Cemetery Photography Help

Ok, I am not a nut or anything I am a police officer for a department that has a long history. I am looking to do some photography for a gravestone of our first ever officer that sacrificed his life in the line of duty (mid 1800's). His grave is the white stone with white lettering (the way they did all the graves back then). I am wondering what type of shots I should take, and what lens/aperture and such. I am doing this as a memorial to the officer for my departments new building. Thank you for your comments and suggestions.

Interesting project.

Your primary problem will probably be to get the lettering to show up. I assume it's simply engraved into the stone.

Oblique light is necessary for this - if the orientation and exposure is right this may simply be late afternoon sunlight, but if not you'll need lights from the side. On-camera flash will be impossible.

Since there's no motion involved lens and aperture aren't critical as long as you use a tripod. Aperture of f/8 or f/11 will give best sharpness for most lenses. ISO 100 will give you lowest noise.

Let us see your results, eh?

And welcome to POTN!

-js

Your best bet is going to be some off-camera flash, as six mentioned.

It need not be off camera flash but just some form of off camera light source.

This could be as simple as a reflector (even a sheet of white foam would work) or some other light source (large flashlight etc). All you are needing to do is to give the lettering some depth and separation from the surface of the stone.

You could do it with an on-camera flash as well as long as you shoot it at an angle and not straight on.

Aside from the very good suggestions on lighting, which could really make a huge difference, you might wan to check out this thread, with some awesome examples:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=661754

^^^^ thats where i was going to direct you too. theres a ton of great information and pictures n that thread.
Also its great what your doing. Its important to remember those people, no matter how long ago it was.