Low-Tech Outdoor Photo Shoot for Ceramic Work and other 3D Art
Posted by: Cynthia in Uncategorized
The other day, I shared my macro photo-shoot with you courtesy of my father in law. After helping us with some landscaping and hearing my instructions to leave a certain area of the yard accessible, he inquired, “Why pray tell do you have this table, clips and nails over here?” See photo above.
I leave this area set up 24 & 7 should the need arise to photograph some of my ceramic work. It’s ther perfect low tech way to make semi-professional looking studio photographs where no studio or funds exist. I then showed him my macro photo-studio and he replied, “This would make a great blog post!” I had to hand it to him, I agreed that it would be perfect especially during this period of inactivity in the studio while we put the final touches on our house for the home tour.
The background paper that I purchased a couple of years ago is holding up pretty well, despite a few scratches. I simply take it out of its cardboard container, unroll and clip onto the wood fence that separates our yard from my neighbor’s. I frightened her a few times when I was out photographing work at first, but now she’s used to it and will sometimes peak over the fence to see my new work.
The best photographs and truest colors result when I photograph my work midday with overcast skies. Don’t ask me why, but it’s advice that’s been handed down to me and it works. See how the background is a graduated gray color? The ceramic pieces are also true to life colorwise. I have shot in full sunlight before because I was anxious to post new work and the photo below is the outcome:
Photographing outside in full sunlight results in a blueish cast to the background. The ceramic piece is fairly accurate, but the background turns to a graduated blue because it’s reflecting the blue sky. I suppose one could argue that it doesn’t really matter if the art itself is true to life, but I like to have a consistent look to my photographs, website and blog.
Meanwhile, I returned my clay effigy doll workshop proposal to Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass, CO (just outside of Aspen) last week and just heard back from the education coordinator. I have been scheduled to teach for the week of July 28th through August 1st of 2008. I’m very excited about the opportunity to teach there and should thank Jafabrit for posting the Doll challenge on her blog a few months ago. Thank you, Jafabrit!
And who says blogs are pointless?
~Cynthia
Tags: Anderson Ranch, blogs and art, photographing ceramic work outside, west wash park home tour
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Congrats Cynthia for getting the class set up. It will be alot of fun for ya. Very useful information as well with the outdoor shooting.
Thanks for the tutorial, it’s really useful and I really appreciate the effort you’ve gone into researching this. I’ve linked it on my blog, I hope that’s ok with you. H
Congrat’s on the teaching gig! I am sure it’ll be great fun for all involved. That’s really great info about the photos…where did you get your paper for the background?
The teaching is so neat! Congrats girl. I don’t know where to get a graduated photo gray like that, but I’d love one. Overcast is always best for picture taking. Wierd, but true. Good post, C.!
Thanks Shawn! The outdoor shoot works for ceramic work - I’m not sure about painting though…
Thanks Helen for the comments and for linking to me!
I hope so Heather! I’ve got almost a year to get ready for it, so now I can start planning.
Heather and Mary, I purchased the background at http://www.denverprophoto.com/ here in Denver, though I did provide a link for a internet company if you click on the link underneath the photo with the background paper.
The paper comes in different sizes from letter size to full on backdrop for portraits.
congrats on the teaching job!
Kudos all ’round, Cynthia!I’m still doing cloth dolls, but I don’t always want sculpted faces. Maybe I should sign up for the class!
cynthia what a fab tutorial
I have sent your blog link to a friend and send you a BIG thanks. How fabulous about the teaching a effigy doll class, YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! congratulations. I am really happy for you cyn.
I never can remember how all those different kinds of lights affect the colors (incandescent, florescent, natural, full, cloudy — etc) But I see the difference in the photos. I guess I usually worry more about reflection.
Congratulations on teaching!
Thanks Lisa, I guess I never thought that I could teach without teaching credentials…
Hehehehe, Jafabrit! TYTYTYTY… I’m working on making the parts moveable now - so will add photographs when they’re available.
I was in the book store yesterday, Dinahmow and saw a magazine devoted to art dolls. I almost picked it up - in fact I might just go back and do that. Most of the dolls were cloth or polymer clay.
Well, I always have that worry too Janet! If I have a glossy glaze, which is 50% of the time, I battle the glare which is another reason why shooting during overcast skies works.
I’m on it like a case of hives! Thanks Cyn.