Need Macro HELP

[brokerrookie]

I want to take pictures of watches with a Canon XT with the standard lens. I am an absolute newbie when it comes to photography. I have a light box and yet my pictures still look terrible. Does anybody know what settings I should use. An example of my work:

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z249/brokerrookie/Seikomods003.jpg?t=1230516721

I have no clue what settings I should use.

[brokerrookie]

Appears as if I'm on my own. Thanks.

[recrisp]

Probably what happened is, what you ask is a lot, it's a time consuming thing to answer those type questions, and I mean that in the nicest way.

What you need to do is to read 'How To's' here, and maybe do a search online as to how to do macro shots.
Also, it is the holiday season, so a lot of people that are usually here, probably aren't, so don't get too discouraged.
Look at the Exif data that is on each image if you know how, or read (or ask) what f-stops, etc., they used in a particular shot, and in a short time, you'll learn how it can be done.
If you don't have a macro lens, there are screw on diopter filters (lenses actually) that help, or macro tubes, reverse lens ring, or, you can get yourself a macro lens that will do a lot better job than the kit lens that came with your camera.
If you aren't real sure what these choices are, do a search here, and online to see what they are.

To have someone to come in and explain all of that is asking too much of any one person, and then if more people get into it, ity can get confusing with all of their preferences, and so on.
I did all of the above when I came here, I knew some, but I learned by searching and reading, for me, it worked out pretty good, and I don't have any of the fancy stuff either, but I get good results.

That's what I feel anyway, and again, I mean this in a positive and helpful way... :)

Randy

[capt_tast]

Depends on lens.
Aperature will affect light adnd Dof
Shutter willl affect light and can cause blur.
Use the self timer, if you don't have a remote trigger.
If you have a light box, then I'm assuming you are using extra lights.
I can't see your photo, so I can't really respond to what may or may not be going on in it.
So, I'm assuming the standard lens is the Kit lens. 18-55 on the XT?
Do you have a flash or are you using the pop up?
Use a tripod.
self-timer or remote trigger.
lots of light.
Big memory card.
Shoot to taste.