Here are a couple pictures of my results with the grassinator. I know there are probably a few strands of grass, but I tried to get them picked out. Overall I really like the results as it makes a very convincing field. Thanks again to John for posting the building guide for the grassinator!
Joe, You used it on both or just on the more white field ? I think for something like corn, there is no other way than static, great.
Jurg, I agree. I also think it looks great. With the bigger space, the layout looks much more natural. Also, can you come down to Pembroke Pines and grow some grass in my layout.
Joe, I'm glad to see this device getting use, great to see your grass photos... thanks for posting them. John Ztrains: Z Scale (1:220) Model Train Layouts
Thanks guys as always for the kind words. Jurg that is the Nail Brothers kit. It came out very nice. I should probably get some close ups of it. Armand, I only used it for the white section. The other side is layers of different ground foam. I ordered the grass from Senery Express. I belevie the grass is the 6mm from Silflor. It has a real good color in the sun. I am exerimenting with the different shades from noch, they just all seem too green, so I'll see what I can mix up. I highly recomend you all should try to use the static grass as it really gives a nice look that you just can't acheive with ground foam.
Joe, looks like a nice natural field. Any chance of getting that camera to focus and, can you take a macro shot of an small area to see the technique ? .
Photography has always been a probelm with me. I can never seem to get the thing to not wiggle. Even on a tripod. That said I tried a few more. One with the flash on, and the other with flash off and a tripod.
You mean the wire screen in the grassinator itself? I used some screen from some old storm windows I replaced before the winter. I just cut out what I needed. In the other post I think Tony referred to using a tea bag strainner. I used the window screen because I had it readily available.
JoeS, You are correct about using a tripod. On the other hand I think you are missing the second part of the equation, a timer. You are right, if you manually press the button while the camera is on the tripod there will usually be some camera movement. Most cameras have a timer. Set it for 5 or 10 seconds, step back, and bingo, no more blurred pictures. Forget the flash as well. With the timer you will have very little need for it in model railroad photography. Cheers, Jim CCRR
Ok, guys I have been playing and think I have some better. please let me know. Thanks Jim, hat is what I did. I eleiminated the flash, and found an auto focus and I think they came out better. I think I will play with the timmer as well. Thanks for the ideas.
C'mon Joe, stop kidding, this is not static gras, this is the skin from the easter bunny you found outside.
Yep, tripods help when not using a flash and when shooting small aperature (>f8) for depth-of-focus shots (as you need a longer exposure due to less light into the camera). Your pictures are focused and sharp, when the distance is >3 feet (deepest part of the picture). This is due to where your camera thinks it has to focus. Most digital cameras have a Focus type selection in the menu. Choose the one with the small dot in the center (Spot). This way, it will always focus where ever that tiny dot in the middle of the view finder is pointed. If you are too close (usually < 1 ~ 3', depending on camera), you commonly need Macro focus (usually a Flower symbol). Most cameras will focus as close as 6" and good ones to <1". You can't use flash in macro as 1) you are too close and 2) the light is much higher than where you are looking when that close. May have to get extra light or, use a tripod and timer to help you hold it (less so if the camera has stabilization built in). .
Jeff thanks for the photography advice. I will keep playing around with it. it seems the better the pciture the better the models look. Jurg, if I'd have known that Easter Bunny would have given my kids so much candy, I might just have well used his skin!
