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Post by Renate on Jan 8, 2012 6:59:21 GMT -5
Ok, I'm trying to get everything in place to take decent pictures. I've been in denial for a long time, but finally I've figured out that a light tent may solve a number of problems that I have with photography. We'll see. There seem to be gazillions of tute's out there which describe how to do it. I've picked this one: strobist.blogspot.com/2006/07/how-to-diy-10-macro-photo-studio.html (ignore the video, or at least switch off the sound - noisy) Apparently it's not rocket science, and the most difficult thing seems to be to find a suitable cubic box or container to start with. Here's my first question: what are the best dimensions for the box? I understand that it should be a cubic box, and have seen 40mm / 16inches side length recommended, but that seems a bit big for jewelry. What about 20mm / 8inches, wouldn't that be sufficient? Would also welcome suggestions for a collapsible box. When everything is in place, how can I hang my item if required? I have museum putty for the items that sit, but where do I fix the thread when I want to hang something? The tissue paper surely will not hold it. I'd love to hear what kind of light box you all have, and what your experiences are.  |
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Post by Tela on Jan 8, 2012 10:04:58 GMT -5
Renate, my DH made me one of these. This is what I have now store.tabletopstudio-store.com/jephkit1.html I used the cardboard tent for a long time. It could have been improved with a gray card, which I didn't have at the time, but I was quite happy with it. But, like you say, it would be hard to make things "float". I never did it. However, here are two links for ideas. www.jewelrylessons.com/gallery/my-floating-pic-solutionstore.tabletopstudio-store.com/ezackit.htmlI think the first could be modified for the tissue (which can be replaced, if torn) and the second could easily be DIY. I have the second, it came with my tent set up. I have another idea, though. I'll get a picture later, but I'll try to explain it here. You can drop 2 small hooks from the top frame edge- one on the right and one on the left. Place them in the middle of the box. From the hooks, hang a small bar across. From the bar, you can hang fishing line with small clamps from which to suspend your LIGHTWEIGHT pieces. This is similar to what I do with my light tent. My tent is 20x20 inches. I wouldn't go smaller than that. In fact, a tad larger would be better. It has to be large enough so the light fills the tent and CASTS light on the object- not just be pointed on it. You also need room to maneuver the camera for the best shot. Can't help with collapsible, but I'm thinking it wouldn't be too hard. Get a strong box, though. I needs to be strong and durable. There are four things that I attribute my decent photos to; a good camera, light tent, gray card and TRIPOD. Consider getting a tripod. You wouldn't think it, but no matter how still you think you are, there is still a shake. I have a 20.00 tripod and between the tripod and gray card, my pictures immediately improved. Color correct aka full spectrum bulbs are also a good idea- no, they are a must. But, a gray card can help with the color correction, if you can't get them. It is best to start post processing with the best picture that you can get. PS and Gimp can only go so far. (picture later) |
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Post by Tela on Jan 8, 2012 10:25:39 GMT -5
My tent hangs the bar from the sides. You can do the top or sides. I'm thinking the top would be stronger. Attachments:
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Post by Tela on Jan 8, 2012 10:26:05 GMT -5
Side view Attachments:
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Kate
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Post by Kate on Jan 8, 2012 11:38:24 GMT -5
OMG, do I feel silly! I made the box about a month ago, I have the proper lights, now I need the grey card to see if that will help. Just this morning I painted different sized wood blocks white and I'm going to cover them with a white opaque shower curtain liner. I also used that liner for the windows and lined the back and bottom of the box. I intended to use the blocks to display bracelets and necklaces. It didn't occur to me to hang them from a bar. What a wonderful idea!  |
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Kate
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Post by Kate on Jan 8, 2012 12:45:56 GMT -5
This is how I was thinking of using the blocks. These are painted but not wrapped with the opaque curtain. Any thoughts or suggestions? Attachments:
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Post by Tela on Jan 8, 2012 12:57:35 GMT -5
GORGEOUS, Kate! I love chainmaille. You did a great job! I wish I could do it, but my wrists and hands hurt just thinking about it. Your picture is extremely good. I like just as is. However, for that hi end burnt white, you can use the white slider in levels to make your blocks disappear. Hope you don't mind, I downloaded your pic to try it. Attachments:
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Post by Tela on Jan 8, 2012 13:02:03 GMT -5
As for suspending.... don't feel bad, Kate, I only today thought of it. I didn't do it when I had the box.  And, I'm not sure if I can envision the draped curtain. Maybe you can post a pic of one for comparison.  But, I have to say, I do like the blocks. I tried something similar, but I guess my color was too off or something because it didn't look very good. |
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Kate
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Post by Kate on Jan 8, 2012 14:34:20 GMT -5
This copper bangle is laying over blocks on top of the draped shower curtain. ;D I'm determined to get all the pictures taken so I can list on Etsy. My sweet hubby is out riding on this gorgeous day and I'm taking pictures. I've been dragging my feet but once everything is listed, I can relax. I will have to admit, I'm having fun too. I absolutely don't mind you fiddling with my picture. I am thinking, though, that it has too much contrast. Attachments:
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Post by Tela on Jan 8, 2012 16:56:25 GMT -5
Great bracelet and awesome picture! You've come so far, so fast! I like both the pictures for different reasons. I think it would depend on the piece and the look you want for each. Too bad you had to stay inside on a great day. It should pay off for you, though. |
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Post by Renate on Jan 8, 2012 17:12:31 GMT -5
Gorgeous bangle, Kate! Would love to wear it. Thank you, Tela. Your advice is always so good and useful  . So the light tent would have to be larger than 20x20inches, i.e. 50cm or more? Yikes. In that case it would have to be collapsible indeed, because I just don't have the space. I've just discovered that I do have a tripod, yay! Kept it for years and years, and never used it. But now! So next thing is to watch out for big cubic boxes or the likes, and a grey card. |
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Kate
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Post by Kate on Jan 8, 2012 19:29:04 GMT -5
Thanks Renate and Tela! That was one of the first things I learned. I learned from Linda Chandler and Christine Ritchey's wire wrapping book. I had a few questions and emailed Christine. We emailed back and forth and she critiqued my work. She gave me lots of tips and suggestions. She has been so wonderful. It was a great help to me and felt very lucky then as I do now with all the help I'm getting here. My problem, I fear, is to create on my own. Hopefully with more techniques learned and more experience, I will be able to. It seems, though, that my imagination disappeared by the time I was ten?!
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Post by Tela on Jan 9, 2012 8:47:42 GMT -5
OH NO! Don't think like that! Your imagination is still in there somewhere- you just need to find out how to coax it out. Challenges are really great for that. I, personally, find time limits great, too. Don't worry, a few more techniques under your belt and you'll be thinking of new ways to use them. |
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Post by christine on Jan 9, 2012 9:36:06 GMT -5
Kate, trying to find your own voice is difficult but like Tela said, it is inside you. Try combining techniques you have learned from others which evolves into your own piece. Great weaving on your bracelet!
Tela, Thanks for the hanging bar suggestions!
Renate, Good luck building your tent. I have found a tent is essential in taking jewelry photos.
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But, I have to say, I do like the blocks. I tried something similar, but I guess my color was too off or something because it didn't look very good. 
. So the light tent would have to be larger than 20x20inches, i.e. 50cm or more? Yikes. In that case it would have to be collapsible indeed, because I just don't have the space.