Grainy photos...?

Question

I just started my own photography business- I have a Fuji FinePix S700 for my camera. I cannot seem to take the graininess away from the photos when I take indoor shots- especially against a black backdrop. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

High ISO setting results in a grainier photo.
Manually fix the ISO at 100 and see how that goes...

Answer 2

Hi sweet.pekels.

I am going to take a different tack here and see if I can give you an answer. Like Mason said, you're going to get noise out of the camera. That means using a software 'solution' to the problem.

You will need Photoshop Elements, which will do anything I can imagine you needing to do, or something similar, like Paintshop.

Next you need a noise reduction program. One of the best is Noise Ninja. There are others, but you will need something like it.

There are noise reduction filters in most image processing packages and you can get very good results using them, but it is not a simple click and fix solution. The reason the commercial packages were developed is they are worth it to professionals to pay for the time they save.

You will have to, or at least should, learn how to use the noise reduction software to best effect, but that's the way it is.

I noticed that said you just started your own photography business. I applaud you. I also noticed that you didn't call yourself a photographer, I applaud you again. If you really like photography, I encourage you to learn how to do it.

I generally have the same opinion as the others regarding people who buy a digital camera, call themselves photographers and then get on here and ask the stupidest questions. But, it sounds to me like you have found a way to make some money with a camera and that's cool. If what you are doing is appropriate to the market and you are delivering a product the customer agees is worth what you are charging. I don't have a problem.

Sometimes, we pros can be a little snotty. If we were gardeners and you asked about what kind of lawn mower you needed to start your own lawn cutting business, we'd probably tell you about the classes in horticulture you need to take and to spend a year working with a 'real' gardner. Don't let us discourage you.

Vance

Answer 3

I hate to say this, but the S700 is a snapshooter's camera. It is by no means suitable for professionals. The sensor is the smallest common size used. The lens is horrible for chromatic aberations and barrel distortion. Even at ISO 64, I see some evidence of "grain."

We always say that the photographer is more important than the equipment, but if you want to sell your work to satisfied customers, there is at least a minimum standard that the equipment must meet and the tiny sensor and so-so lens in the camera you chose is not going to do the job.

If you have the "eye" for this and hope to succeed in business, buy an SLR and start over again. You will not have any repeat business with the camera you are using.

Answer 4

Hi, Starting out is always difficult what with equipping yourself on a budget and managing the workload as well as producing marketable goods of excellent quality. Continuing to master and extend the skills of the art are also a concern.
1.As soon as you can afford it by a 'professional' DSLR [Nikon,Canon,Pentax]
2. By a good solid tripod with a well made ball head [Manfrotto]
3. Purchase a cable, or electronic shutter release.
These three simple, but expensive items will go a long way to helping you succeed. We haven't talked about lens yet, but different jobs have different requirements and hence different lens. Tell me what you photograph, what are your favourite subjects I'll talk about lens.
An understanding of film speed, [ISO] and depth of field would go a long way to solving your present problems.
Maybe enrol in an evening class and pick brains [listen and learn] Finally I used to advise my students to by the following pocket book, at £10. You can't go wrong.
ISBN 1-4053-0181-3 Keep It Simple Series by Dorling Kindersley publishers. Title Guide to Photography. by John Garrett. At least get it out of the library to browse through first. Think you'll find it far more useful than picking the wheat from the chaff here. Hope it helps and good luck, enjoy.

Answer 5

This camera is known for its graininess. Sorry, but unless you're planning to only print 4x6's, it's the wrong camera to be using professionally. Even at the lowest possible ISO, the images are not that clean. I have used most of the Fuji cameras and they all have the same problem. Sorry...

Answer 6

Your camera is probably set to auto ISO in order to support a fast shutter speed while indoors. If speed isn't a concern for you when you shoot indoors, in other words, if you are using a tripod or studio lighting you can take it off auto and set it yourself. ISO 100 would leave you with a sharp image, but mind your shutter speed. 1/30 or below is too slow to shoot by hand, so if you try to shoot unsupported, you'll get motion blur from camera shake. Use a tripod and that goes away. Incidentally, your camera by setting it automatically is trying to offset motion blur by setting your ISO to between 400 and 800. In this case, the camera means well, but you pay for the added speed in noise, or grain.

Answer 7

It is not grain, that belongs to film. In digital terms, it is noise. Noise is caused by your consumer grade camera when using higher ISO, especially in the under-exposed areas.

Are you listening to what these people are saying? Not to burst your delusional bubble, but perhaps it would be good for you to get some photographic education under your belt , as well as a more professional grade of equipment, before you hang a shingle and take other people's money as a "professional".

Answer 8

Just because someone can spell "photographer" doesn't make them one.

You haven't the skills or equipment to start a photography business.

Listen to those who have suggested enrolling in photography classes and enroll for the next semester. If there are no classes available locally, check into the New York Institute of Photography (nyip.com). They offer correspondence courses and have been in business since 1910.

If you've actually taken money from someone for your "photography" offer them a refund.

Answer 9

get MORE LIGHT. Maybe add another flash off camera if you dont have one yet. if you do experiment with something against a black or dark wall. if you adjust while you go maybe put a note in each frame of your camera settings to see the one you like best.

Answer 10

Get yourself a photography course before you do anything else.

Too many people upset or disappoint people when they undertake to cover an event ot take photographs when they are not qualified. I cannot understand why anyone would do what you are doing.......its cruel and its not fair on people who trust you know what you are doing.