Low-Tech Outdoor Photo Shoot for Ceramic Work and other 3D Art
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
