How to Photograph Chicken Wire

You can use manual focus on your camera to make sure your shot is in focus.

Good photography requires an artistic understanding of framing as well as an understanding of photography's technical aspects. Chicken wire presents aspiring photographers with a problem because the wire is narrow and hard to focus. By using the correct settings on your camera and not being afraid to experiment, you can take a photograph of chicken wire that is both artistically and technically sound.

Instructions

1. Frame your photograph.

   Determine how much of the chicken wire you want to show in your photograph and adjust your camera's zoom and your position accordingly. For an interesting shot, position yourself at a unique angle, such as close to the ground or zoomed in.

2. Ensure the exposure setting on your camera is sufficient enough for a good shot.

   Most cameras will have an exposure value meter on the camera's LCD screen or inside the optical viewfinder. Adjust your camera's aperture and shutter speeds until your exposure value is close to zero. If you want to use a fast shutter speed but do not want to underexpose the photo, add an additional light source to the chicken wire.

3. Switch your camera's focus setting to manual focus.

   Most cameras have difficulty auto-focusing on small and narrow objects. Using manual focus will assure that the chicken wire is in focus for your photograph.

4. Click the shutter button.

   Keep your camera steady as you take the photograph to avoid a photograph that is out of focus. If your hands are unsteady, or if you are using a slower shutter speed, try using a tripod to take your photograph. If there is no tripod available, use your body as a tripod by crouching on your knees and holding your camera as close to your body as possible before taking the shot.

References

• Michigan Technical University: Exposure Overview