Tech Support Pits:

From Vi===

Dear Webby
Whenever I take a picture of a group, like my son's team,
they all look like flat figures stacked before a background.
Especially their faces look flat. How do I improve that?
Thanks
Vi

Dear Vi
That sounds like you are using a built in flash.
Read the manual on how to permanently disable the built
in flash and get yourself a good remote flash. Hold it at
arms length, just like the photographers in ancient pictures.
For a really wide team picture, put the flash onto a tall
tripod or step ladder that is taller than you, and position
it about half way between you and the right (or left) edge
of the picture field.

Never put flashes on both sides of you. If you have to use
more than one, stack them on top of each other.

Because a digital camera reaches farther into the dark,
you can also get excellent results with cheap 500 Watt
quartz construction lights. They produce a very warm color.
If you need a precise and cold color for a technical look,
use a mercury-vapor light. However, it's easy enough to
shift the hue after you have the picture on the computer.

The most important trick is to move the light source away
from you. You will be surprised how much contrast and
depth you suddenly get.

Have FUN!
DearWebby