Portable Photographic Light Box
Like many other independent artisans, I need professional photographs so that I can share my work with you on my blog, website, Etsy and other retail venues. What happens when one can’t afford to hire a professional photographer? If you’re like me, you scour the Internet for information – free information!
A few years ago, I did invest in a seamless graduated photographic background paper that is pretty standard when photographing ceramic work. This method is my first choice when I need to do a large photoshoot, however, it has its drawbacks. I do not have special lights or even a designated space for photographing work in my studio or home. I photograph work outside – but have to wait for an overcast day to do have a photoshoot to avoid having blue undertones to my photographs.
Last fall, after searching the Internet for the best way to photograph small objects indoors or out, I found Strobist – a fantastic photographic how to blog that gave step by step instructions for constructing a low cost macro photo studio. About 3 weeks ago, I decided to construct one using a recycled USPS shipping box, tracing paper, packing tape and a portion of a piece of quality drawing paper.
It works pretty well in direct sunlight – though I imagine that I will also be able to use it inside too when the weather gets cooler. I’ve read somewhere that I can use Reveal light bulbs as my light source if I do use it inside in the future. I’m still trying to get the hang of it, and do end up having to make some minor adjustment in Photoshop. If you don’t have Photoshop or similar program, Google’s Picassa is a FREE download that offers storage and photo-editing software for anyone to use.
Meanwhile, I think I mentioned that my friend, Mary Cay and I went into business together. We purchased a huge lot of jewelry supplies and findings from one of her friends and have slowly begun the process of inventorying all of the bounty. We are going through all the items that we each want to keep for our own use and then are selling finished jewelry and supplies that we’ll never use in our lifetime. Check out our Etsy Shop if you’re a jewelry designer and are in need of affordable supplies. We haven’t listed much, but will be adding more and more until it’s all gone.
Work on the home front is progressing fantastically. We finished installing a crushed red chip path in our backyard, have painted and stained the bannister upstairs and other much needed tasks. I’m actually really glad that I said yes to the West Wash Park Home Tour, because we’re getting so many things done around the house which we’ll actually be able to enjoy while we live here! What a concept…
Enjoy the long weekend,
~Cynthia
andrea
September 2, 2007 at 4:42 pm //
You have been a busy little beaver over here, Cynthia. “Scour the Internet for information – free information” — that is so YOU. We were just wondering at the dinner table last night how we all survived before Wikipedia. Then it occurred to me how many people I know still live in a different age and wouldn’t even have a clue how to do internet research, let alone know what Wikipedia is. I just wish it had been around when I was my kids’ age!
Your work continues to improve. It is lovely.
jafabrit
September 2, 2007 at 5:26 pm //
Cynthia this is great information and the photos really look good. Thanks for sharing a great idea.
Are you going to take pics of your house tour? I bet it will be fab.
Cynthia
September 2, 2007 at 9:19 pm //
Free is good – Andrea, don’t you think?? I’m reading a Seth Godin book right now that talks about the very thing that you mention, about the leagues of people who aren’t internet savvy. I don’t remember what I did before wikipedia and all the other fab info and stuff available online. In fact, if a business doesn’t have a website, most likely, I don’t visit their business. I found the landscaping supplier online before I went out to purchase and there were several business who lost out by not having the information available online – just an address and phone #.
I think the light box is worth doing for small items Jafabrit, especially 3d stuff. I plan to take some photos when we have the place spiffed up. I wasn’t sure about posting the info online or not, but just might add a couple.
dinahmow
September 2, 2007 at 9:43 pm //
Brava, Cynthia! I shall check out the site.I’m already fiddling about with old proofing papers and duct tape.And I do have Picasa;just haven’t had the time to really get to grips with it all.
I hope you get “good” people on the tourist run!
Mary Timme
September 3, 2007 at 12:06 am //
I really like your stars and may buy them from your Esty shop. I have that blog bookmarked as it seemed a great way to do photos inside or out. Good job, Cynthia!
Kayleen West.
September 3, 2007 at 12:18 pm //
Great post Cynthia. Those photos turned out great. I am saving the next box that suits for sure!
Very impressed.
Cynthia
September 3, 2007 at 1:22 pm //
I’d be curious about how you like Picassa, Dinah. I was going to try it out for ease for my sil, but ended up abandoning it since it required a download.
Any time, Mary! The set up is perfect for small items – especially jewelry.
I know you’re a painter, Kayleen, but if you have smaller items – it’s worth trying out.
Janvangogh
September 4, 2007 at 1:55 am //
Well, I just remembered I could scan things. But I still take photos. I like your DIY box.
intothefire
September 4, 2007 at 7:28 pm //
Cynthia! Nice photos!
I have a new project for you – you have been tagged for the Random 8 Meme project!
http://lapellaart.blogspot.com/2007/09/tagged-random-8-meme.html
The Lone Beader
September 4, 2007 at 11:50 pm //
Your light box works great!! I need to make one… Where did you find the instructions to make it??
Lynette
September 5, 2007 at 4:51 am //
The light box is a fantastic idea Cyn and the pieces you photographed are just gorgeous! If you use them inside would you have to use a flash? Your home tour sounds like it will be so fun!
Cynthia
September 5, 2007 at 2:12 pm //
I wish there was such a thing as a scanner for 3d items, Janet!!
I’ll check out your meme, intothefire!
It’s http://strobist.blogspot.com, Diana.
You know, I’m not sure Lynette, I’ll have to experiement.
Chi
September 6, 2007 at 12:44 pm //
Cynthia, I love this idea of a light box. I will have to try it out. It’s perfect for jewelry. Thanks!
Roland
October 8, 2007 at 11:50 am //
Thanks for this post, Cynthia – you’ve finally inspired me to try to do this myself!
At present we use a piece of card which provides a decent background but does not eliminate the glare and reflections that often cause problems with our stock.
Thanks for the nudge…
Roland