Puddlejumper's (lack of) layout progress...

[TruckLover]

Those are some sharp looking ore cars Dave, i also like the small tank on that flatcar a few posts ago :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :mrgreen:

 

[Squidbait]

Neat cars PJ! And congrats on the real-estate deal! :thumb:

As for a tripod, while they're nice, they're not essential. The back of a chair will work in a pinch - just pad up a sweater or towel on top and set the camera on that, or just set the camera on the layout. If you're closer than 3', your camera may have a macro mode that will let it focus better in the short range. All you need to do is keep the camera stable for a second or so... if you can do it without touching it, so much the better (since you shake, whether you know it or not!).

 

[Fluesheet]

Squidbait offers good advice. A tripod has made my model photos MUCH easier - one of those tools that you'll wonder how you did without. Even if your camera doesn't allow for much manual adjustment, you'll be happier with the results simply by turning the flash off and allowing the camera to make the most of ambient light. Using the timed shutter release on top of that allows you to compose and trigger the shot and give the camera plenty of time to settle before the shutter fires - this will ensure about as steady a shot as can be had.

And you can get them cheap!
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Concepts-TR-60N-Camera-Carrying/dp/tech-data/B000093UDQ/ref=de_a_smtd

Matt