This isn't that hard, but it requires a little patience and attention to
detail.

Most modern cameras will focus pretty close.  OK, maybe the $20 Wal-Mart
specials won't, but most middle of the road cameras will focus down to a
few inches.

You need to stop down to a small aperature (high f number) to get depth of
field.  Most modern digital cameras will suffer some if you allow the
automatic ISO setting to get high.  If you can, set the ISO to the lowest
number possible.  This is a bad combination because even with bright
lights, the exposure time is likely to get long.  Unless your camera has
an unusually small sensor, or you can stop down to f/64, diffraction won't
be an issue.

Don't use the flash.  Place bright lights, preferably soft lights (use a
handkerchief), on either side of the subject, off center.  I have one of
those nice little ring lights which it just about useless for electronic
stuff because it guarantees bad reflections.  Reflections are a far bigger
problem than focus.

Put the camera on a tripod.  Exposures are likely to be along the lines of
several seconds.  With today's small, lightweight cameras, you cannot hold
it still even at 1/30th of a second.  You must use a tripod.

Remember that your autofocus takes a second or two, and activates when you
have pressed the shutter release partway down.  Squeeze the shutter
gently, wait for the camera to focus, then go the rest of the way, gently.

Your autofocus mechanism needs something contrasty to focus on.  If you
don't have some nice bright silk screening in the focus area of your
camera, place a toothpick or piece of paper in the field (at the right
depth) while it focuses, then pull it away after the focus is set.  Better
yet, focus manually if your camera allows.

Best is to use a cable release.  Since most modern cameras don't provide
for this, and besides, even if it did you probably don't have one, use the
self timer.  Start the timer then move away from the camera so you don't
jostle it during the exposure.  Usually the focus is set before the timer
starts, so you still need to be sure you are in focus.

Modern cameras expect to be looking at people, with sky and grass behind
them.  When photographing most electronic stuff, the exposures are likely
to be off.  Bracket your exposure generously.  If you have the choice, it
can also help to bracket the white balance.  You're not paying for film
and developing anyway, so if it takes a couple dozen shots to get the one
you want, so what?

Hope this helps.

--McD




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