was25

Hi David,

Thanks for the tip about the zip lock bags. Yes I can get those and it will save me a whole lot of time. I remember I once sent about 90 marbles to someone to sell for me . I wrapped them all individually in bubble wrap and taped them within an inch of their lives. I wonder if he has forgiven me for that yet!

I'm helpless on your downloading concerns but re. packaging I think I have it together. If the marbles are of significant consequence individually then I'd have each one in a separate zip lock bag, then the group wrapped in bubble wrap + additionally a small paper bag before putting snugly in the Priority Box. But if the marbles are of no great significants then put all of them together in a zip lock bag which is snugly bubble wrapped and then put into a small paper bag to go into the Priority Box. I do know that it is a drawn out drag to peel off reams of scotch tape that generally rips the bubble wrap and requires repeated rippings to get to two or three marbles and then have to do it repeatedly with 10 or more similar pkgs. of two or three marbles. You do have access don't you to the small zip lock bags that are something like 1 1/2" by 1 1/2" or 2" by 2". These zip lock bags are a Godsend for marble people. David

The issues with zoom digital or otherwise is why I suggested good light. I use macro with digital zoom and get nice detail and have 0 problem with focus. However it was nearly impossible with poor light. If you back up to much and don't use your zoom to it's capability you risk losing the ability to get a detailed shot with the large cropping. Here are a couple with my little coolpix pocket camera.

Thanks for your input again and beautiful marbles and photos. What light source are you using for those pics? It looks like one bulb above and to the side of the marbles. Also what are they sitting on for the pics? Thanks again Wendy

Hi All

Since I am spending the day reading these forums, Practicing marble pics and other tasks I would like to ask you all a few more questions. First what is the best way to package and send a larger quantity of marbles-in this case 58- so they are well protected. ( in the future I might have up to 100 to send ) I have sent lower quantities -up to 28- and just bubble wrapped the individual marbles or put them in groups of 3, wrapped in bubble wrap and taped all around. They fit in a small priority mail box but I don't know if this larger group will fit in the small box and I don't want to go to a larger size box. Secondly can I download pics directly from photobucket or do I have to download them from my pics computer files? I'll stop for now but I'm sure I will come up with more questions soon. You all seem wonderfully responsive and helpful and I really appreciate it. Thanks Wendy

Thanks for reminding me about the white balance. Forgot about that setting. wendy

To add to what others have said.....light!! Good light will make it easier for your camera to focus. If you are inside and not using the sun, I use daylight corrected light bulbs. Either way those, regular bulbs or sun....don't forget to set the appropriate white balance for the type of light...it will make a difference with your colors.

just keep moving the camera also helps as when viewing you will see if it looks good before you shoot and just a different angle some times makes the difference ?? I still use my diansour Mavica FD73 even had to have my new computer made special with a slot for 3 1/2 floppy disc. here are some I just snapped in the cabinet . Mike

Mike beautiful pics and marbles! I have a decent digital camera and am now learning how to use some of it's more difficult features ie. appature and speed settings. I'm still confused about when to use wide appature hi speed or vice versa with all its combos. I'll keep practcing. Thanks wendy

Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum but not so new to marble collecting. I intend to sell some marbles on e-bay but my picture taking skills are not that great. In particular how do you photograph clear marbles ie cat's eyes - to show the color inside? I have many where I want to show the hybred nature or to show adventurine that is deeeper inside the marble. I also have colored base glass transparents with swirls inside. Any suggestions would be helpful!

Thanks was25