Two questions...

First thing though... I am not a photographer or camera person.

(1) Want to post a picture of a stainless steel barrel and action. The pictures are to be taken with a Pentax Optio 550 digital camera. I have tried with and without flash. The glare off the steel negates anything useful from the picture. The background is a beige carpet.

(2) Want to post these pictures for a reply here on AccurateReloading. Do not have a website. Am using Picasa software for the Pentax camera. Any ideas ?

Hammer

Hammer,

1. Try using a piece of paper to 'divert' the flash from a direct hit on the shiny parts. You will have to experiment with the angle of the paper to get the right amount. For best results, use a darker background for lighter foreground subjects.

2. Do a 'search' on this site for 'posting pictures' - you'll find more than enough info for even an beginner to get pics onto this site.

Hammer,

Here is some advice on posting pictures, posted on our African HUnting Report Forum

Posting pictures

Hammer, good luck with the use of your camera. I do not have experience with it or the software but have done some product work.

If you are able to use a large North facing window for a light source, turn off the flash and use the window light instead. It is softer and easier to control for the beginner. Place the stainless on a black or dark grey surface. Any fabric store has soft (not polyester) material that does not bounce unwanted reflections. For blued use a lighter grey (white will sometimes fool a sensor). With the use of a tripod you will also have a steadier focus. A large piece of white cloth held up behind the subject will relect light back onto the shadow side to help add some detail. I sometimes used a white sheet or piece of white cardboard. If you watch the action you will see the relector effect. Once this has been worked out you can use the flash again but I recommend using the power setting on the flash to turn it down to 1/4 power. If it is the flash on the camera, wrap tissue around it with a piece of tape or rubber band to diffuse the light slightly. The window-light is providing the main light source and the flash is now providing only a "catch-light" or "specular" effect.
In the meantime, you can always e-mail the photos to individuals. I have been doing that since I am still learning how to use image station for posting.
Good luck,
Frank