal composition are recommended.

This is an example of the "Rule of Thirds" composition. In the "Rule of Thirds" composition, the frame is divided into 9 sections (3 horizontal x 3 vertical), and the main subject is placed at the intersections of the dividing lines. In the above example, the main small item is placed at the upper-right intersection. By placing the main subject in this position, the photograph looks more stable, with a perfect balance created by the pattern of the cloth on the open space. However, if you use the "Rule of Thirds" composition for all shots, they may end up being monotonous photographs, to the contrary. Therefore, it is recommended to use this composition only as a reference when you are at a loss for the composition.



Another composition recommended for shooting small items is the diagonal composition. As in the above photograph, if the same items or patterns are lined up successively, or if there is a striped pattern, arrange them diagonally in the frame to make this composition.
The diagonal composition can add a sense of rhythm and let the viewer imagine the extensity of the scene out of the frame.

Diagonal composition
Focal length: 18 mm / F-number: 3.5 / Shutter speed: 1/400 sec

This photograph is also an example of the diagonal composition. Colourful macaroons are rhythmically arranged in the frame.
In this way, the diagonal composition produces rhythm and perspective, but it may give an imbalanced and uneasy impression. Instead of persisting with one composition, try various compositions. In the above example of macaroons, shooting from directly above the macaroons could create an interesting photograph.

Trying macro lenses

If you often shoot small items or flowers, having a macro lens will greatly enhance your photographic expression. If you are using a macro lens for the first time, SAL30M28 for A-mount and SEL30M35 for E-mount are recommended. They have convenient angle of view, and provide excellent cost performance.

Focal length: 30 mm / F-number: 3.5 / Shutter speed: 1/50 sec			Focal length: 30 mm / F-number: 3.5 / Shutter speed: 1/60 sec
SAL30M28	This lens allows you to move in as close as 2 cm from your subject to capture macro images with up to 1:1 magnification. The details you focus on will be astonishingly sharp, while the out-of-focus background dissolves into a creamy blur that can really make the details stand out.		SEL30M35	This lens offers versatile, high-performance macro capabilities in a compact, lightweight body. It is a true 1:1 macro lens with a 2.4 cm minimum working distance that allows tiny subjects and details to be rendered with excellent resolution and contrast.