Photo Light Tent
Ceramic Ewer (not mine) photographed in light tent with graduated backdrop
I took a 45 minute drive to the mountains yesterday and spent the afternoon at Tim Young’s Evergreen Studio learning how to photograph ceramic work for the Colorado Potter’s Guild using his set up. The guild’s biannual sale is less than one month away and I am on a team of people who have volunteered to photograph select work from all of the members for posterity before the sale begins. Surprisingly, we used fluorescent daylight light bulbs in garage type aluminum reflectors with great success, instead of more expensive tungsten type lights. I think it’s time to upgrade my ghetto solution and head on over to Denver Pro Photo in the next week or so and invest in a better photo set up. Five of us were present for the photo shoot and as we compared cameras, I have to say, my little Olympus c-7070 held its own against the other more sophisticated cameras. I took the shot above of the ceramic ewer (artist unknown) and it is pretty true to life.
Meanwhile, Jim asked if I would reveal the name of my porcelain box from my last post – ya’ll got it right… “Birds and Bees”. I might have to get a little more creative with my titles. 
And, Judi asked for a photo. I’ll indulge you with a 10 year old photo and one of my faves:
Have a great week,
~Cynthia
17 Responses to “Photographing Ceramics”
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I like the photo tent! The pic came out great!
I also loved the family photo.
Wow, reading your blog is always an education! Is that tent as tiny as it looks? Do you just poke your lense through the gap?
Great family photo too!
Great family photo, Cynthia, but are you sure that gorgeous baby is real?
I’m still using a makeshift photo tent and have become strangely attached to it. So, a new one is on the back burner, for sure.
Enjoy your photo gig!
hmm…beats the old box-against-the-back-fence, doesn’t it! Seriously, if you want to something well you’ll always do better with good gear.
Ya know, I’m all about free, LB – but I’m going to break down and get this tent. The best thing is that it breaks down really small so it won’t take up valuable real estate in the studio.
Undaunted, the tents come in varying sizes. The one I used this past weekend was 3′ x 3′. I’m looking at a 30″ square tent for my own use. Another friend of mine is a jeweler and has a tiny, tiny one.
My make shift one has served me well, W.J. – but it’s time for me to upgrade. Yes she is real
but, not quite so small now.
The box against the fence does have its charms, Dinahmow ;D
And, thank you to everyone for the comments on our photo – I don’t always post photos of my family…
ERIC!!!!
That’s where he is…Just joshin’…your hubby is way cuter…and we all know you are a hottie…
Do they photograph with the tent shut?
Awww, what a great photo of a young and happy family, thanks for sharing it with us!!
What an adorable baby, Cynthia.
Beautiful family too, I might add.
Since you’re in the market, I’ll be glad to send you the link to the seller I bought my tent and light bulbs from if you would like, just let me know.
Really don’t need tungsten bulbs for digital. Daylight bulbs or natural light are the best and give you the truest colors. Takes a lot of the guesswork out of taking a good picture.
Thanks Judi – no, we didn’t photograph with the tent shut, I just forgot to take a picture of the set up while I was there, so I had to pull a stock photo off the web.
Lynette
Thanks Anne, my baby can no longer fit comfortably on my lap anymore she’s grown so much in 10 years. Oh well, time marches on. Sure, I’d love the link – I’ll email you.
Which ever way you go, I think it is great that you are getting the tent. I’m sure it isn’t the end all and be all, but neither is a makeshift. I think for my BD I’m going to go to Denver Photo Pro and get the paper. Time for that next month! I’m even thinking of going out on a limb and getting more professional and using my wonderful stand for my camera! Duh! Thanks for the informative post.
What a wonderful family photo.
Thanks so much for the photo tips. I’d like to know the supplier of the tent if you know of one. I’ve have always wondered how to get the graduated backdrop – is that something I could order from the tent supplier too?
Currently I use indoor light and a backdrop of different colors of poster paper draped like a slide against the wall to get that seamless backdrop.
Thanks for the comment on my blog! I love the 10 year old photo, you look so happy!
Cynthia, before you buy any lighting equipment, check out this video:
http://strobist.blogspot.com/2008/04/can-do-approach-to-cheap-lighting.html
I bought one of those tents…the biggest one they sold at the time, it’s pretty big too. For my art work, it’s useless. I tried smaller works, but it was such a pain…I can see for jewelry, ceramics, or sculpture it would be great…but for canvas works…it’s just not big enough. Any one want a tent extra large size with all the backdrops too? Have I got A deal for you!
I should sell that it’s just taking up space. Loved the picture of you all…you look really happy, and the nub is so sweet! Your shots looked great!
A new camera is on the horizon for me too, Mary – I think a SLR. Maybe I’ll wish for one for next Christmas.
Linda, I go to Denver Pro Photo to get the graduated backdrop and to buy the tent. They’re not the least expensive out there – but I don’t pay shipping if I were to get it online. They don’t seem to have an online store yet. If you do a search for photo tent and seamless graduated photo paper, you’ll get a ton of return hits.
That was an incredibly happy time for me after my daughter was born, Paula. I wasn’t suppose to be able to get pregnant – so quite happy.
LOL, Dan – that’s my ghetto solution! I’m going to upgrade now – well at least the tent, not the lights.
I want a 30″ square tent, Heather – ya got one of those? I’ll buy it from you. If not, liquidate on ebay or even Etsy under commercial supplies – I can see how it wouldn’t be ideal for 2d work.
I think mine is a 30″…It’s the big one but not the biggest…I’ll get it out and look and measure it and let you know. Yeah, I should liquidate some of the stuff I have collected and not used…:)
Well you inspired me, Cynthia, to finally get a more recent photo of myself and put it on my blog. (on the About page) Thanks!