For Best Kilt Pics...

[Santa Wally]

A suggestion for better kilt pics, have the photo taken with the camera held at waist level.

Most folks are used to holding a camera at head or eye level. As a result, the bottom of the kilt at knee level is much lower and results in the kilt appearing longer in the photo. This is especially true for Gentlemen of Substance. Many times a comment is made that the kilt is too long or the wearer should wear it higher. The kilt many be perfectly all right, but it appears too long due to the angle of the camera.

Something to consider, just my 2 cents.

[Hamish]

A very good point, S.W., and one I have always taken into account when setting up my numerous kilt photos over the years. In fact, my personal photographer, Tripo Self-Timer, was chosen from hundreds of applicants exclusively because he is a little chap (but perfectly formed) and his eye level is absolutely aligned with my waist!

Take care,
Ham.

[Tobus]

I couldn't agree more. This is the way I always do it, and it just makes for a better overall sense of proportion.

And really, that goes with anything you photograph. You want the camera at mid-height of whatever object you're trying to capture, so that you're pointing directly at its center, with no 'skew' or distortion of the proportions from having to angle the camera down to capture the entire object. For instance, if you were photographing a painting on a wall, you wouldn't hold the camera at the same level as the top of the frame, angled down. You'd hold it level with the centre of the painting. If you tried to angle the camera, you'd end up with a photograph showing a skew in the lines of the painting, and it would be noticeable by the fact that the top of the frame appears wider than the bottom.

The same applies with people. Kilted or not, the best photos when trying to capture their full height will be taken from mid-height (or waist level). And of course, what makes it even more noticeable with kilts is the fact that the apron is in front of the legs/knees, so the higher the camera is, the more it 'hides' the knees and looks plain goofy.

And actually, some of the best photos I've seen of kilts were taken more from ground level. By using the skew factor to advantage, a ground-level photo can make you seem like you 'tower'.

[unixken]

And actually, some of the best photos I've seen of kilts were taken more from ground level. By using the skew factor to advantage, a ground-level photo can make you seem like you 'tower'.

Don't they call those "up-skirt" shots, in certain circles?
::ducking, and running for cover:: LOL

[MrShoe]

Thanks for the tip.
It is so obvious that I never thought about it..lol

[pugcasso]

also taking it from further away (be it a person taking the pic or a camera on a tripod with a timer) helps

[Really a McQueen]

...
And actually, some of the best photos I've seen of kilts were taken more from ground level. By using the skew factor to advantage, a ground-level photo can make you seem like you 'tower'.

Don't they call those "up-skirt" shots, in certain circles?
::ducking, and running for cover:: LOL

Only when they are taken by 'Mini-Me'.

[tundramanq]

My biggest challenge is trying to outsmart my smart camera even in manual calibrated to a white card the subtle colors try to hide. Best consistent luck so far is standing between the skylight in front and cool white flourescent light behind in my kitchen - take 5 shots a foot apart and view the results on my big screen. Outdoors in indirect sun works well sometimes but not for all colors.

[guardsman]

Your dead right. my daughter(4 at time) took a photo of me ,by far the best.

[Tobus]

Outside is always better than inside. Natural light is much better than using a flash which casts odd shadows and ruins the colours/contrast. The very best light is outside when it's cloudy, to avoid shadows and colour wash-out.