First of all, the reason the non-flash photos are "out of focus" is that because you don't have enough light, the camera is using a slower shutter speed which results in blur. This isn't the same as being out of focus since what is happening is that the camera is focusing but due to the long shutter speed you or the subject are moving during the exposure.

It is also possible that the camera is missing focus - there is not enough light for the camera to correctly focus. Again the problem is solved by adding light.

I think a diffuser is a good place to start. Try a piece of white paper taped to the flash with scotch tape, it's free and rediculously easy. Try folding the paper in half, if one sheet isn't enough. If that improves the quality of your photos, you know that is where you should be focusing your efforts.

Off camera lighting is a tough call for your situation, it will be hard to light it correctly without you and your camera blocking the light. Some combination of off-camera and flash should be a good solution.



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Erik Williams

fattailed geckos, western hognoses, and a bunch of postage stamps.
Contact me
www.chicagoherp.org
Chicago Herpetological Society

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